Romans 4 – Expository Preaching and Study Guide

Overview

Romans 4 stands as a theological cornerstone in Paul’s argument for justification by faith apart from works. Using Abraham and David as scriptural examples, Paul proves that righteousness is credited not by human merit but by faith in God’s promises. This chapter reinforces the truth that salvation has always been based on faith—whether under the Old or New Covenant. It disarms legalistic reliance on circumcision or obedience to the Mosaic Law as a means of obtaining righteousness and instead magnifies God’s grace.

Paul roots his case in the Old Testament, demonstrating continuity in God’s plan of redemption and reinforcing that justification by faith is not a novel idea but the consistent truth of Scripture. Romans 4 powerfully affirms the gospel’s universality and the eternal sufficiency of faith in God’s promise, now fully revealed in Christ Jesus.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context:
Paul wrote the letter to the Romans around A.D. 57, likely from Corinth during his third missionary journey. The Roman church consisted of both Jews and Gentiles, and tensions had arisen between Jewish Christians who emphasized the Law and Gentile believers who had come to Christ apart from the Law. Romans 4 addresses this issue by returning to the foundational figure of Abraham—revered by Jews as the father of their faith—and shows that even Abraham was justified before circumcision and before the Law.

Literary Context:
Romans is structured as a theological treatise. In chapter 3, Paul concluded that all have sinned and that justification is by faith. Romans 4 continues that argument through a scriptural case study on Abraham and David. The chapter unfolds logically, using rhetorical questions, Old Testament quotations (especially Genesis 15:6 and Psalm 32), and contrasts between faith and works. Paul’s writing style is didactic, aiming to teach foundational gospel truths while dismantling legalistic confidence.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. Justification by Faith Alone

Key Verse: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3, quoting Gen. 15:6).
Paul teaches that Abraham was declared righteous not by works but by belief in God’s promise.
This affirms sola fide—faith alone—as the means of justification.
Works are excluded as a basis for earning salvation (vv. 4–5).

2. The Imputation of Righteousness

God credits righteousness to the believer (vv. 6–8), a legal declaration whereby the righteousness of Christ is reckoned to us.
Paul cites David to support that forgiveness and righteousness are bestowed apart from works (Psalm 32:1-2).
This affirms the forensic nature of justification: God declares the sinner righteous, not by infusing righteousness but by imputing Christ’s righteousness.

3. The Universality of the Gospel

Abraham is not only the father of the Jews but of all who believe (vv. 11–12).
Circumcision, while a sign of the covenant, was not the basis of Abraham’s righteousness.
This underlines the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan and foreshadows the unity of the Church.

4. God’s Promise and Sovereignty

God’s promise to Abraham was not through the Law but through the righteousness of faith (v. 13).
God’s sovereignty is evident in choosing Abraham and granting him a child despite his and Sarah’s physical incapacity.
Faith in God’s creative power (v. 17: “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not”) mirrors faith in the resurrection of Christ.

5. Faith as Trust in God’s Word

Abraham’s faith is portrayed as unwavering (vv. 19–21), growing stronger as he gave glory to God.
True saving faith is not mere assent but full trust in God’s character and promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.
This shows that biblical faith has content—it is rooted in God’s word and promise.

6. Connection to Christ and the Gospel

The chapter ends by tying Abraham’s faith to the Christian’s faith in the resurrected Jesus (vv. 23–25).
Just as Abraham believed in the God of promise, we believe in the fulfillment of that promise through Jesus Christ.
The death and resurrection of Jesus are central to our justification—“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (v. 25).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis of Romans 4 (NIV)

Romans 4:1-3 — Abraham Justified by Faith

“What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’”

Explanation: Paul begins by addressing Abraham, the revered patriarch. If Abraham were justified by works, he could boast—but the Scripture says otherwise.
Cross-reference: Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6-9.
Doctrinal Insight: Justification by faith precedes the Law and circumcision, proving that righteousness comes through faith alone.
Application: Believers today, like Abraham, are declared righteous not by deeds but by believing in the promises of God.

Romans 4:4-5 — Grace Versus Works

“Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.”

Explanation: Paul contrasts a works-based system (earning wages) with the gospel of grace (receiving a gift).
Cross-reference: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5.
Doctrinal Insight: God justifies the ungodly—not the righteous—showcasing His grace. This excludes boasting and magnifies God’s mercy.
Application: The Christian life begins with surrender, not merit. Faith alone connects us to God’s saving work.

Romans 4:6-8 — David Speaks of Forgiveness

“David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works…”

Explanation: Paul now uses David’s voice (Psalm 32:1-2) to affirm justification apart from works.
Doctrinal Insight: The forgiveness of sin and the non-imputation of guilt are aspects of justification.
Application: Our blessedness is rooted in God’s mercy, not human morality.

Romans 4:9-12 — Abraham’s Faith Before Circumcision

“Is this blessedness only for the circumcised… or also for the uncircumcised?”

Explanation: Paul emphasizes that Abraham was declared righteous before circumcision, making him the spiritual father of all who believe.
Cross-reference: Galatians 3:28-29.
Doctrinal Insight: Salvation is not tied to religious ritual but to genuine faith. Abraham is the prototype of true believers.
Application: Church rituals (e.g., baptism, communion) are not means of salvation but signs of a saved life.

Romans 4:13-17 — The Promise Comes by Faith

“It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise…”

Explanation: The promise (inheritance of the world) was based on faith, not on Law observance.
Cross-reference: Hebrews 11:8-12.
Doctrinal Insight: Law brings wrath because it exposes sin. Faith receives grace and guarantees the promise to all Abraham’s offspring—Jews and Gentiles alike.
Application: Trusting in rules brings bondage; trusting in God brings hope and freedom.

Romans 4:18-22 — The Nature of Abraham’s Faith

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…”

Explanation: Abraham’s faith grew despite physical evidence to the contrary (his old age and Sarah’s barrenness).
Cross-reference: Hebrews 11:17-19; Genesis 17:17–19.
Doctrinal Insight: True faith rests in God’s promises even when reality seems impossible. God honors faith with righteousness.
Application: Christians are called to trust God in the face of trials, clinging to His Word.

Romans 4:23-25 — Faith in Christ Today

“The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone…”

Explanation: Paul applies the doctrine to all believers: we are justified by believing in the One who raised Jesus.
Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Doctrinal Insight: Justification by faith is rooted in the historical reality of the resurrection. Christ’s death paid for sins; His resurrection secures our righteousness.
Application: Our salvation is as sure as the empty tomb. Faith in the risen Lord is the only way to be made right with God.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Romans 4 is inseparable from the person and work of Jesus Christ. Although Jesus is not named until the final verses, the entire chapter anticipates Him:

Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham (Galatians 3:16). He is the true offspring through whom all nations are blessed.
The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our justification (v. 25). This points to the center of the gospel—Christ crucified and risen.
The imputed righteousness that Abraham received points forward to the righteousness that Christ provides to all who believe (2 Corinthians 5:21).
By showing that justification is by faith, not Law or lineage, Paul prepares the way for the full unveiling of the gospel of grace in Christ.

Christ is the object of saving faith. Just as Abraham believed God’s promise about descendants, believers today place their trust in God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus‘ death and resurrection.

Connection to God the Father

Romans 4 richly displays the character and work of God the Father:

God as Promise-Maker: He is the one who gave Abraham the promise of offspring and inheritance, revealing His faithfulness and sovereignty (v. 13).
God as Creator: Verse 17 describes Him as the one “who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” This reflects Genesis 1, affirming the Father’s creative and resurrection power.
God as Justifier: Verse 5 states that God “justifies the ungodly,” revealing His grace and love toward sinners. He is both just and the justifier (Romans 3:26).
God as Covenant-Keeper: The Father keeps His Word. Though Abraham and Sarah were as good as dead, God brought life—physically through Isaac and spiritually through Christ.

All of Romans 4 reflects the Father’s redemptive plan from eternity. He initiated the promise, sustains it, and fulfills it through His Son, by His Spirit.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Though Romans 4 does not mention the Holy Spirit directly, the chapter implicitly connects to the Spirit’s role in several ways consistent with the broader teaching of Romans and Scripture:

1. The Spirit as the Empowerer of Faith

Abraham’s unwavering faith (vv. 19–21) was not human optimism but a result of divine enablement. Faith itself is a gift from God (Philippians 1:29), and the Holy Spirit works to convict and persuade hearts to trust in God’s promises.
1 Corinthians 12:3 affirms that no one can say “Jesus is Lord” apart from the Holy Spirit. The faith that justifies is Spirit-enabled.

2. The Spirit and Regeneration

God gives “life to the dead” (Romans 4:17), which parallels the Spirit’s work in regeneration. Just as God revived Abraham’s body and Sarah’s womb, the Spirit gives new life to those dead in sin (Titus 3:5; John 3:5-8).
This is also a foreshadowing of Romans 8, where Paul elaborates that the Spirit brings life and assurance to believers.

3. The Spirit and Assurance of Justification

While justification is through faith in Christ, it is the Holy Spirit who testifies to our adoption and justification (Romans 8:15-16).
The peace and blessing described in Romans 4:6-8 are made real through the ministry of the Spirit in the believer’s heart.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “Faith That Counts: Justified by Grace Alone”

Text: Romans 4:1-25

I. Faith, Not Works, Is the Way to Righteousness (vv. 1–8)

Main Idea: Abraham was declared righteous by faith, not works.
Transition: Let’s see how this truth applies to all, not just to Abraham.

II. The Promise Is for All Who Believe (vv. 9–17)

Main Idea: God’s promise is inherited by faith, not by law or rituals.
Application: Trust in God, not tradition. Salvation is by grace, not by heritage or external acts.
Example: Like someone relying on their last name to receive an inheritance, rather than having a relationship with the giver.

III. Faith Trusts Even When It Seems Impossible (vv. 18–22)

Main Idea: Abraham believed despite impossible circumstances—faith is not blind but grounded in the character of God.
Application: In crisis, trust God’s Word over your feelings or logic.
Illustration: A cancer patient holding onto the promise of eternal life despite terminal news.

IV. Jesus, the Fulfillment of Our Faith (vv. 23–25)

Main Idea: Just as Abraham believed in God’s promise, we believe in the risen Christ.
Call to Action: Place your faith in Jesus, who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification.

Conclusion:

Reinforcement: We are justified not by our efforts but by believing in the One who raised Jesus from the dead.
Call to Action:
- For believers: Examine whether your trust is truly in Christ alone.
- For seekers: Today is the day to believe—receive the righteousness that comes by faith.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern-Day Example: Trusting the Pilot

Imagine boarding a plane. You trust the pilot, though you’ve never met him. You believe the plane will land safely, not because you control it but because you trust the one flying it. That’s faith—confidence in someone else’s ability, not your own.

Application: Saving faith is not about what you can do, but trusting the One who can.

2. Personal Story: The Broken Ladder

A man was climbing an old wooden ladder to clean his roof. Midway, he noticed cracks in the rungs. He immediately climbed down and used a metal ladder instead. Why? Because faith is only as strong as its object.

Point: Many people are climbing the wrong ladder—works, religion, moralism. Only Christ can bear the weight of our sin.

3. Analogy: Courtroom Verdict

Imagine standing before a judge, guilty of breaking the law. Suddenly, someone steps in and pays the fine in full. The judge declares you not guilty. That’s justification: a legal declaration based not on your innocence, but on someone else’s payment.

Application: This is what Christ did—paid the penalty we owed so God could declare us righteous.

4. Biblical Illustration: The Thief on the Cross

He had no time to earn righteousness, yet Jesus said, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Point: Faith, not works, saves. The thief believed in the dying Savior and received eternal life.

Application for Today’s Christian

Romans 4 is not merely a theological argument; it’s a life-transforming truth that impacts how believers live, think, and relate to God. Here are practical applications in three key areas:

1. Discipleship: Living by Faith, Not Performance

Like Abraham, we are called to believe God daily, even when His promises seem distant or impossible.
Practical Step: Cultivate a habit of trusting God’s Word in everyday decisions—relationships, career choices, suffering—rather than relying on what feels logical or self-assured.
Avoid spiritual performance traps. Righteousness does not increase because of good days or decrease because of bad days. It is fully secure in Christ.

2. Stewardship: Serving from Grace, Not for Approval

We are not stewards trying to earn favor with God, but children who already have His approval through faith in Christ.
Practical Step: Serve joyfully—whether in church, work, or family life—knowing your position before God is settled. Steward your time, money, and gifts not to be justified, but because you are justified.

3. Living Out Faith: Confident Obedience

Faith like Abraham’s moves forward even when outcomes are unclear.
Practical Step: Embrace a posture of obedient risk—witness to others, commit to service, say yes to God’s calling, even when it stretches you.
In trials, rehearse the promises of God rather than the pressures of the world.

Takeaway: Justification by faith doesn’t lead to passivity—it empowers joyful, confident, grace-fueled living.

Connection to God’s Love

Romans 4 profoundly reveals the depth and intentionality of God’s love in the plan of redemption:

1. God Loves by Initiating

Abraham did not seek God—God chose and called Abraham (Genesis 12). The same God pursues us in love, not because of merit but because of mercy (Romans 5:8).

2. God Loves by Covering Sin

Quoting Psalm 32, Paul reminds us that blessedness comes from a God who does not count our sins against us (Romans 4:7-8). This is love in action—God deals with sin through substitution (ultimately fulfilled in Christ).

3. God Loves by Keeping His Promises

Even when Abraham was faithless or weak, God remained faithful. This shows God’s covenant love—He binds Himself to us, not because we are reliable, but because He is.

Summary: Romans 4 is a declaration of God’s loving initiative to rescue, redeem, and restore fallen people by grace through faith. His love is not reactive; it is proactive, rooted in His unchanging character.

Broader Biblical Themes

Romans 4 is deeply integrated into the Bible’s grand storyline—from creation to covenant to Christ. Here’s how:

1. Creation: Faith in the Creator God

In verse 17, Paul calls God the one “who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”
This echoes Genesis 1 and connects Abraham’s hope to the God of creation and new creation.
Our faith rests not in random chance but in the sovereign Creator who speaks life into barrenness and resurrection into death.

2. Covenant: The Abrahamic Promise

Romans 4 reaffirms the covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17), showing that the promise was always by faith, not Law.
The blessing of Abraham—righteousness by faith—is extended to all nations (cf. Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:8).
Circumcision is reframed as a sign, not a means, showing that external rituals never replaced internal faith.

3. Redemption: Fulfilled in Christ

Abraham’s faith looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise. Ours looks back to Jesus Christ, the promise fulfilled.
Jesus is the offspring through whom the blessing of justification is secured for all who believe (Galatians 3:16).
The cross and resurrection (Romans 4:25) anchor the reality of justification, reconciliation, and eternal life.

4. Restoration: A New People by Faith

Romans 4 contributes to the broader theme that God is forming a new humanity—not defined by ethnicity or ritual, but by shared faith in Christ.
This anticipates Romans 9-11 and culminates in the New Creation (Romans 8; Revelation 21), where the promise to Abraham finds full completion in Christ.

Big Picture: Romans 4 links the individual believer’s justification to God’s eternal plan—from Eden, through Abraham, to Christ, and finally to glory. It reveals a unified, grace-saturated gospel that runs through the entire Bible.

Reflection Questions

Use the following questions to promote deeper engagement with the truth of Romans 4, whether in personal devotion, small group study, or as sermon application points:

Faith and Righteousness

What does Abraham’s example teach you about the kind of faith that pleases God?
Are there areas in your life where you tend to rely on works or performance to feel right with God? How can you apply the truth of justification by faith to those areas?

Grace and Forgiveness

Paul quotes David to emphasize the blessing of forgiven sin. Do you live with the daily joy of knowing your sins are not counted against you? If not, what holds you back?
How does your understanding of grace shape the way you respond to your own failures—and the failures of others?

Faith Under Pressure

Abraham believed God’s promise even when the circumstances seemed hopeless. In what situations in your life do you need to believe God “against all hope”?
What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in God’s promises during seasons of waiting or weakness?

Promise and Fulfillment in Christ

How does Romans 4 help you understand the connection between the Old Testament and the gospel of Jesus Christ?
What specific promise of God in Christ are you holding onto today? How does the resurrection of Jesus assure you that the promise will be fulfilled?

Living Out Justification

If justification is a gift received by faith, not earned by works, how should this affect your motivation for spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and church service?
How can you share the message of justification by faith with someone who feels unworthy of God’s love?