On February 7, 2016 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on Romans 4:1-12. It was the first message in the “ABC’s of Faith” series. Below are a set of questions for personal reflection or group discussion related to the message.
Sermon Questions for Reflection or Discussion:
- Read Romans 4:1-12
- Romans 4:2 says that Abraham had nothing to boast about “before God.” What do you think this verse means? In what way do you also have nothing to boast about before God?
- In Romans 4:1-6, Paul makes the argument that Abraham was justified by faith, not works. In Romans 4:7-8, Paul makes the argument that King David ALSO was justified by faith, not works. Why does Paul use these two examples? What do you think his main point was by tying in these historical examples?
- Throughout Romans 4:1-12, the word “count” is used multiple times. It is a word with financial roots. It means to deposit to one’s account. Deposits are made either as a wage (something earned) or as a gift (something simply received). The deposit of righteousness discussed in Romans 4 is seen as a gift received by faith, not a wage. As John Stott said, “Christ became sin with our sins, in order that we might become righteous with God’s righteousness.” Our sins were “counted” with Christ’s death. His righteousness is counted freely to us when we have faith in Him. Additionally, in quoting Psalm 32 in Romans 4:7-8, Paul reminds us that the Lord will not “count” our sin against us. Take some time personally to list out some of the sins you have committed in life that (because of Christ) will not be counted against you? What is the blessing of
- In the first century, a big debate raged about the necessity of circumcision as a part of coming to faith in Christ. Some believed that all needed to become Jews first (if they were to become followers of Christ), while others held that non-Jewish people could follow Christ without becoming Jewish and being circumcised. The early church emphatically announced (and Paul taught here) that people do not need to do ANYTHING before trusting Jesus. There are no pre-requisite courses needed. No outward symbolic ceremonies required. Faith in Jesus alone is what saves us. How does this relate to the symbols of Baptism and Communion (in your understanding)?
- Are you trusting in God’s gift through Christ or your works for your eternal salvation? If not, why not?
To download a pdf of these questions, click here.