Justified by Faith, not works #

Romans 4:1-8

Introduction

Paul presented Justification by faith in chapter 3, he further defends it in chapter 4. In this chapter we will look at the fact that Justification is by faith, not works (1-8), Justification is by grace, not law (9-17) and Justification is by Resurrection power not human effort (18-25).

Justification is the absolute cleaning of our account. So before God we are not sinners.

I. Evidence of Belief (faith) (1-5) #

• Faith - belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another
• Belief - A persuasion of the truth, or an assent of mind to the truth of a declaration, or faith

A. Common Sense (2, 4) #

• "... IF Abraham were justified by works..."

  • Don't miss that IF!

1. Works = Boasting (2) #

• Logic tells you that is pride! Pride is sin!

2. The Jews may have argued back, but Abraham was made a great name... (2) #

• Paul is quick to add the phrase, "not before God"

  • There is no room for any of us to boast before God!
  • No man is better than another man, we are ALL equal before God, sinners!

Is. 64:6 ¶ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

3. Works = debt (4) #

• The truth of the matter, our sin debt too great for us to pay!

B. Scriptural (3) #

1. These verses are very plain #

• Abraham is concerned about his heir… he has no one to leave his possessions, and knowledge of God! (Gen 15:1-5)

Gen. 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

• The fact that Abraham was willing to take God at His Word.. What an example!

• Too many people are NOT willing to take God at His Word.

  • They feel they have to do something in order to be accepted to God

2. We find this same argument given in the book of James! #

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

• imputed - charged to the account of.

  • If someone steals your credit card information, and makes a purchase with it, they charge it to your account. If someone were to do the opposite, and send money to the credit card company with your account number, they would impute it, apply it to your account.

3. Referenced in Galatians 3:6-8 as well! #

C. Statement (5) - Faith alone saves! #

1. This is his conclusive statement! It is faith alone without works! #

II. Evidence of the Blessedness (6-8) #

• In the Jewish mind, Abraham was considered their Father. He was beloved of every Jew.
• David, was the beloved King of the Jewish nation being held in high regard and esteem.
• These were very prominent figures

A. David #

• This passage is quoted out of Psalm 32:1-2

1. Even in the OT there was clearly a knowledge of the idea that God would forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness! #

• We are very blessed to have it written clearly for us in 1 John 1:9

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

B. Blessed! #

• blessed - made happy or prosperous!

1. We are freed from the guilt and condemnation of sin. #

• We are blessed! We are not going to hell!!!