Lesson 16 - Romans 4:1-8

Read: Romans 4:1-8

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?

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 CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."

4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.

5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,

6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

7 "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.

8 "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT." (Rom. 4:1-8 NAU)

Mull it over:

Do you think it would be appropriate for the United States Army to pay a significantly less death benefit to a black soldiers family than a white soldiers family that died during combat in WW2?

What did Rosa Parks do for us as white people concerning civil rights?

How do you think this applies to Romans 4:1-8?

Discuss it:

Vs 1 - What do we know about Abraham and why is Paul using him as an example?

What is the question Paul raises about Abraham that refers back to 3:27-31 and sets the direction for chapter 4?

Vs 2 - Think about the importance of who and what Abraham represents to the Jew. If anyone had a right to boast about anything it might have been Abraham; but why not before God?

Vs 3 - Read Genesis 15; What was Abraham believing? Why did God count it as righteousness?

We believe that 2+2=4, why is this not counted as righteousness for us? What are we missing from this scriptural account of our forefather Abraham?

Vs 4 - How does Paul sum up the Law of Works in one sentence?

What does the Law of Works promote? What does the Law of Faith promote? What does God say about this quality that the Law of Faith promotes? (Ex 10:3, Job 22:29, Jam 4:6-10, 1Pet 5:5+6)

Vs 5 - Verse 5 is actually a complete sentence all on its own, but Paul ties it right into an example of David. Looking at verse 5 alone, how does Paul sum up the Law of Faith in one sentence?

What bothers you the most about this fact concerning the Law of Faith?

Vs 6 - What does Paul do to the argument of Faith versus Works by invoking the name of David? Why is this important?

Vs 7+8 - What does Psalm 32 teach us about David and a humble man? What does Psalm 32 teach us about GOD?

Apply it:

This passage brings to light the 2 greatest struggles of humanity even after they come to Christ in salvation: Humility & Faith.

Our pride keeps us from seeing how much we need a savior or help or even reaching out and our inability to trust makes it nearly impossible for us to have faith that there is someone more capable that us that will actually keep His Word when no one else ever has.

What did God do to teach you these two issues?

How has God helped you grow so that you are looking more humble and your faith is getting stronger?