Romans 4 Study Guide – Abraham Justified by Faith

Romans Chapter 4

Section 1: Abraham Justified by Faith (Romans 4:1–12)

Key Points:

• Abraham was not justified by works but by faith, which was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:1–3).

• Righteousness is given as a gift by faith, not earned as wages by works (Romans 4:4–5).

• David affirmed the blessedness of forgiveness and righteousness apart from works (Romans 4:6–8).

• Abraham’s justification occurred before circumcision, showing that righteousness comes by faith, not ritual (Romans 4:9–12).

• Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe—circumcised and uncircumcised alike (Romans 4:11–12).

Discussion Questions:

1. How was Abraham justified before God? (Romans 4:2–3; Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6–9).

2. What does Paul mean by contrasting wages and a gift? (Romans 4:4–5; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).

3. Why is Abraham called the father of all who believe? (Romans 4:11–12; Galatians 3:7–9; Hebrews 11:8–12).

Section 2: The Promise Comes by Faith (Romans 4:13–17)

Key Points:

• God’s promise to Abraham and his offspring came through the righteousness of faith, not through the Law (Romans 4:13).

• If inheritance were based on the Law, faith would be meaningless and the promise void (Romans 4:14).

• The Law brings wrath because it reveals transgression (Romans 4:15).

• The promise is guaranteed by grace to all who share Abraham’s faith (Romans 4:16).

• Abraham is the father of many nations, trusting the God who gives life to the dead (Romans 4:17).

Discussion Questions:

1. Why couldn’t the promise come through the Law? (Romans 4:13–15; Galatians 3:10–12; Romans 3:20).

2. How does faith guarantee God’s promise? (Romans 4:16; Hebrews 6:17–18; Ephesians 2:8).

3. What does it mean that God “gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not”? (Romans 4:17; Genesis 17:5; 2 Corinthians 4:6).

Section 3: Abraham’s Faith and Ours (Romans 4:18–25)

Key Points:

• Abraham believed God’s promise despite impossible circumstances (Romans 4:18–19).

• He did not waver but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God (Romans 4:20).

• He was fully convinced that God had the power to do what He promised (Romans 4:21).

• His faith was credited as righteousness—not for his sake alone, but also for us who believe in Jesus (Romans 4:22–24).

• Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification (Romans 4:25).

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Abraham respond to God’s promise despite his circumstances? (Romans 4:19–20; Hebrews 11:11–12; James 2:21–23).

2. What does it mean to be “fully persuaded” about God’s promises? (Romans 4:21; Numbers 23:19; Philippians 1:6).

3. How is Abraham’s faith connected to our own salvation? (Romans 4:23–25; Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).