“The Sources of Righteousness”

(Romans 4:1-12)

Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

March 13, 2022

Introductory Comments:

When I was fourteen years old, I got my first real job. I was a busboy at the Red Barn Steak House in Lakeland. It was hard work, but somebody had to do it! As I worked, I received a paycheck at $5.15/hour, which just so happened to be minimum wage at the time. You see, when I worked a certain number of hours, there was a reward that was credited to me; it was what I earned.

Most of us understand how paychecks work, right? However, what about a gift? It’s different, isn’t it? One of my favorite gifts that I have ever received is a genuine Marine Corp KaBar knife, given to me by my father-in-law. Can you imagine if I tried to pay for that knife or if I tried to earn that knife? It wouldn’t be a gift, would it?

Well, in today’s passage, Paul is going to come back to the discussion about how followers of God become righteous in God’s eyes. We’re picking up our study of the book of Romans in Romans 4:1-12. Today’s sermon is entitled, “The Sources of Righteousness.”[on screen]

Before we go any further, join me in prayer as we begin our study of this wonderful passage. 

(prayer)

It’s been a few weeks since we’ve been in Romans, so let’s catch up: Paul has made it very clear that everyone who has ever lived on this planet (except for Jesus) stands guilty before God because of their sin. However, Paul has also said that all people (Jewish and non-Jewish are made right with God by the power of Jesus. 

Paul has just said in Romans 3:22 – “The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction.” [on screen]

He also said in Romans 3:28 – “For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” [on screen]

However, as Paul often does, he anticipates a rejection of his teaching from some of his readers, particularly those who are Jewish. So, Paul uses a monumental example of a person to prove his point. Paul wants to take a look at Abraham, Father Abraham, to examine to see if someone is made right with God by their own effort or by the grace of God. 

Remember, Abraham is the father of all Jews. Abraham was chosen and blessed by God and it was his descendants who would become the people of Israel, the Jewish people. 

Paul is masterful at proving his point, so let’s pay attention. 

Paul will show that Abraham obtained the righteousness of God, and we can also. So, let’s see how it’s possible.First, we obtain . . .

I. Righteousness through belief (1-5) [on screen]

Let’s look at what Paul says in verses 1-5:

1 What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. 4 Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.

So, Paul is speaking to the Jewish crowd at this point. Well, how do we know that? Because he refers to Abraham as “our forefather according to the flesh.” Abraham is the physical forefather of Jewish people; he is their forefather “according to the flesh.” 

Paul points out to them that if Abraham earned his justification on his own then he has a right to boast about it, or brag about it. Abraham could say, “I worked for this; I earned this! Check out what I’ve done!” If Abraham earned his justification, it would be like getting a paycheck rather than a gift. 

However, Paul is making a point that Abraham did not earn his justification before God. Paul points his readers to a source that we should look to as well,