On the heels of our “get good” challenge last month, I want to maybe take a step back...

“Getting good” was mostly about things we can do to grow in our relationship to God.

In hindsight, maybe I put too much emphasis on our effort.

Because although, there are things we can do,

and choices we make to be more intentional in our seeking of God, and inviting the Holy Spirit into a more active place in our lives…

it’s not all in our own power, and it’s important we go into or continue on in our relationship with God recognizing that.

Just before the passage we’re going to get into today, Paul writes this to the Romans...

Romans 3:23 (NIV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

We do not deserve God’s grace, but He gives it freely.

Forgiveness...

Today, I want to talk to you about forgiveness.

My devotional Psalm last week was Psalm 32, which Paul references in today’s text in Romans. So you might say that what I’m about to share is an example of how “getting good” creates opportunities for us to get even better…

By “getting good”, I was able to turn the jewel from the last topic and see how we can use a new perspective to build on our knowledge of God and our approach.

Because getting good isn’t what brings about Salvation, only God can do that...

In Romans, Paul draws on two examples - Heroes of the faith you might say, to illustrate this.

Romans 4:1–8 (NIV)

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?

If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say?

“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are those

whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the one

whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

Faith or Works?

This is the question Paul is trying to answer for the Romans.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

Paul includes this interpretative summary of Psa 32:1–2 to draw a connection between Abraham and David, both of whom experienced God’s provision of righteousness.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

Paul quotes Psa 32:1 to support his argument that God credits righteousness apart from works. Although righteousness is not explicitly mentioned in Psa 32:1 (compare Rom 4:6), the psalm identifies lawless deeds and sin as problems that require God’s provision of righteousness.

So, let’s talk about these two men of God...

Abraham

We tend to look upon Abraham with rose colored glasses.

Yes, he was righteous.

He obeyed, left home, followed God.

He is credited with his faith.

But will you allow me to be critical for moment?

If you’ve read Genesis recently, your memory might be a little clearer than Paul’s

We don’t talk about Hagar...

We gloss over the not one, but two times he passed Sarah off as his sister to save his own skin.

We don’t talk about how the Issac incident most likely ended family relationships.

And what about that poor ram caught in the thicket?

Yes, Abraham’s faith was reason for God to count him as righteous, but he was not perfect.

Ok, so then Paul also makes a link to David via Psalm 32

David

So let’s talk about David.

Described as a man after God’s own heart.

Do you think Uriah would agree?

King Saul?

Uzzah, who was struck by God after David decided to have a parade?

Michal, after seeing David dance his way into Jerusalem wearing only a linen ephod?

Point is, it doesn’t matter what any of them felt or thought...

David’s relationship with God (Like Abram’s) was SOLID.

However, they both needed forgiveness...

The forgiveness of God, and they needed to forgive themselves.

Confession...

Psalm 32 NIV

Of David. A maskil. Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Grace or Grind?

It’s Relational, Not Transactional

Romans 4:2–5 NLT

If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

Whom God doth not charge with the guilt of his sins, but graciously pardons and accepts him in Christ.

Who freely confesses all his sins, and turns from sin to God with all his heart.

God forgives us, in most cases, long before we forgive ourselves.

1 John 1:9 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

So today, let’s make space to go to the Lord, confess our sins to Him, and clear the path to allow God to work in our lives.

Prayer…

If you’ve prayed that prayer today, maybe for the first time, talk to one of us before you leave.

Let’s go in God’s grace and continue our work to “get good”, though with this new perspective in mind.