Welcome to a new Bible Study of Romans Chapter 4:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Romans 4:1-23”, followed with a summary and prayer.

Verse 1: “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?”

Here, Paul poses a question concerning Abraham, the patriarch of Israel. He is setting the stage to discuss Abraham’s significance in the context of faith and righteousness.

Verse 2: “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before GOD.”

Paul asserts that if Abraham had been justified by his works, he would have something to boast about. However, true justification does not come from human merit but is a matter between GOD and the individual.

Verse 3: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed GOD, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Here, Paul references “Genesis 15:6“, emphasizing that Abraham’s belief in GOD was credited to him as righteousness. Faith is shown to be key to justification.

Verse 4: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”

This verse contrasts works and grace. If someone earns a reward through works, it’s not a gift of grace but a debt owed to them, undermining the concept of grace.

Verse 5: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Paul highlights that it is faith, not works, that brings about justification. Faith in GOD, who justifies the ungodly, is sufficient for righteousness.

Verse 6: Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD imputeth righteousness without works,”

Paul introduces David, another key biblical figure, who speaks of the blessedness of those to whom GOD imputes righteousness apart from works.

Verse 7: “Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.”

Paul quotes “Psalm 32:1“, underscoring that forgiveness of sin and the imputation of righteousness is a divine blessing.

Verse 8: “Blessed is the man to whom the LORD will not impute sin.”

This verse reinforces the idea of GOD’S grace, where sin is not counted against believers, emphasizing the mercy and infinite love of GOD.

Verse 9: “Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.”

Paul contrasts the circumcised (Jews) with the uncircumcised (Gentiles), suggesting that the blessing of righteousness by faith is available to all, not just the Jews.

Verse 10: “How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.”

Paul points out that Abraham’s righteousness was credited to him while he was still uncircumcised, emphasizing that it is faith, not the act of circumcision, that justifies.

Verse 11: “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.”

Circumcision serves as a sign or seal of the righteousness Abraham had by faith. Abraham is thus a father to all who believe, whether circumcised or not.

Verse 12: “And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.”

Abraham is called the father of both the circumcised and the uncircumcised; all who share his faith are included in this paternal lineage, regardless of their physical state.

Verse 13: “For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.”

Paul clarifies that the promise to Abraham to be heir of the world is based on faith, not law. The law cannot offer the promise of inheritance.

Verse 14: “For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:”

If inheritance depends on adherence to the law, then faith loses its significance, and the promise becomes ineffective.

Verse 15: “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.”

The law reveals sin, and where there is no law, there is no violation. Thus, relying on the law leads to condemnation rather than justification.

Verse 16: “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,”

Paul emphasizes that promise comes by faith and grace, ensuring it is available to all people, not only the Jews. Abraham is the father of all who believe.

Verse 17: “(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even GOD, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”

The promise reflects GOD’S power to create life from nothing. Abraham is a father of many nations, showcasing the scope of GOD’S promise.

Verse 18: “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.”

Abraham maintained faith despite human impossibility, believing GOD’S promise that he would become the father of many nations.

Verse 19: “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:”

Abraham’s unwavering faith is highlighted. Despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness, he did not waver in believing GOD’S promise.

Verse 20: “He staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to GOD;”

Abraham did not doubt GOD’S promise but was strengthened in faith, showing an example of unwavering trust in GOD.

Verse 21: “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Abraham’s confidence in GOD’S ability to fulfill His promise exemplifies true faith, suggesting that faith is closely tied to the character and ability of GOD.

Verse 22: “And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”

Because of his faith, righteousness was credited to Abraham again affirms the central theme that faith leads to justification.

Verse 23: “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;”

Paul indicates that the account of Abraham’s faith is not exclusive to him; it serves as an instruction for all believers.

Summary:

In “Romans 4:1-23”, Paul uses the example of Abraham to illustrate that justification comes through faith rather than works. He explains that righteousness is credited to those who believe, regardless of their adherence to the Law. The chapter emphasizes that GOD’S promise is extended to all who share Abraham’s faith, placing significance on GOD’S capability to fulfill His promises and His merciful nature of justifying the ungodly.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank You for the truth in Your marvelous, righteous Word that reveals the importance of faith and how it connects us to Your righteousness. Help us to trust You fully, just as Abraham did, and to rely on Your grace rather than our works. May we always seek to walk in faith, glorifying You in every step. Guide us in understanding and applying these teachings in our lives. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!