Romans 4

Our hope is not based on circumstances, but on the unwavering promises of God.

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Read Romans 4. Which part of Romans 4 inspires you the most?

Note: Again, try to identify words that relate to “righteousness” and “faith.” Note also repeated words like “credited” (NIV/NASB, “counted” in ESV), etc. Tips: Don’t be afraid to mark or make notes in your Bible. You could use different color of a 4-colored pen to underline or circle different words or to make note.

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1. Relationship between Faith and Law: Note the timeline of and relationship between Abraham’s being justified and his circumcision (vv.9-10). How could we apply the same principle in our Christian Walk (try replacing “circumcision” in the passage with the idea of “keeping the law” or “good work”)? Good work is a sign and a result, and not the cause of our believing in Jesus Christ.

2. Believe in spite of Unfavorable Circumstances: Abraham trusted in the promise of God even though physically he was “as good as dead” (v.19). He was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (v.21). Do not focus on unfavorable circumstances, but on the unwavering promise of God.

3. Your own insight: (fill in yourself)

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Meditation and Application:

What promise(s) of God you find it hard to believe in your present situation? What unfavorable circumstance(s) are you facing right now? Learn after the example of Abraham, give all your cares to God and wait for the fulfillment of His promise(s) in His own timing. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)