Romans 4:1-12

KING JAMES:

Rom 4:1  What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath  found? 

Rom 4:2  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 

Rom 4:3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 

Rom 4:4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 

Rom 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 

Rom 4:6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 

Rom 4:7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 

Rom 4:8  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 

Rom 4:9  Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 

Rom 4:10  How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 

Rom 4:11  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 

Rom 4:12  And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 

Main Points: Paul extends the case for the spiritual Jew: Noting that Abraham was found acceptable before God because of his faith. This transaction occurred before his circumcision…thus establishing what it is that makes us acceptable to God….faith. This is without regard to nationality or heritage.

1.       How was Abraham justified? God was given the ability to justify, because Abraham believed God, and he believed IN God. Remember, this teaching is supporting what Paul lays down in chapter 2….the Law does not justify. It convicts!

2.       Explain the principle in verses 5-6: We must not ignore verse four’s grace component. We cannot make God owe us a righteous judgment.  As stated, we all just sin too much for that to ever happen. So, it can never be earned. In this section, Paul focuses on belief…..putting our trust in God. THAT is what gives God the path to a righteous judgment for us. Paul will address how works integrate into this system later.

3.       How does David confirm these principles of justification?  Ps32- This Psalm teaches the virtue of confession before God, and opening our lives to His teaching and discipline(s).  “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him”

4.       How does the timing of Abraham’s justification further Paul’s point? This is actually his main point. It is an extension of the statement not all are Jews outwardly only. Abraham was found righteous before God BEFORE the Jewish covenant seal of circumcision. Thus: Showing that justification/righteousness before God is found the more abstract act of belief….not with futile works (of law). This justification is apart from the later development of the Jewish nation. Most specifically, it is separate from a system based on laws.

5.       Who are the children of Abraham?  11,12) Anyone who practices and exhibits faith in God….ANYONE

NOTE: It is very easy to get ahead of Paul and try to make the case for obedience (works). Stop. Don’t do that. He will do it later. I would suggest that if we continually feel the need to qualify the need for works, perhaps we are ourselves stuck in a system of law. Paul at this juncture is looking to emphasize faith. Leave it at that…the rest will fall into place.

Additional:
KJ -JUSTIFIED  Vs 2,5- G1344 From G1342; dikaioō dik-ah-yo'-o to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent
KJ RIGHTEOUS(NESS)- 3,5,6,9,11 -G 1343 -dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act)

Believe/Faith-Used some 6x in this text carries the argument  -

3,5) Believed G4100 pisteuō pist-yoo'-o From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust

5,9,11,12)Faith  G4102 pistis pis'-tis From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction

Belief/faith is the underpinning of being found “justified” – “righteous” by God.