|
 |
Notes
|
|
|
 |
Introduction
|
|
|
|
Bible Reading:
|
|
|
|
OT Timeline:
|
|
|
|
OT Contemporary Books:
|
|
|
 |
Review
|
|
|
|
Romans: From Rags To Righteousness (Part 5)
|
|
|
|
Raw Material
|
|
|
|
Sermon Illustration:
|
|
|
|
Our mission is not to permanently destroy the world’s system. It’s there to provide a “powerful delusion” for those who refuse to believe the truth. Our mission is to continually unravel the world’s system as a witness to the power and authority of God’s Kingdom.
|
|
|
|
For the Message:
|
|
|
|
Let the Ephesians 1 passage transform your thinking (Romans 8:5-6, racism as “2nd-hand smoke”)
|
|
|
|
Romans 8
|
|
|
|
You can do it too - let God design your relationships.
|
|
|
|
You have what you need! Use what you have!
|
|
|
|
God: “They have been given my Spirit; teach them to listen to him.”
|
|
|
|
The more Word you plant in your heart, the easier it will be for you to hear God’s Spirit.
|
|
|
|
Romans 12:1-2
|
|
|
|
The Spirit reminds us of what Jesus said - John 14 - 16
|
|
|
|
The proper use of suffering.
|
|
|
|
The way that I used TV to fight loneliness while Eva was away last night even though the Holy Spirit had told me to avoid TV during this period. This increased my vulnerability to sexual temptation.
|
|
|
|
Use freedom - don’t worship it
|
|
|
|
Lexical search on judging.
|
|
|
|
When God speaks into your world (as he did with Abram) you have an opportunity for righteousness. Why would God speak to me if he hadn’t make provision for my need for righteousness?
|
|
|
|
Preparation - Romans 3:19-31
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Romans 3:19-31
|
|
|
|
|
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
God provides the righteousness we need through faith in Jesus Christ rather than through obeying rules.
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
We aren't declared righteous by obeying rules - even God's rules.
|
|
|
|
God provides righteousness to all who believe in Jesus.
|
|
|
|
Believing in Jesus is more than just intellectual agreement. It means a relational commitment.
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
The law can't do it.
|
|
|
|
Are we any better? - Romans 3:9-18
|
|
|
|
Our history demonstrates what we're capable of.
|
|
|
Fill up the measure of the sin of your forefathers. - Matthew 23:29-39
|
|
|
America - descendants of slaves and slave owners
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
We have nothing to boast about!
|
|
|
|
We can be confidently righteous!
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea:
|
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
Identify ways in which they look to rules for justification.
|
|
|
|
Be confident about having righteousness by faith.
|
|
|
|
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
|
|
|
|
Outline the Sermon
|
|
|
|
Standing Issues
|
|
|
|
From a word Bishop gave me:
|
|
|
|
Make sure people do something with God's message.
|
|
|
|
Make it plain:
|
|
|
|
Use accessible language.
|
|
|
|
Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences:
|
|
|
|
Sitting at a stop light
|
|
|
|
Driving through a green light
|
|
|
|
Approaching a yellow light
|
|
|
|
Being cut off in traffic
|
|
|
|
Going shopping
|
|
|
|
Going to a mall
|
|
|
|
Going to school; sitting in class
|
|
|
|
Going to work; sitting in your office;
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
|
|
Welcome to another service at the Hampton Inn & Suites.
|
|
|
|
Welcome Cards -
|
|
|
|
“I want to call your attention to the Welcome Card that you were given on your way into the auditorium”
|
|
|
|
These cards do two things for us:
|
|
|
|
They help us get to know our new visitors better.
|
|
|
|
They also give anyone (visitors or members) a chance to express a need or to give us feedback.
|
|
|
|
By filling it out you will help us to better serve you.
|
|
|
|
We're going to provide time for you to complete the cards at the end of our service, but we encourage you to start filling them out now.
|
|
|
|
Please use this card:
• if you’re a first time visitor or if you’ve never filled one out before,
• to tell us about a decision you made today,
• to ask us for more information, or to give us feedback.
Please include your contact information unless we already have it. At the end of service we’ll ask you to complete the card and then place it in the designated box or give it to someone from our staff on your way out.
|
|
|
|
Transition
|
|
|
|
Read Romans 3:1-8
|
|
|
|
Read Romans 3:9-18
|
|
|
|
The law makes us conscious of sin.
|
|
|
|
Read the Passage - Romans 3:19-31
|
|
|
|
|
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
|
|
|
|
Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
God provides the righteousness we need through faith in Jesus Christ rather than through obeying rules.
|
|
|
|
What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
We aren't declared righteous by obeying rules - even God's rules.
|
|
|
|
God provides righteousness to all who believe in Jesus.
|
|
|
|
Believing in Jesus is more than just intellectual agreement. It means a relational commitment.
|
|
|
|
Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
The law can't do it.
|
|
|
|
Are we any better? - Romans 3:9-18
|
|
|
|
Our history demonstrates what we're capable of.
|
|
|
|
Fill up the measure of the sin of your forefathers. - Matthew 23:29-39
|
|
|
|
America - descendants of slaves and slave owners
|
|
|
|
What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
We have nothing to boast about!
|
|
|
|
We can be confidently righteous!
|
|
|
|
Homiletical Idea:
|
|
|
|
|
Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
Identify ways in which they look to rules for justification.
|
|
|
|
Check your attitude about the master.
|
|
|
|
Be confident about having righteousness by faith.
|
|
|
|
Identify ways in which they look to rules for justification.
|
|
|
|
Check your attitude about the master.
|
|
|
|
The parable of the minas - Luke 19:11-27
|
|
|
|
Similar to parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
|
|
|
|
Mina - 3 month's wages; Talent - 15 year's wages.
|
|
|
|
Parable of the talents was spoken to disciples. Parable of the minas was spoken to the crowd.
|
|
|
|
The parable of the talents is to leaders. The parable of the minas is to everyone.
|
|
|
|
How do you view the master?
|
|
|
|
Be confident about having righteousness by faith.
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
|
|
|
|
New Material
|
|
|
|
Preparation
|
|
|
|
Expository Preaching
|
|
|
|
Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, and literary study of a passage in its context, which the Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and experience of the preacher, then through the preacher, applies to the hearers.
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Subject
|
|
|
|
Tools: How, Who, What, When, Where, Why
|
|
|
|
Complement
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon
|
|
|
|
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
|
|
|
|
Make it plain
|
|
|
|
Use accessible language and modern parables.
|
|
|
|
Make sure people do something with God's message.
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Outline the Sermon
|
|
|
|
Romans: From Rags To Righteousness (Part 6)
|
|
|
|
Raw Material
|
|
|
|
Sermon Illustration:
|
|
|
|
Our mission is not to permanently destroy the world’s system. It’s there to provide a “powerful delusion” for those who refuse to believe the truth. Our mission is to continually unravel the world’s system as a witness to the power and authority of God’s Kingdom.
|
|
|
|
For the Message:
|
|
|
|
Let the Ephesians 1 passage transform your thinking (Romans 8:5-6, racism as “2nd-hand smoke”)
|
|
|
|
Romans 8
|
|
|
|
You can do it too - let God design your relationships.
|
|
|
|
You have what you need! Use what you have!
|
|
|
|
God: “They have been given my Spirit; teach them to listen to him.”
|
|
|
|
The more Word you plant in your heart, the easier it will be for you to hear God’s Spirit.
|
|
|
|
Romans 12:1-2
|
|
|
|
The Spirit reminds us of what Jesus said - John 14 - 16
|
|
|
|
The proper use of suffering.
|
|
|
|
The way that I used TV to fight loneliness while Eva was away last night even though the Holy Spirit had told me to avoid TV during this period. This increased my vulnerability to sexual temptation.
|
|
|
|
Use freedom - don’t worship it
|
|
|
|
Lexical search on judging.
|
|
|
|
Preparation - Romans 4
|
|
|
|
Select the Passage - Romans 4
|
|
|
|
Study the Passage
|
|
|
|
NIV
|
|
|
|
Hebrew Study Bible
|
|
|
|
KJV
|
|
|
|
The Message
|
|
|
|
NASB
|
|
|
|
RSV
|
|
|
|
Discover the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
God declared Abraham to be righteous because he believed what God told him - not because of any good deeds he had done!
|
|
|
|
Analyze the Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
Explain It: What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Background - Genesis 14:17-24
|
|
|
|
Abram has just rescued his nephew Lot.
|
|
|
|
Abram refused to take a reward from the King of Sodom.
|
|
|
|
Abram hasn't done any good works to "put God in his debt".
|
|
|
|
God is the only one who's brought anything to the table.
|
|
|
|
God promises Abram abundant offspring.
|
|
|
|
Abram believes what God says to him and is counted as righteous.
|
|
|
|
Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Galatians 3:1-14
|
|
|
|
|
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing — if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
|
|
|
|
Deut 27:26
|
|
|
|
|
“Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
|
|
|
|
Habakkuk 2:3-4
|
|
|
|
|
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. “See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright — but the righteous will live by his faith —
|
|
|
|
Leviticus 18:5
|
|
|
|
|
Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.
|
|
|
|
Apply It: What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
Works:
|
|
|
|
I do a good deed and gain "merit".
|
|
|
|
God sees my "merit" and rewards me.
|
|
|
|
Law:
|
|
|
|
I obey the God's law and gain "merit".
|
|
|
|
God sees my "merit" and rewards me.
|
|
|
|
Faith:
|
|
|
|
God makes me a promise.
|
|
|
|
I believe what God tells me.
|
|
|
|
God declares me righteous.
|
|
|
|
When God speaks into your world (as he did with Abram) you have an opportunity for righteousness. Why would God speak to me if he hadn’t make provision for my need for righteousness?
|
|
|
|
Formulate the Homiletical Idea:
|
|
|
|
|
Righteousness is believing what God tells you.
|
|
|
|
Determine the Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
Understand that righteousness comes by believing what God says.
|
|
|
|
Listen to what God is saying.
|
|
|
|
Believe what God tells them.
|
|
|
|
Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose
|
|
|
|
Outline the Sermon
|
|
|
|
Standing Issues
|
|
|
|
From a word Bishop gave me:
|
|
|
|
Make sure people do something with God's message.
|
|
|
|
Make it plain:
|
|
|
|
Use accessible language.
|
|
|
|
Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences:
|
|
|
|
Sitting at a stop light
|
|
|
|
Driving through a green light
|
|
|
|
Approaching a yellow light
|
|
|
|
Being cut off in traffic
|
|
|
|
Going shopping
|
|
|
|
Going to a mall
|
|
|
|
Going to school; sitting in class
|
|
|
|
Going to work; sitting in your office;
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience.
|
|
|
|
Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises.
|
|
|
|
Introduction
|
|
|
|
Welcome to another service at the Hampton Inn & Suites.
|
|
|
|
Welcome Cards -
|
|
|
|
“I want to call your attention to the Welcome Card that you were given on your way into the auditorium”
|
|
|
|
These cards do two things for us:
|
|
|
|
They help us get to know our new visitors better.
|
|
|
|
They also give anyone (visitors or members) a chance to express a need or to give us feedback.
|
|
|
|
By filling it out you will help us to better serve you.
|
|
|
|
We're going to provide time for you to complete the cards at the end of our service, but we encourage you to start filling them out now.
|
|
|
|
Please use this card:
• if you’re a first time visitor or if you’ve never filled one out before,
• to tell us about a decision you made today,
• to ask us for more information, or to give us feedback.
Please include your contact information unless we already have it. At the end of service we’ll ask you to complete the card and then place it in the designated box or give it to someone from our staff on your way out.
|
|
|
|
Transition
|
|
|
|
The law makes us conscious of sin.
|
|
|
|
Read the Passage - Romans 4
|
|
|
|
Exegetical Idea
|
|
|
|
|
God declared Abraham to be righteous because he believed what God told him - not because of any good deeds he had done!
|
|
|
|
What does this mean?
|
|
|
|
Background - Genesis 14:17-24
|
|
|
|
Abram has just rescued his nephew Lot.
|
|
|
|
Abram refused to take a reward from the King of Sodom.
|
|
|
|
Abram hasn't done any good works to "put God in his debt".
|
|
|
|
God is the only one who's brought anything to the table.
|
|
|
|
God promises Abram abundant offspring.
|
|
|
|
Abram believes what God says to him and is counted as righteous.
|
|
|
|
Abram hasn't even been circumcised yet.
|
|
|
|
Is it True? Do I believe it?
|
|
|
|
Galatians 3:1-14
|
|
|
|
|
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing — if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
|
|
|
|
Deut 27:26
|
|
|
|
|
“Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.”
Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
|
|
|
|
Habakkuk 2:3-4
|
|
|
|
|
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. “See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright — but the righteous will live by his faith —
|
|
|
|
Leviticus 18:5
|
|
|
|
|
Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.
|
|
|
|
What difference does it make? So What?
|
|
|
|
Works:
|
|
|
|
I do a good deed and gain "merit".
|
|
|
|
God sees my "merit" and rewards me.
|
|
|
|
Law:
|
|
|
|
I obey the God's law and gain "merit".
|
|
|
|
God sees my "merit" and rewards me.
|
|
|
|
Faith:
|
|
|
|
God makes me a promise.
|
|
|
|
I believe what God tells me.
|
|
|
|
God declares me righteous.
|
|
|
|
When God speaks into your world (as he did with Abram) you have an opportunity for righteousness. Why would God speak to me if he hadn’t make provision for my need for righteousness?
|
|
|
|
Homiletical Idea:
|
|
|
|
|
Righteousness is believing what God tells you.
|
|
|
|
Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do)
|
|
|
|
Understand that righteousness comes by believing what God says.
|
|
|
|
Listen to what God is saying.
|
|
|
|
Believe what God tells them.
|
|
|
|
Understand that righteousness comes by believing what God says.
|
|
|
|
Works vs. Faith compare to micro economics vs. macro economics (where does money come from?)
|
|
|
|
Leading people to Christ - are verbal formulas the way to go?
|
|
|
|
Listen to what God is saying.
|
|
|
|
The greatest investment you’ll ever make is setting aside time to listen to God.
|
|
|
|
Is God knocking? Revelation 3:20
|
|
|
|
Have you ever woken up early and been unable to get back to sleep?
|
|
|
|
Have you ever found yourself alone with unexpected free time?
|
|
|
|
Believe what God tells them.
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
|
|
|
|
Altar Call / Welcome Cards / Communion ?
|
|
|
|
Welcome Cards - refer to script
|
|
|
|
We're almost ready to close this portion of our service, but first we want to give you a chance to respond to what you've heard.
|
|
|
|
Earlier in the service we mentioned the welcome cards and we encouraged you to begin filling them out.
|
|
|
|
Right now we want you to complete your welcome card. We especially want you to use this card if:
|
|
|
|
if you’re a first time visitor
|
|
|
|
if you’ve never filled one out before,
|
|
|
|
if you want to tell us about a decision you made today,
|
|
|
|
if you want to ask us for more information, or to give us feedback.
|
|
|
|
Please be sure to include your up to date contact information unless we already have it.
|
|
|
|
MC & Worship Team continue with tithes, offerings, and worship
|
|
|
|
Benediction - Numbers 6:24-26
|
|
|
|
|
“‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
|
|
|
|
Men's Prayer
|
|
|
|
Life Group Material
|
|
|
|
Life Group Word Material
|
|
|
|
|
These are sample discussion questions / topics. Your life group leaders may choose to adjust these questions, substitute new ones, or spend the Word section of the meeting in a different way altogether.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
|
|
|
|
Genesis 15:1-6 (read Genesis 14:1-24 for background)
|
|
|
|
|
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars — if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
|
|
|
|
Discussion Questions / Topics:
|
|
|
|
Who takes the initiative in this passage - Abram or God? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Does God place any requirements on Abram? Does he give Abram any rules to follow? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Based on this text, why does God credit Abram with righteousness?
|
|
|
|
Romans 4
|
|
|
|
|
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about — but not before God. What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”
Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring — not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness — for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
|
|
|
|
Discussion Questions / Topics:
|
|
|
|
God counted Abraham (Abram) as righteous before he had followed any rules (e.g. circumcision). Does this surprise you? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
How comfortable are you with righteousness from God that isn't based on your rule-keeping or good deeds?
|
|
|
|
Have you ever pursued righteousness by "works"? Discuss.
|
|
|
|
Are you pursuing righteousness by faith now? Can you give an example to back up your answer?
|
|
|
|
Life Group Witnessing Activities
|
|
|
|
Galatians 3:1-14
|
|
|
|
|
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing — if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
|
|
|
|
Witnessing Questions / Topics:
|
|
|
|
Do you know anyone who is trying to be righteous by following rules? How would you explain righteousness by faith to them?
|
|
|
|
How can your life group do a better job of helping people to receive righteousness by faith? What can you do as individuals? As a team?
|
|
|
|
Scriptures For 11/14/2010 Life Church Sermon
|
|
|
|
|
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
|
|
|
|
|
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about — but not before God. What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”
Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring — not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness — for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
|
|
|
Genesis 14:17-24 (read Genesis 14:1-16 for background)
|
|
|
|
After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me — to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share.”
|
|
|
|
|
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars — if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
|
|
|
|
|
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing — if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
|
|
|