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(1) Walk Thru The Word: Romans 4: 14 (ESV)

“Abraham’s Belief Was Credited As Righteousness

1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;

8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

(6) Message map: Rom. 4: 125

“The Faith of Abraham & David Foretell Our Walk in Christ

(7) The Law of works vs. The law of faith

Rom 3:27 & 4:4 Rom 3:27 & 4:4 … our boasting … is excluded, not by a law (binding principles) of works (activities of the ceremonial law), but

Rom 3:27 & 4:5 by the Law of faith (which God births in receptive believers to inspire confidence He will fulfill (cf. 1 Jn 5:4 with Heb 11:1)

The Law of Works provides one with

The law of faith operates by

In Scripture, faith is God’s warranty that certifies that the revelation He in-birthed in us through The Born Again experience will come to pass and bear much fruit as we do God’s work His way.

Jude 3  3Beloved, although I made every effort to write you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.  “Struggle upon, appropriately”), i.e. with skill and commitment in opposing whatever is not of faith (God’s persuasion).

(8) The faith of Abraham

3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted/credited (ascribed) to him as righteousness” (right standing in a restored relationship with God).

4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted (reckoned, considered) as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

Abraham’s Debt of Sins include …

God’s Imputed Righteousness

Rom 4: 19 -25   19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

(9) The Faith of David

Rom 4:7-8 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds (transgressions, iniquity, disobedience, sin) are forgiven, and whose sins are covered/forgiven (are pardoned and hidden over so as not to come to view).

8 BLESSED (the fortunate position of receiving God’s provision to not count, charge or take into account) his/our sin.”

David’s Debt of Sins include …

God’s Imputed Righteousness

(10) The Faith of Abraham & David Foretell Our future in Christ

Abe = father of believers whose sins are forgiven & not counted against them!

Abraham & David were not perfect but exercised faith and found favor with God, Who obligates Himself through His “law of faith” – meaning the rules and principles to which God has bound Himself in the system of belief that we call “Gospel Truth.”

Rom 4: 21-22 21 fully assured /convinced /persuaded (God’s power bringing the believer to maximum potential,) that God was able to do what he had promised.

22That is why / because of / Therefore (wherefore, on which account, “for this reason”) his faith was “counted/ credited/ imputed (reckoned, count, charged with decided to be, conclude to be) to him as righteousness.

[bctt tweet=”Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, …” username=”LibertyCF3″]

(11) The Faith of Abraham & David Foretell our discipleship, As we see God grow Abraham and David, so they learn not to repeat sins, as David explains in Psalm 32, which we will unpack in a few moments.

When we demonstrate full Assurance, Conviction and/or are fully Convinced / Persuaded to trust that God will fulfill His promises, He reciprocates (requites, responds as a result of) to us …

So by faith we Grow/Mature by engaging in deeper …

(12) God Credits Those Who Have Conviction

       Rom 4: 21-22

CEV — 21Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised.  22So God accepted him,

ESV —  21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”

KJV21And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.  (I like the “P’s”)

NAS — 21and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. .

NIV —  21being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. 22That is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

NLT —  21He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.

18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

(13) Walking in faith = working out our salvation with fear & trembling

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, …

Psalm 32: 1- 11 Details our walk with Christ in God’s Grace, as He disciplines us for our edification & His glory.  (Heb 12: 1-

1Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

5I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.

7You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.

11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

We Work out our salvation (deliverance, welfare, prosperity) by …

Hebrews 12: 3-6 Endure Discipline That Conforms Us to Christ

3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.

6and chastises every son whom he receives.”

If we respond to God’s discipline and work out our salvation with fear & trembling, we will be like Israel whom God faithfully returns home! …

Hosea 11:11 NIV — They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves. I will settle them in their homes,” declares the LORD.

Hosea 11:11 ESV —they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD.

Hosea 11:11 NAS— They will come trembling like birds from Egypt And like doves from the land of Assyria; And I will settle them in their houses, declares the LORD.

BTW – Here’s some proof God is not done with Israel

Hosea 3:5 NIV — Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.

Hosea 3:5 NAS — Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days.

Hosea 3:5 CEV — But later, Israel will turn back to the LORD their God and to David their king. At that time they will come to the LORD with fear and trembling, and he will be good to them.

(14) Working out our salvation Includes Participating in discipleship   

Growing In Discipleship involves …

  1. Relating to God through fear & trembling = deep respect & awe
  2. no cheap grace by wanting of forgiveness without repentance; baptism without discipleship; Communion without confession; grace without the Holy Spirit’s conviction of, redemption without the cross of Christ, and Him resurrected, living through us.” (paraphrase of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship.)
  3. No Sloppy Agape = Half Gospel of Hyper Grace = superficial affirmations of love and care for God and Christ that are not backed up by submissive actions or long-term commitment.

Regular Bible Reading (RBR)” is a key motivator and indicator of Discipleship Growth because it provides

  1. knowledge of God & Christ and move and the work of the Holy Spirit
  2. encourages the frequency of prayer by praying according to knowledge & wisdom.
  3. encourages regular attendance & participation in fellowship, studies and church
  4. motivates giving = contributing to God’s work, here on earth.

Why Bible Reading? Because the only way to know God thru Christ is how they’ve revealed themselves through the Scripture!

(15) Let’s Pray that God ReAwakens, ReInvigorates & ReEstablishes Us in Our Calls In Christ!

Let’s Pray:

God we trust You to work Your will in our lives, to make us the kind of people in whom Your grace can work to make us the kind of people whom You can use to fulfill Your law and Great Commission for Your glory!  [email-download-link namefield=”YES” id=”312″]

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