Bill Acton :: Romans 4:1-25 - The History of Justification by Faith

Sermon Outline for Romans 4:1-25

The History of Justification by Faith

1. The Event of Abraham’s Justification by Faith
   1. Abraham was credited with righteousness
   2. This righteousness is given by God
   3. Justification is being credited with righteousness by God
   4. David was credited with righteousness
      1. His sons were covered
      2. His transgressions were forgiven
      3. His sin will never count against him
2. The Explanation of Justification by Faith
   1. The issue is how a guilty sinful human can be accepted by a holy and righteous God?
   2. The solution –
      1. Righteousness is the gift of God
      2. It is given apart from human merit
      3. It is given through the merit of Christ
      4. Righteousness is in Christ
3. The Experience of Justification by Faith
   1. Abraham was justified, fourteen years before circumcision
   2. Abraham believed God and was counted as righteous
   3. Justification is realized by faith
      1. Faith is believing the Word of God
      2. Faith receives grace
         1. Anything but grace detracts from God’s glory
         2. Anything but grace promotes boasting
   4. Abraham and faith
      1. By faith Abraham believed God’s promises
         1. About the land
         2. About the nation
         3. About the blessing
      2. By faith Abraham believed God in spite of adverse circumstances
         1. Abraham’s age
         2. Sarah’s condition
      3. By faith Abraham was faithful
         1. He did not go back and forth
         2. He did not go from side to side
      4. By faith Abraham believed with assurance
         1. Fully persuaded
         2. Strongly convinced
      5. By faith Abraham glorified God
         1. He went out – Gen 12:1-3
         2. His name changed – Gen 17:1-3
         3. Rose up early – Gen 22:1-3
      6. By faith Abraham trusted in God’s sovereign power
         1. God had promised
         2. God would perform
   5. Our justification – Rom 4:23-25
      1. By grace
      2. Through faith