May 18, 2023 – Thursday
Romans 4:1-2 NIV
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Comments
When our first verse begins with 1 What then shall we say, we need to refer to what Paul is referencing at the end of chapter 3. The chapter concluded with Paul writing, 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. First, we have, justified by faith! Next, there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith! Paul is making it absolutely clear it is by faith one is justified and saved, not by works.
Then in our verses for today Paul asks the question, 1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. Paul asks, Was Abraham justified by works? Of course, the answer is “NO!” Not before God because it is God who justifies not man.
Paul does not leave it there, he asks, What does Scripture say? And then answers his own question by quoting scripture from Genesis 15:6, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”If you are like me, you want to know what it was Abraham believed God about, so let’s look. Oh my, because Abram was not yet a father the verse actually reads, Abram believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. But by the time Paul was writing, Abram was known in Jewish history as Father Abraham. And that was what the verse was all about, God was promising Abram in a vision he would not remain childless and 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” We know this came to be from our reading throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Bottom Line: Abram who became Abraham is our first example of what it means to believe and to follow God in faith. Paul lets us know it is no different from believing and having faith in Jesus and the gift of grace through Him.
Prayer: Almighty God, You have set the standard for our salvation, believing what You have done for us just as Abram believed the vision You gave Him. Help us to live the truth of Your gift of salvation through Your Son. Help us to walk in faith. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.,
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek