Bill Acton :: Romans 4:1-25 - The Fact of Abraham's Justification by Faith

Sermon Outline for Romans 4:1-25

1. The Fact of Abraham’s Justification by Faith – Rom 4:1-3
2. The Explanation of Abraham’s Justification by Faith – Rom 4:4-8
   1. Exhibit A: Abraham
   2. Exhibit B: David
3. The Time of Abraham’s Justification by Faith – Rom 4:9-12
   1. Abraham justified prior to the giving of the rite of circumcision – Rom 4:9-10
      1. Abraham was justified fourteen years before circumcision
      2. Faith was counted as righteousness
   2. Why circumcision was given – Rom 4:11-12
      1. It is an outward sign
         1. Serves as a seal to authenticate the imputation of righteousness
         2. Serves as a reminder of God’s promise
      2. That Abraham might be the Father of all who believe
         1. In Abraham God makes clear the way of justification
         2. Abraham is an example of “By Grace Through Faith” to all
         3. Abraham is “Father” to all who believe – Jhn 8:36-44
      3. The rite of circumcision
         1. In itself it is nothing
         2. It avails nothing – Gal 5:6; Rom 2:28-29
         3. The principle of faith is vital!
4. The Relationship of Justification by Faith to the Law – Rom 4:13-16
   1. The Promise from Genesis – Rom 4:12-15
      1. Land
      2. People
      3. Savior
      4. Heir of the World
   2. The Promise was given to Abraham 430 years before the Law was given to Moses – Gal 3:17
   3. The Promise was not made through the Law but through the Righteousness of Faith – Rom 4:13
   4. The Seed
      1. Christ is the Seed of Abraham – Gal 3:16
      2. We are the seed by being in Christ
         1. We were children of wrath
         2. We are now children of faith
   5. The Law and Faith do not mix – Rom 4:14
   6. The Promise is unconditional – Rom 4:14
   7. The Law brings wrath and punishment – Rom 4:15
   8. The Promise brings righteousness and inheritance
   9. The Law establishes transgression – Rom 4:15
      1. Pin-points our sin
      2. Makes guilt more evident and obvious
5. Justification by Faith Is Guaranteed by Sovereign Grace – Rom 4:16
   1. The Promises of God are obtained by faith
      1. Not by works
      2. Not by law
      3. Not by circumcision
      4. Not by behavior
   2. It is of faith – that it might be by grace
      1. Grace is free unmerited favor
      2. Grace is given to those who do not deserve it at all
   3. Law and works go together
   4. Grace and faith go together – Rom 11:6
   5. Law is always a matter of merit
   6. Grace is always the free gift of God received by faith
   7. Salvation is God’s glory
      1. Anything but faith detracts from His glory
      2. Anything but grace promotes boasting
   8. Salvation by grace through faith includes all people – Rom 4:16
   9. Salvation by grace through faith is complete and secure – Rom 4:16
      1. Our salvation depends upon the Character of God and His grace
      2. Our salvation never depends upon ourselves, our abilities, our understanding, our goodness or badness – Phl 1:6; Rom 8:38-39; Jhn 10:28