Abraham Justified by Faith

Sermon Text

Romans 4:1-4

4 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found 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 accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

Main Theme: Sinners are justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

Key Points

• The gospel is for both Jews and Gentiles because there is only one God who saves all who believe.

• All people are sinners and stand under God's righteous judgment.

• No one can be justified by keeping the law because the law exposes sin rather than removes it.

• Justification is received through faith, not through works.

• Abraham serves as the biblical example that God's people have always been saved by grace through faith.

• Abraham was declared righteous in Genesis 15 when he believed God's promise.

• Abraham was justified before circumcision, proving that justification is not based on covenant signs or religious ceremonies.

• Circumcision served as a sign and seal of righteousness already received through faith.

• If righteousness came through works, it would be earned wages rather than a gracious gift.

• Salvation is a free gift of God's grace, not a reward for human performance.

• Christians should find peace and assurance in Christ's finished work rather than attempting to earn God's favor.

Central Application

Stop trying to earn God's grace. Rest in Christ alone. God saves sinners because of His grace, not because of their performance.

• Why does Paul use Abraham as his primary example in Romans 4?

• What does it mean that Abraham's faith was "counted" as righteousness?

• Why is it important that Abraham was justified before circumcision?

• How does the difference between wages and gifts help explain grace?

• In what ways are Christians tempted to earn God's favor?

• How does justification by faith destroy boasting?

• What comfort does this doctrine provide when your conscience condemns you?

• How should God's grace motivate obedience and holiness?

• What is the relationship between faith and good works?

• How can this passage help you share the gospel with unbelievers?

Justification – God's declaration that a sinner is righteous because of Christ.

Grace – God's unearned favor toward sinners.

Faith – Trusting and resting in Christ alone for salvation.

Imputation – The crediting of Christ's righteousness to believers.

Righteousness – Perfect conformity to God's holy standard.

Circumcision – The Old Testament covenant sign given to Abraham and his descendants.

Covenant – God's binding relationship with His people.

Legalism – Attempting to earn God's acceptance through obedience.

Sanctification – The lifelong process of growing in holiness.

Assurance – Confidence that one belongs to Christ and is saved by His grace.