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Romans 4:2-3

Romans 4:2-3

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

– Romans 4:2-3

Main Thought: There are many people in this day who mistakenly think there was a different way of salvation in the Old Testament than in the New Testament, believing that in the Old Testament men and women were saved by works and being obedient to the Law. Also, very sadly, most people throughout history have trusted that, in the end, it is their good works that will achieve a right standing with God, bringing them a right standing with God and eternal life. What Paul points out here is that if Abraham had somehow achieved justification, or a righteous standing with God, by his own works, then he could have boasted before men in the multitude of his good works, and the fact he had more good works than other men. However, what he is identifying in this chapter is that being justified before God does not come because of good works that we perform in the eyes of men and ourselves, but because of faith in God. The Jews of Jesus’ day boasted in the fact of being of the heritage or lineage of Abraham, and therefore being Abraham’s children, as if somehow being of his physical heritage merited something in God’s eyes (John 8:33). Jesus acknowledged they were physically of Abraham, but pointed out to them they were not of him spiritually, not loving the One whom God the Father had sent (John 8:42) and not doing the deeds of Abraham (John 8:39). Very many people in our culture think because they come from a Christian family, or because they are outwardly morally good, or because they have done good works, that they are in good standing with God. The reality is that justification, which is a righteous standing before God, comes only when someone has trusted by faith completely in the atoning death of Christ. Abraham and all the Old Testament saints believed in God and the promise of the coming Messiah who would atone for their sins (John 8:58). As New Testament believers, we look back now at the finished work of Christ on the cross and believe, just as Abraham, in Him and that His sacrifice for our sins justifies and makes us righteous before God. It is a false hope, and proud and presumptuous, to believe that somehow my good works are more satisfactory to God the Father than the shed blood of His Son. If you have trusted in Christ, and Christ alone, then you are justified before God and rejoice in that righteousness imputed by Christ. But if you are trusting in and boasting in your own works, then you are still in your sins and not justified before God. Call on Him today, trust in Him even now, and know that in believing in Him you will stand justified before God and have eternal life.
David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Romans 4:2-3

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3

John 11:25-27
John 11:25-27

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27

John 8:23-24
John 8:23-24

“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24

John 6:39-40
John 6:39-40

“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40

John 2:18-21
John 2:18-21

“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21

John 1:14
John 1:14

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

Psalm 85:6
Psalm 85:6

“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6

Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5

“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5

John 14:19
John 14:19

“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19

Romans 4:2-3

Romans 15:1-2

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

– Romans 15:1-2

Main Thought: In the previous chapter, Paul was dealing with the subject of Christian liberty, where certain younger and weaker brothers in the faith were sometimes offended by the things which those who were stronger in their faith practiced. Paul’s advice was for both not to look down on, or pass judgment upon, the other over those things which involved the eating or not eating of certain foods, or the observing or not observing of certain days. Paul goes on in the latter part of Romans 14 to urge the stronger, more mature believers to not do anything that would cause a weaker brother to stumble in his faith. Here in this verse, Paul admonishes the stronger believers not to seek their own way every time in these matters, but to bear with one another, in other words, patiently put up with the failings of those who are younger and weaker in the faith. We need to remind ourselves that all of us, without exception, have been a weaker brother at some point and can look back and realize that some of the strong stances or opinions we had when we were weaker were because of our immaturity, and that through more study in the Scriptures, the wisdom of other believers coming alongside us and the faithful teaching of pastors in strong churches we have now become those who are more mature in our understanding of Scripture, and in our practice of the Christian life. Remember that Peter said we are all to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). If we seek just what we want, not clothing ourselves in humility, and do not practice the brotherly love that Paul spoke of in Romans 12:10, then chances are we will offend weaker brothers and greatly hinder their spiritual growth. Our calling, from the youngest believer to the most mature believer in the church, is to build up or edify one another. Paul reminds the Romans that Christ did not please himself (Rom. 15:3). So are we following the example of Christ, in seeking to humble ourselves and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ? May we ask the Lord to increase our humility daily and to imitate Christ as we seek the spiritual good and edification of all within the church.

David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Romans 4:2-3

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3

John 11:25-27
John 11:25-27

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27

John 8:23-24
John 8:23-24

“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24

John 6:39-40
John 6:39-40

“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40

John 2:18-21
John 2:18-21

“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21

John 1:14
John 1:14

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

Psalm 85:6
Psalm 85:6

“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6

Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5

“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5

John 14:19
John 14:19

“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19

Romans 4:2-3

Romans 16:20a

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

– Romans 16:20a

Main Thought: The apostle Paul is bringing the Romans epistle to a close. He has spoken of, and magnified, the great doctrines of the grace of God, justification by faith alone, the sovereignty of God in salvation, the transforming sanctification of the Christian, and many others. As he begins to close this book, he reminds this persecuted church to remember that no matter what they are experiencing now, the peace of God and the triumph of Christ and the church is sure to them. This statement, however, is not just a statement to the believers and Church of that day, but it is a reminder to all believers of two things: 1) All believers have peace with God the Father through the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We once were sinners, enemies of God (Colossians 1:21), but In Romans 5:1, Paul tells us “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” and Ephesians 2:13 says “But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Paul is reminding them, and us, that we are in right standing with God the Father because of Christ’s death for us. 2) The second part of this phrase is a reminder of the promise of Genesis 3:15, which came immediately following Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. In the Garden of Eden, our Lord prophesied that the seed of the woman, speaking of Christ himself, would be bruised on his heel, speaking of His death. However, the bruising of the serpent’s head here speaks of a fatal, crushing blow. The Church is reminded that the crushing defeat of Satan is sure and he is already a defeated foe. Christ subjected himself to death so “that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). We do not fear Satan because he has already been vanquished. Listen to the words of Martin Luther’s great hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: “For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe, his craft and power are great and armed with cruel hate…the prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him, his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure…the body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever.” What great reassurance for all of us in this short verse, reaffirming to us the peace and reconciliation we have with God for all eternity, and the sure, eternal victory over Satan secured for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God and bow the knee to our Lord today for these great promises.

David Webber

David Webber

David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.

Faith Baptist Church: Longview, Texas
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Romans 4:2-3

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3

John 11:25-27
John 11:25-27

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27

John 8:23-24
John 8:23-24

“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24

John 6:39-40
John 6:39-40

“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40

John 2:18-21
John 2:18-21

“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21

John 1:14
John 1:14

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

Psalm 85:6
Psalm 85:6

“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6

Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5

“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5

John 14:19
John 14:19

“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19