Romans 4:1-25 Abraham & David Justified by Faith
Introduction:
The OT saints, notably Abraham and David had been justified by faith. our actions, deeds are not for justification. Justification is possible only through faith.
Romans 4:1-3 Abraham and His righteousness
Faith is an abstract idea in theology. The ordinary human mind finds it difficult to grasp it. However, it’s a must that every idea must become an action through a person. Paul cites Abraham as an example for faith, action, and righteousness for three reasons: Jews regarded Abraham as the founder of their race, he is a patron patriarch even today for faith. Paul has just been seeking to prove that what makes a man is the right performance of the faith. Through faith Abraham became righteous. Abraham holds a unique position in the faith life of the Jews. He was the founder of the nation (Isaiah 51:2). Abraham was the first man to have a covenant for a nation. Abraham kept all laws (Genesis 26:4-5). Abraham believed in God based on the word of God.
Romans 4:4-8 David Justified by Faith
Paul remembers the Psalm of David (Psalm 32:1-2). David believed in God and confessed that he became righteous even after his sin had overcome his nature and instinct. He came back to God and prayed for the blessedness. He declared to the readers and the hearers that all could become righteous only through faith. David acknowledges the inability of a man to wash his sins and come out of the guilt. The righteousness comes from the Lord. He blots out our sins and removes the guilt by taking up the consequences upon him.
Romans 4:9-12 Circumcision and Faith
Paul brings out the relationship between Circumcision and Faith. The faith of Abraham and his obedience preceded the circumcision and covenant. Circumcision was an outward sign and assured covenant through action. However, this action does not qualify Abraham to be a righteous person but a person of obedience. But he became righteous through his faith in God without any proof. Faith is nothing but accepting the word of God without proof. So, Abraham was declared a righteous man even before circumcision.
Romans 4:13-25 Seven Excellencies of Abraham’s faith
The characteristics of God are described and confessed as: God gives life to the dead; He calls into existence the things which do not exist. God can do what he has promised. Abraham knew God personally and experienced the miracles through his belief and trust. There are seven excellent things in the faith of Abraham. They are: Hope against hope, Not weakened by the circumstances, not considered the person’s inability, not waver but grounded in Christ, grew strong, gave glory to God even before it came into existence, and fully convinced.
Discussions:
1. Cite a few examples of faith incidents in your life.
2. Can we deny the role of action in justification?
3. What is the commonality between Abraham and David in faith life?
(for my notes on Romans, please refer this cite)
