Romans 4:1-5
“What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”
Most of us live in a culture that is all about work, work, and work. We struggle to slow down to enjoy what we have worked so hard for. We work hard because we are taught that’s how we gain success, fame, popularity, security, and financial wealth. People miss that some of the best qualities in life are unobtainable by our own work.
In this text, Abraham is not counted righteous through his work. Abraham was unable to obtain righteousness by his own strength, abilities, talents, intelligence, beauty, or financial wealth. He had to humble himself. He had to understand his best was still sin. Romans 4:3, “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”. Abraham simply believed in who God truly was, which allowed him to be counted righteous.
All we have to do is humble ourselves, submit to the Lord through repentance, and believe in what he calls us to do through his word. Believe and be counted as righteous.
Use the HEAR method as you spend time with today’s scripture.
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
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"Abraham simply believed in who God truly was, which allowed him to be counted righteous." - Macon Jones on Romans 4:1-5