Tag: Romans 4
Faith counted as righteousness
Scripture reading for June 18: Romans 4
“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. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in Him Who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:19-25
Paul was a Jew and a Pharisee who knew the Old Testament Scriptures and used them often to teach believers, both Jew and Gentile, concerning how to become right with God (righteousness). Paul used Abraham’s faith to believe for a son as an example for all. Abraham was not circumcised when God gave him the promise of offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven. (Genesis 15:5-6) But Abraham believed God’s promise. By faith Abraham gave glory to God and worshipped Him. Although looking at his own body and that of his wife brought a conclusion that they were past child bearing ability, Abraham chose to trust that God could bring about what He had promised. Abraham had ‘resurrection’ faith that God would resurrect his own body’s ability to procreate and that of his aged wife also. Faith brought results.
Paul used this example to encourage Jewish and Greek believers that God was still doing the same thing. God had provided that by faith in Jesus Christ the promises forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life for those that would believe would be fulfilled. Through faith it was ‘counted as righteousness’ for Abraham and the God Who never changes because He is holy will ‘count it for righteousness’ for anyone who places faith in Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life! Amen!
Have you ever tried to work for a place in God’s kingdom? Did you ever have doubts about whether you had done enough or that God was pleased with your efforts? How does receiving righteousness as a gift through simply believing God help you to have confidence?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Paul’s detailed teaching of Scripture explaining the way of faith. I hear Your promise of righteousness given or counted to me by trusting in Jesus Christ and choose to place my faith in Your Son and His ability to do what is promised. I rest in this truth and receive grace daily. Amen.
Fully persuaded!
Scripture reading for June 17th: Romans 4
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Romans 4:18-22 “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead–since he was about a hundred years old–and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waiver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. This is why “It was credited to him as righteousness.””
Abraham was known in Israel as the father of the nation. He took God at His word at a time when he was old and his wife was also old and their bodies beyond normal child-bearing ages. God promised him offspring–an heir that would come from his own body, through whom all nations of the earth would be blessed. Abraham would also be the father of many nations. After God spoke to him, Abraham was strengthened in his faith and became “fully persuaded” that God had the power to fulfill His promises, no matter what it looked like in the natural! This became a credit of righteousness before God!
Observations for over-comers: Believing God is the essence of all faith and true righteousness. Believing is the only way to please God and God will reward each person, who like Abraham is “fully persuaded” with eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ! We, like Abraham, will be credited with righteousness! “See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright–but the righteous will live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)
Abraham’s faith example!
Scripture reading for June 18th: Romans 4
Abraham and Sarah’s story is recorded in the first book of the Bible; Genesis chapters 12-25. The Jews traced their origin to this couple and held them in high regard. Paul used their story to illustrate how God has always justified people who believed Him.
“What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about–but not before God. What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:1-3)
Abraham did not work for God’s favor, but simply believed God that he would have offspring. Although Abraham was later obedient to God in the matter of circumcision, he was declared righteous before this ‘work’! Paul explained that circumcision was ‘a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.’ (Romans 4:11) Abraham thus could be the father of all who believe, circumcised or not. God has always used faith to bring righteousness, never works or keeping the law! The promise of righteousness by faith through God’s grace is guaranteed to all who believe! (Romans 4:16; Ephesians 2:8-9)
Abraham became the ‘father of many nations’ through believing God’s word that he and his wife would have offspring more than the stars of the sky! At the time Abraham and Sara were both beyond the years of child-bearing. In spite of this, “he did not waver through unbelief, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised. This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.”” (Romans 4:20-22) Abraham trusted God to do what He had promised! Have you trusted God for His promised gift of eternal life?