What does Romans 4:1 teach us about the importance of faith over works? Setting the Scene Romans 4:1: “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has discovered?” • Paul brings Abraham forward as Exhibit A for how God justifies. • The key issue: Did Abraham “discover” justification by human effort, or by trusting God? Faith, Not Works, in Abraham’s Story • Genesis 15:6: “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Abraham’s righteousness came before circumcision, law-keeping, or any recorded act of obedience—showing faith precedes works in God’s economy. • Romans 4:2-3 clarifies: “If Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.” Faith removes boasting; works invite it. Why Works Can’t Achieve Justification • Romans 3:20: “Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law.” • Isaiah 64:6: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” • Galatians 3:10-11: those who rely on the law are under a curse; “the righteous will live by faith.” • Works reveal faith (James 2:17), but they never replace it as the ground of acceptance. The Logic of Crediting Righteousness • Romans 4:4-5: “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 believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.” • Gift versus wage: Faith receives; works demand. • God “justifies the ungodly,” underscoring that salvation is unearned. Practical Takeaways • Rest in Christ’s finished work; stop measuring worth by spiritual performance. • Serve and obey as grateful children, not wage-earning laborers. • Point others to faith in Jesus rather than to self-improvement plans. • Boast only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). Key Verse Connections • Ephesians 2:8-9—saved by grace through faith, “not by works, so that no one can boast.” • Titus 3:5—“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds… but according to His mercy.” • John 6:29—“The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” In a Sentence Romans 4:1 introduces Abraham to prove that from the very beginning God has credited righteousness on the basis of faith alone, making faith—not works—the decisive factor in our relationship with Him. |
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