Romans 4 (ESV): The Reality of Faith

Romans 4:1-3

Verse 1: What, then, shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?

Verse 2: If Abraham was justified by works, he’d have something to brag about — but not before God.

Verse 3: For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Teach:

Abraham’s righteousness wasn’t based on what he did. It was because he believed God.

The Bible makes it clear: faith, not works, is what justifies us before God.

Apply:

Trust in God’s promises rather than your own efforts.

Remember, salvation is a gift you receive by faith.

Questions:

Am I relying more on my works or trusting in God’s grace?

How does faith in God’s promises influence my daily life?

Romans 4:4-5

Verse 4: Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

Verse 5: And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

Teach:

You cannot earn your salvation; it’s a gift from God.

Even the biggest sinner can be justified if they believe — it’s about trusting God, not earning.

Apply:

Rest in God’s grace and stop trying to earn your salvation.

Humble yourself and accept God’s mercy.

Questions:

Do I see salvation as a gift or as something I deserve?

How can I more fully rest in God’s grace today?

Romans 4:6-8

Verse 6: Just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

Verse 7: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;

Verse 8: Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.

Teach:

Even David knew that righteousness isn’t earned — it’s received through faith.

The blessing is forgiveness and the covering of sins.

Apply:

Rest confidently in the forgiveness Jesus provides.

Don’t carry guilt — trust in God’s mercy.

Questions:

Am I living with the assurance of forgiveness?

How does understanding God’s mercy change how I see my sin?

Romans 4:9-12

Verse 9: Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised?

Verse 10: For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.

Verse 11: How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised?

Verse 12: It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.

Teach:

Faith came first; external rituals came after. Abraham’s righteousness was credited before he was circumcised.

This principle applies to all believers — faith is the foundation for everyone.

Apply:

External religious acts alone aren’t enough; true righteousness begins with faith.

Trust in God’s promises rather than external rituals.

Questions:

Do I rely on outward appearances or genuine faith?

How can I cultivate authentic trust in God’s promises?

Romans 4:13-15

Verse 13: For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

Verse 14: For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is null.

Verse 15: For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

Teach:

The promise is based on faith, not law.

The law reveals our sin, but it doesn’t justify us.

Grace makes us heirs of the promise, not legalism.

Apply:

Stop trying to earn God’s promises through rules.

Rest in His grace and believe His word.

Questions:

Am I trying to earn God’s promises or trusting them?

How can I live more fully in the freedom of grace?

Romans 4:16-17

Verse 16: That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

Verse 17: as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Teach:

Faith guarantees the promise.

It’s for everyone who believes — just like Abraham.

God can call things into existence that don’t yet seem real.

Apply:

Strengthen your faith in God’s promises.

Share the hope of salvation with others — it’s for everyone.

Questions:

Do I really trust that God can do what He says?

How can I help others believe in His promises?

Romans 4:18-22

Verse 18: In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”

Verse 19: He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead, since he was about a hundred, or Sarah’s womb.

Verse 20: No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,

Verse 21: fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised.

Verse 22: That is why his faith was counted to him as righteousness.

Teach:

Abraham believed in the impossible and didn’t waver.

He was fully convinced that God could do what He promised.

Apply:

Believe God even when circumstances seem impossible.

Grow your faith by trusting His promises, especially in tough times.

Questions:

Do I believe God can do what He’s promised, even when it looks impossible?

How can I strengthen my faith today?

Romans 4:23-25

Verse 23: But the words, “It was counted to him,” were not written for his sake alone,

Verse 24: but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

Verse 25: who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Teach:

Abraham’s story points to us.

Our faith must be in Jesus — His death and resurrection justify us.

Apply:

Trust fully in Jesus’ sacrifice.

Believe that God justifies us through faith, just like He did with Abraham.

Questions:

Do I truly believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection for my salvation?

How does believing in the resurrection impact my daily life?

Final Word:

Justification isn’t about what you do — it’s about trusting what Jesus did. Just like Abraham, we’re made right by faith. God’s promises are for everyone who believes. So rest in that truth, trust His word, and experience the freedom of His grace.