BSF Romans Lesson 7 Day 2

BSF Romans Lesson 7 Day 2

Study of Romans 4:1-5

3. Abraham was declared righteous through faith.

In Romans 3:27, we learned that boasting is excluded because of the law that requires faith.

Paul used Abraham as an example because Abraham was highly respected by the Jewish people and was considered their forefather.

“ii. Generally, the Jewish teachers of Paul’s day believed that Abraham was justified by his works, by keeping the law. Ancient passages from the rabbis say: “We find that Abraham our father had performed the whole Law before it was given” and “Abraham was perfect in all his deeds with the Lord.” The rabbis argued that Abraham kept the law perfectly before it was given, keeping it by intuition or anticipation.” (EnduringWord)

Paul’s life showed that people are made right with God through faith, not by works or following the law.

Since Abraham lived before the law was given to Moses, his example proves that righteousness has always come through trusting God. It also shows that salvation is available to everyone who has faith—not only to the Jewish people.

4a. Abraham’s faith and obedience to God

Abraham believed God’s promises, even when he could not yet see how they would be fulfilled. He trusted that God would give him a land, make him into a great nation, bless his descendants, and provide a son as his heir. God counted this faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

Abraham honored God by:

• Leaving his homeland and going where God directed him.
• Building altars and calling on the Lord’s name.
• Trusting God’s promise of a son and many descendants.
• Believing God’s covenant with him.
• Walking before God faithfully and obeying His commands.
• Circumcising himself and the men in his household as a sign of the covenant.

Abraham honored God through faith, worship, obedience, and trust in His promises.

4b. “ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.” ESV

Paul contrasts earning wages with receiving a gift. A worker receives pay because it is owed for work completed or the time worked. But those who trust God are counted righteous because of their faith, not because they earned it through good works. Righteousness is God’s gift, not a reward we can claim.

“For the wages which sin pays is death.” (Romans 6:23a AMPC)

5. My life as a reflection of faith

God paid His Son for me so that by trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice, I am made right with Him.

My life reveals what I truly believe about God through my choices, priorities, attitudes, and responses to difficult situations. It reflects my relationship with Him by showing whether I trust His promises, seek His guidance, obey His commands, and depend on His grace.

My actions do not earn God’s love or make me righteous, but they can show whether my faith is genuine and growing. When I love others, confess my sins, forgive, and pursue obedience, my life reflects a relationship with God that is shaped by faith and gratitude.

The Lord is the love of my life.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works. Psalm 73:26, 28 ESV