Paul knew his audience - we see that as he regularly references the Jewish law and, this week, he brings in Abraham and David, both of whom would have been acclaimed as founding fathers for Paul’s intended audience. Like a lawyer presenting his case before a jury, Paul builds on his earlier points by bringing in influential witnesses to prove his points. So, let’s see if we can follow Paul’s case here. 

Read Romans 4:1-12 and journal through the following questions this week: 

• What did Abraham believe God about? See Genesis 15:1-7 and 17:5-7

• Think back on the story of Abraham - how was Abraham’s faith in God evident through his actions? If you need a refresher, Abraham’s story is found in Genesis 12-25. 

• How is this kind of faith different from “believing in God”?

• Why can’t we earn righteousness through works? (v. 4)

• Paul quotes David’s Psalm 32:1-2 (v. 7-8). 

  • Why does Paul include this cross-reference here?

  • What three things are said about sin in these two verses?

    • Our sin is ________

    • Our sin is ________

    • Our sin is ________

  • What does it mean for someone’s sin to be covered?

  • What did David discover about being someone to whom God has credited righteousness to? 

• Why does Paul talk about circumcision here? If you’re not sure, research the significance of the circumcision ceremony for the Jewish people. 

• Read Genesis 12:1-4 and Genesis 17:1-14. God called Abraham when he was 75 years old but the circumcision ceremony was introduced when Abraham was 99. How does this timeline support Paul’s argument? 

• Have you ever relied on your own effort or works to earn righteousness? Why is that impossible?

• If someone asks you how to get into heaven, what would be your response based on this week’s reading?

Reflect & Respond

• What does this passage teach me about God?

• How does this change the way I live? 

Scripture to memorize: 

“And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” -Romans 4:5

If you’re new here or missed a week, you can find prior weeks here:

• Week One

• Week Two

• Week Three

• Week Four

• Week Five

• Week Six

• Week Seven

• Week Eight

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yelena is the founder and editor in chief Tirzah. Yelena works as an attorney in tax and in her spare time, she is working on her first book for unmarried twenty-something women in extended waiting seasons and running Tirzah. She has a passion for pointing young women to Christ, and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family.