JUSTIFIED BY FAITH–ROMANS 4:1-25
Supplement to Galatians 3 study
Introduction:
“The main object of this chapter is to show that the doctrine of justification by faith which the apostle was defending, was found in the Old Testament. The argument is to be regarded as addressed particularly to a Jew, to show him that no new doctrine was advanced.” —Barnes Notes on the New Testament.
1. Abraham was justified by faith, vv. 1-5.
a. What advantage has the Jew? Romans 3:1, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?”
b. The Jews valued themselves much on the fact that Abraham was their father, Matthew 3:9, “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”
c. If Abraham was justified by works, he cannot boast before God, v. 4.
2. David declares the same thing, vv. 6-8.
3. Paul responds to the question whether this justification was not in result of their being circumcised, and thus grew out of conformity to the law? vv. 9-12.
a. Abraham was justified by faith before he was circumcised, Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
b. His circumcision was the logical result of his being justified by faith, Genesis 17:11, “And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.”
c. Circumcision was a public seal or attestation of his faith like baptism is today, Romans 6:4, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
4. The Law works wrath, vv. 13-14.
a. The Jews were under the curse of the law, v. 10, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
b. Even if you broke one law, James 2:10, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
c. By faith in Christ who was made a curse for us, they are redeemed from that curse, 1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
5. The bestowing of the favor by faith is the demonstration of the highest favor of God, v. 16.
a. To Abraham and his seed was the promise given, Genesis 12:3, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
b. Remember that the children of Abraham are those who have trusted Christ, v. 7, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.