Romans 4, part 2: Biblical Faith

Timeline: Major OT figures &events of Abraham's life

Questions

  1. v1-3. Jews and Muslims praise Abraham because of his love and obedience in the face of various tests from God.  Was Abraham accepted because he passed these tests; if not, why did God test him?
  2. v4-8. If we work, God is under obligation to pay us.  What is the result of trying to gain God's acceptance by passing tests, etc.?  On the other hand if we _____________, then God _________ righteousness to us.
  3. v9-12.  Here is the chronological argument that shows the relationship between what God says and does and our responses.  Sketch it out from the diagram above.
  4. v13-17.  Here the promise and the law are contrasted.  Is it possible to receive righteousness by faith, and then carry on afterwards by the law? (cf. 1:17)
  5. v18-22.  There is a lot of confusion over the word "belief". This passage explains why Abraham's belief in God made him acceptable to God.
    What are these characteristics of Abraham's belief (cf. Hebrews 11:8-19)?

    Why are the following definitions of "belief" less than biblical?
    1. Mental assent (cf. James 2:14-26)
    2. A feeling (2 Cor. 4:18- 5:10)
    3. Positive (wishful) thinking (1 Cor. 15:12-26)
    4. Something that isn't true in a literal sense

    Why is  it important that our way of believing is biblical?.

  6. v23-25. Paul now makes the application to us:

Discussion

  1. Are there aspects of Abraham's faith that challenge you?

  2. If faith is the answer, then what is the question?

Important: this is not the end of the story!

Remember there are 3 phases of Christian life: Justification, Sanctification, Glorification.  We're still on Good Friday (justification), but Easter Sunday's (sanctification) coming!

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