Romans 4:1-8

Romans 4:1-8

Blessed are They Whose Iniquities are Forgiven

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.

  

1. The Source of Abraham’s Salvation – vs. 1-3*
1. What did Abraham accomplish through the work of his own flesh (or will)? – vs. 1*

                                                              i.      The question is rhetorical. Abraham’s will, like ours, was captive to his fallen nature.

1.      Isaiah 64:6-8 

2. If Abraham could earn his salvation who would get the glory for it? Abraham would, not God. – vs. 2*

a.       Galatians 6:13-14 

b.      Romans 11:29-36  

b.      Paul sites the scriptures for proof of his statements. – vs. 3*

                                                              i.      Genesis 15:3-6 

2. The Source of Your Salvation – vs. 4-5*
1. If you were capable of earning your salvation you would then be eligible to receive the glory for it. Nothing could be further from the truth; salvation is found in Christ Alone.  – vs. 4*

                                                              i.      Ephesians 2:8-10   

2. Salvation is not for the self-righteous person who glories in their ability. Grace is given to those who know their desperate need of it. – vs. 5a*

                                                              i.      James 4:6 

3. Christ justifies, in an instant, the ungodly. – vs. 5b*

                                                              i.      Romans 5:1-2 

4. Your faith in Christ is what gives you the ability to stand boldly before the throne of a Holy and Righteous God. – vs. 5c*

                                                              i.      Hebrews 4:14-16  

3. The Source of David’s Salvation – vs. 6-8*
1. David is saved by faith without works. Paul is not teaching a different gospel than the Old Testament. Paul is simply correctly explaining the gospel contained in the Old Testament. – vs. 6*

                                                              i.      The beauty of the forgiveness of God. – vs. 7-8*

1.      Psalm 32:1-2 

2.      Psalm 119:174-176 

3.      1 Peter 2:24-25 

4.      1 Peter 3:18