Sunday School in 7Minutes “Counted as Righteous” Scripture: Romans 4 ISSL: May 12

Sunday School in 7Minutes
“Counted as Righteous”
Scripture: Romans 4
ISSL: May 12
• Sunday School in 7Minu...
The Apostle Paul, a former Pharisee, writes to the diverse church in Rome. His audience includes both Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, employs Greek logic combined with Jewish tradition to present his arguments.
In this passage, Paul addresses the misconception among some religious Jews that salvation is earned through adherence to the Mosaic law. To counter this, he turns to the examples of Abraham and David, revered figures in Judaism, to illustrate that justification comes by faith, not by works.
Remember Paul was a devout Jew who zealously persecuted Christians before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Here Paul uses his background to craft his argument. Paul begins by affirming that the promise to Abraham was not based on adherence to the law, after all, Abraham was before Moses the lawgiver. God’s promise to Abraham was based on his faith. The promise was that Abraham would inherit the world, a covenant that extended beyond mere physical blessings to encompass spiritual blessings for all nations.
Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, serves as an example of justification by faith. Despite his great works, Abraham's righteousness came through his faith in God's promise, not his own efforts.
Paul emphasizes that if justification came through works, it would nullify faith and the promise itself. The law, instead of bringing salvation, only reveals sin and incites God's wrath. In essence, the law is the stick by which we are measured. Surely we all fall short when measured against perfection. Remember, even Abraham had doubt and lied during his journey of faith. Thus, salvation cannot be earned through obedience to the law but comes through the righteousness that comes by faith.
Abraham's faith serves as a model for us today. Against all human hope, Abraham believed in hope, trusting in God's power to fulfill His promises. Despite his doubts and struggles, Abraham gave glory to God and was fully convinced of God's faithfulness.
Paul's message is timeless and relevant to us today. It reminds us that our salvation is not based on our efforts or good deeds but on faith in God's promises. We cannot earn our way into heaven through our works; it is a gift from God, appropriated by faith. We can not claim a greater right to heaven than others, because of our works Faith renders all equal, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes us all worthy.
In our daily challenges and struggles, we can find assurance in knowing that our justification comes not from our own righteousness but from our faith in Christ. Just as Abraham believed God's promises, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness and power to save us from our sins.
Paul's argument in this passage helps us understand the essence of Christianity: it is not about what we do, but about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Our faith in Him is what justifies us and gives us hope for eternal life.
As we reflect on Romans 4, may we be encouraged to place our trust fully in God's promises and live out our faith with confidence, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him.
Let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in Your promises and live out our faith with boldness and confidence. May we find assurance in knowing that our justification comes from You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.