Justification by Faith

Romans 4:1–8 (ESV) 1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

If your faith is going to be your own you need to understand that you have been justified by faith alone.

Justification by faith is the central doctrine of the christianity.

What do we mean by justified?

To be justified means to be declared righteous.

ex. courtroom scene

What is faith?

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 ESV

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Simply put to have faith is to believe.

Romans 4:16–17 ESV

16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

All of our faith rests on the character of God.

Romans 4:18–19 ESV

18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.

What do we do when the problems of life seem bigger than the promises of God?

We need to look at our problems in light of God’s promises.

There are only two reasons why we ever doubt God.

It is either because we don’t think that He can or we don’t think that He will.

Romans 4:20–22 ESV

20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”

The Bible teaches that God is both all powerful and that He is always faithful. This means all reason for doubt is removed from us.

This means we can trust Him.

There is nothing too hard for God Jer. 32:17

It is impossible for God to lie. Heb. 6:18

Everyone places their faith in something, but only the christian has placed his faith in the only One who is worthy of that faith.

Romans 4:23–25 ESV

23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

The more you step out in faith on God’s promises and see Him come through again and again, the stronger your faith will become.

A sheltered life produces a weak faith.

What problem are you facing that has overshadowed God’s promises in your life?

What are you trusting in?