Justified by Faith in a Merit-Based World
Romans 4:1-12
Paul uses Abraham's story in Romans 4 to demonstrate that righteousness comes through faith rather than works, challenging our modern achievement-oriented mindset.
The Gospel - Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
The Argument So Far
(Romans 1-3)
1
Romans 1: The Gentile world stands condemned (1:18-32)
2
Romans 2: The Jewish world stands equally condemned (2:1-29)
3
Romans 3: The entire world is guilty before God (3:9-20)
The Solution Introduced (Romans 3:21-28)
1
God's righteousness revealed apart from law (3:21)
2
The path to righteousness is redirected through faith in Christ rather than personal achievement (3:22)
3
Justification comes freely by God's grace, not as something earned through human effort (3:24)
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law" (3:28)
Case Study: Abraham
(Romans 4:1)
"What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?"
Strategic Example
Paul turned to Abraham as a case study for justification by faith: using a figure revered by his Jewish audience.
Ancestral Authority
If the father of the Jewish nation was justified by faith rather than works, Paul's argument gains tremendous credibility… to convince a Jewish audience deeply connected to Abraham's legacy.
Righteousness = Justification
In Romans 4:1-4 (NKJV), the key Greek terms related to "righteousness" (dikaiosynē) and "justified" (dikaioō) come from the same word family:
δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē)
is a noun referring to the state or quality of being right or just
δικαιόω (dikaioō)
is a verb describing the action of declaring or making someone righteous
The Linguistic Connection
These words share the same Greek root δικ- (dik-), which relates to what is right, just, or in accordance with standards.
The Divine Ledger
(Romans 4:3-4)
The Key Term
"Counted/credited" (λογίζομαι/logizomai) - This accounting term becomes central to understanding how God's righteousness is applied to believers.
The Hypothetical (4:2)
If Abraham earned righteousness through works, he would have grounds for boasting—but not before God. Paul immediately dismisses this possibility.
Scriptural Evidence (4:3)
"For what does the Scripture say?" (4:3) Paul appeals to Genesis 15:6: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."
Two Laws in Conflict
(Romans 4:4-5… from 3:27)
The Law of Works
Perform → Achieve → Earn → Receive
"To the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due" (4:4)
This system operates on merit, where rewards are earned and deserved based on performance.
The Law of Faith
Believe → Receive → Give thanks
"To the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness" (4:5)
This system operates on grace, where righteousness is received as a gift through faith rather than earned through works.
Modern Application: Grace vs. Merit

1

Merit-Based Society: Our culture operates on achievement and credentials

2

Constant Striving: Educational credentials, career advancement, social status

3

Exhaustion: The burden of constantly trying to prove our worth ("have I done enough?")

4

Grace Disrupts: Faith challenges our achievement framework
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Law of Faith Confirmed: David (Romans 4:6-8)
David's Testimony
"David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works" (4:6)
Psalm 32 Quoted (see 4:5 again)
"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
Divine Accounting
Negative: Sins not counted against believers
Positive: Righteousness credited to believers
Beyond Religious Markers
(Romans 4:9-11a)
The Question of Timing
When was Abraham counted righteous: Before or after circumcision?
Genesis 15: Abraham believes and is counted righteous
Genesis 17: Abraham is circumcised (years later)
The Significance
Circumcision's Role: "A seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised" (4:11)
Paul established that Abraham's righteousness preceded his circumcision, proving circumcision confirmed rather than created righteousness.
Universal Access to the Father (Romans 4:11b-12)
(as promised… see 4:13)
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Father of the Uncircumcised
"Father of all who believe without being circumcised" (4:11)
2
Father of the Circumcised
Father of those who "also walk in the footsteps of faith" (4:12)
3
No Privileged Access
Faith transcends cultural and religious heritage
"There is neither Jew nor Greek... for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). Paul establishes that Abraham's fatherhood extends to all who share his faith, regardless of their cultural or religious background, creating a universal pathway to righteousness.