Faith > Works

Who in this room is doing better than they deserve?

I’ve got a better wife, 3 children, and jobs than I know that I deserve. It’s almost humorous!

True Christians ought to be the most thankful people on the planet.

Why are Christians getting better than they deserve?

1. God knew our works weren’t good enough and redeemed our mistakes. (1-2)

Abraham was the patriarch of Judaism. Promised a great nation.

“flesh” - human effort. Paul asks, “Where did he find his justification?”

Faith justified him over his human effort. Argued by contemporaries.

Resume’s are important on earth.

Abrahams - Father of the promise. Believed God.

Took Lot with him, lied to King of Egypt about his wife, and committed adultery with Hagar.

The best candidates of life still have blemishes.

God’s not asking for your resume’. He just wants you to believe in Him.

2. Christians receive a gift instead of what’s due to them. (3-8)

Abraham believed in God the same way that Jesus did. In faith.

“Works” - Servant who does a task for wages.

“Ungodly” - Abraham was a gentile before he knew God.

Cast himself on the mercy of God. Let go of merit based faith.

David, Israels greatest King proved that Abraham was no exception.

- Supports that God credits faith apart from works.

Coach Wrights history class. Corrections.

God’s not calling us to impress Him. He wants our humble recognition of His goodness.

3. Salvation was given to us before we cold ever try to earn it. (9-12)

Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with Israel.

“Reckoned” - economic and legal meaning of crediting something to another’s “account”.

- Abraham given promise at 86. - Circumcised at 99

The promise came before the sign.

Abraham knew both sides. God declared Him to be righteous to ALL who believe.

What would the thief at the cross tell us about grace through faith?

God gives us the keys to His house the moment that we believe.

Are we acting like we don’t deserve to be in the neighborhood?