Romans 4:1-25 is about the righteousness that comes through faith in God, not through adherence to the law or works, using the faith of Abraham as an example of how belief in God’s promises leads to justification and the gift of righteousness.
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.”
9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.
10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised.
11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.
15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
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.
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.
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.”
24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
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.
Setting the Scene for Romans 4:1-25
In Romans chapter 4, the apostle Paul sets the scene by discussing the faith of Abraham. Picture a serene evening in the ancient city of Ur, where Abraham, then known as Abram, is deep in thought. He is surrounded by his wife Sarah, his nephew Lot, and a few close friends. The group is gathered in a tent, the flickering light of the oil lamps casting a warm glow on their faces as they listen intently to Abraham’s words.
As Abraham recounts his journey of faith, he speaks of the promises of God and the challenges he faced along the way. His unwavering belief in God’s faithfulness and his willingness to trust in the unseen are evident in his every word. Sarah, with a look of admiration and love, nods in agreement as she listens to her husband’s testimony. Lot, who has witnessed Abraham’s faith firsthand, sits in awe of the man who has become like a father to him.
The scene is one of deep reflection and contemplation, as Abraham’s words resonate with each person present. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of reverence and awe as they ponder the power of faith and the steadfastness of God’s promises. It is in this setting that the foundation of faith is laid, inspiring generations to come.
What is Romans 4:1-25 about?
This verse highlights the profound concept of justification by faith rather than by works. It signifies that Abraham’s faith in God was so strong that it was accounted to him as righteousness. God saw Abraham’s belief and trust in Him as righteous actions. This sets a crucial precedent that our faith, not our actions or deeds, is what ultimately leads to our justification before God.
Have you ever pondered on the significance of faith in your own spiritual journey? This verse encourages us to reflect on whether we are relying on our actions or on our faith in God for our righteousness. It challenges us to trust in God’s promises and believe in Him wholeheartedly, knowing that it is our faith that truly matters in our relationship with Him. Just like Abraham, let us strive to have unwavering faith in God, knowing that it is through faith that we are justified in His sight, not by our own works.
Understanding what Romans 4:1-25 really means
In Romans 4:1-25, a pivotal section of Paul’s letter to the Romans, the concept of justification by faith takes center stage, using the example of Abraham to illustrate this profound truth. The core theme resonating throughout this passage is the assertion that righteousness is attained through faith in God, not by human works. Abraham’s unwavering trust in God serves as a beacon for all believers, showcasing how his faith was “credited to him as righteousness,” setting a precedent for the faithful to follow.
Drawing from Genesis 15:6, where Abram’s belief in the Lord was counted as righteousness, Paul underscores the timeless principle that faith has always been the conduit for righteousness. Ephesians 2:8-9 further reinforces this notion by emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith and not by merit, eliminating any grounds for boasting. Hebrews 11:8-12 expands on Abraham’s faith journey, providing a broader context for understanding his exemplary trust in God’s promises.
In today’s achievement-oriented society, the message of prioritizing faith over works rings true. This passage challenges us to rely on God’s promises, mirroring Abraham’s steadfast belief in the face of adversity. Consider a narrative of someone who, amidst job loss and uncertainty, clung to faith in God’s provision, eventually witnessing a new and better opportunity unfold—a modern-day testament to trusting in God’s promises.
The phrase “credited to him as righteousness” encapsulates the essence of God deeming Abraham righteous based on his faith, not his deeds, reinforcing the primacy of faith in the journey of righteousness. Abraham’s resolute faith, highlighted by “he did not waver through unbelief,” showcases a profound trust in God’s faithfulness despite challenging circumstances. Being “fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” underscores the necessity of unwavering conviction in God’s ability to fulfill His word, a cornerstone of robust faith.
In conclusion, Romans 4:1-25 illuminates the indispensable role of faith in our relationship with God, urging us to reflect on our own trust in His promises. Let Abraham’s example inspire us to embrace unwavering faith, recognizing that righteousness is not earned through works but received through belief in the Almighty. Take a moment to ponder your faith journey and reaffirm your commitment to trusting in God’s unfailing promises, just as Abraham did centuries ago.
How can I have faith like Abraham?
We can look to Abraham’s unwavering trust in God’s promises to have faith like him. Abraham believed in God’s faithfulness and power, even when circumstances seemed impossible. His faith was not based on his own abilities or the natural order of things, but on the character and promises of God. We can emulate Abraham’s faith by fixing our eyes on God’s promises, even when situations seem bleak or illogical.
Additionally, Abraham’s faith was marked by obedience. He didn’t just believe in God’s promises, but he also acted in accordance with that belief. Abraham’s actions were a demonstration of his faith in God, showing that true faith involves both belief and action. We can develop a faith like Abraham’s, characterized by trust and obedience, by obeying God’s commands and walking in alignment with His will.
Finally, Abraham’s faith was tested and refined through trials and challenges. He faced obstacles and uncertainties along his journey, but he continued to trust in God through it all. Similarly, our faith can be strengthened through trials as we learn to lean on God’s faithfulness and provision. We can cultivate a steadfast trust in God like Abraham had by enduring and persevering in faith.
Application
Just like Abraham’s faith, let’s trust in God’s promises in our daily challenges. Believe in the improbable with unwavering conviction like he did. Draw inspiration from Abraham’s boldness and put your faith in action. Will you face your obstacles head-on with the same unwavering faith that Abraham did?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.