Faith and Righteousness: The Heart of the Gospel
Summary
The book of Romans lays out the most important truths about our relationship with God, and in these first four chapters, we see the foundation of the gospel: that all of humanity, no matter our background, is in need of salvation. Whether Jew or Gentile, religious or irreligious, every person stands guilty before a holy God. The law, as good as it is, cannot make us right with God. It only reveals our need for a Savior. But God, in His mercy, has provided a way for us to be made right—not by our own works, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul makes it clear that righteousness is not something we can earn or achieve. Our own righteousness is like filthy rags; it’s not enough. Instead, God gives us His righteousness as a gift, something theologians call “imputed righteousness.” Just like a parent deposits money into a child’s account, God deposits His righteousness into our lives when we believe in Jesus. We don’t earn it, we simply receive it by faith. This is the heart of the gospel: we are justified—declared righteous—by faith, not by works.
Paul uses Abraham and David as examples to show that this has always been God’s way. Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised, simply because he believed God. David spoke of the blessedness of the one whose sins are forgiven, not because of their own merit, but because of God’s grace. The law and the prophets all point to this truth: that God’s meeting place with humanity has always been at the mercy seat, where the blood is applied. In the Old Testament, it was the blood of animals; now, it’s the blood of Jesus that covers us and makes us righteous.
Faith is our part, grace is God’s part. Faith is not just believing that God exists, but believing that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him, and that He is able to do what He has promised—even when our circumstances say otherwise. Abraham’s story reminds us that even when we doubt, as long as our core belief is in God’s faithfulness, we are counted as righteous. Our righteousness is not based on our performance, but on God’s promise and our trust in Him.
Key Takeaways
- All humanity stands equally in need of God’s grace, regardless of background, morality, or religious heritage. The law exposes our sin but cannot save us; it simply shows us our need for a Savior. No one is righteous on their own, and all are without excuse before God. [05:33]
- Righteousness is not something we achieve, but something we receive. God’s righteousness is imputed to us—deposited into our account—when we put our faith in Jesus. Our works, efforts, or religious rituals cannot earn this; it is a gift of grace that we simply accept by believing. [13:13]
- Justification is God’s declaration over us that we are righteous, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done. To walk in condemnation or doubt God’s love is to disagree with what He has spoken over us. We are called to agree with God’s verdict and live in the freedom of His declaration. [19:57]
- The mercy seat, where the blood was applied, has always been God’s meeting place with humanity. In Christ, the blood of Jesus covers us, fulfilling what the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to. Our access to God, our forgiveness, and our righteousness are all found at the cross, not in our own efforts. [24:22]
- Faith, like Abraham’s, means believing God’s promise even when circumstances seem impossible. Doubt may come to our minds, but true faith holds fast in the heart, trusting that God is able to do what He has said. Righteousness is credited to us not because we never struggle, but because we trust in God’s faithfulness above all. [41:33]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to Romans Series
[02:45] - The Power of the Gospel and Justification by Faith
[05:33] - All Are Without Excuse Before God
[09:51] - The Wrath of God and Humanity’s Condition
[13:13] - Imputed Righteousness Explained
[14:12] - Receiving Righteousness by Faith
[19:57] - Justification, Redemption, and Propitiation
[24:22] - The Mercy Seat and the Blood of Jesus
[27:09] - Abraham: Faith Before Works
[28:48] - The Example of Abraham’s Faith
[33:12] - Faith and Grace: Our Part and God’s Part
[34:57] - God’s Promise to Abraham
[36:46] - Believing God Against All Odds
[41:33] - Faith, Doubt, and Righteousness
[42:28] - Application and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Romans 1–4 – The Foundation of the Gospel
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### Bible Reading
- Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
- Romans 3:21-26
But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith...
- Romans 4:1-8
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.” ... David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works...
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 1:16-17, what is the power of God for salvation, and who is it for?
2. In Romans 3:23, what does Paul say about the condition of all people before God?
3. What does the sermon say is the purpose of the law? Does it save us or show us something else? [05:33]
4. How was Abraham declared righteous—before or after he was circumcised? Why is this important? [27:09]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that “righteousness is not something we achieve, but something we receive.” What does it mean for God’s righteousness to be “imputed” to us? How is this different from earning it? [13:13]
2. Why does Paul use Abraham and David as examples in Romans 4? What point is he making about faith and works? [28:48]
3. The “mercy seat” is described as God’s meeting place with humanity. What does it mean that Jesus is now our mercy seat? How does this change our access to God? [24:22]
4. The sermon says that faith is “believing God’s promise even when circumstances seem impossible.” How does Abraham’s story help us understand what real faith looks like? [36:46]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that all humanity stands equally in need of God’s grace, no matter our background or religious history. Are there ways you sometimes compare yourself to others or feel “better” or “worse” before God? How does this truth challenge your thinking? [05:33]
2. The law exposes our sin but cannot save us. Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to “earn” God’s approval by your own efforts or good works? What would it look like to let go of that and trust in Jesus’ finished work? [13:13]
3. The idea of “imputed righteousness” means God deposits His righteousness into our account when we believe. How does this change the way you see yourself and your relationship with God, especially when you feel unworthy or condemned? [19:57]
4. The sermon says that to walk in condemnation or doubt God’s love is to disagree with what He has spoken over us. Are there areas where you struggle to accept God’s verdict about you? What practical steps can you take to agree with God’s declaration and live in that freedom? [19:57]
5. The mercy seat was the place where the blood was applied and God met with His people. Now, because of Jesus, we have direct access to God. How can you remind yourself this week that you are welcome in God’s presence—not because of your performance, but because of Jesus? [24:22]
6. Abraham’s faith was not perfect—he doubted and made mistakes, but he kept trusting God’s promise. When you face doubts or setbacks, how can you keep your core trust in God’s faithfulness? Is there a specific promise of God you need to hold onto right now? [41:33]
7. The sermon says, “Faith is our part, grace is God’s part.” What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith and trust God to do what only He can do? [33:12]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for His gift of righteousness through Jesus. Ask Him to help you trust His promises, rest in His grace, and live in the freedom of being justified by faith.
Devotional
Day 1: The Just Shall Live by Faith
God’s plan has always been that people are made right with Him not by their own efforts or by keeping the law, but by faith. No matter your background, status, or past, the invitation is the same: to believe in the gospel of Christ, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This faith is not just a one-time event but a way of life, a continual trust in God’s goodness and His promises. The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, and it is by believing in Jesus that you are justified and made right before God. [03:40]
Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop striving and start trusting God’s promise by faith today?
Day 2: All Have Sinned, All Need Grace
Every person, regardless of their background or good deeds, stands guilty before a holy God. No one is righteous on their own; all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. This truth humbles us and removes any sense of superiority or self-righteousness. Yet, it also prepares our hearts to receive the cure: God’s grace through Jesus. We are not left in our sin, but are offered justification and redemption, not by our works, but by God’s mercy and love. [09:51]
Romans 3:10-12, 23 (ESV)
As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” ... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Reflection: Where have you been tempted to compare yourself to others instead of humbly acknowledging your own need for God’s grace?
Day 3: Righteousness Is a Gift, Not Earned
Righteousness before God is not something you can achieve or earn through good works, religious rituals, or personal effort. It is a gift from God, imputed to you through faith in Jesus Christ. Just as a parent deposits money into a child’s account, God deposits His righteousness into your life when you believe. This is called imputed righteousness—God treats you as if you had never sinned, not because of your merit, but because of His grace and the finished work of Jesus. [14:12]
Romans 3:21-24 (ESV)
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
Reflection: Are you living as if you still have to earn God’s approval, or are you receiving His righteousness as a free gift today?
Day 4: Faith Like Abraham—Believing Beyond Circumstances
Abraham was declared righteous not because of his works or religious acts, but because he believed God’s promise, even when it seemed impossible. He trusted God’s word over his circumstances, calling himself “father of many nations” before he saw the fulfillment. True faith means believing God is able, even when you are not, and holding onto His promises despite doubts or delays. Like Abraham, you are invited to trust God’s faithfulness and let Him do what only He can do. [36:46]
Romans 4:18-21 (ESV)
In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
Reflection: What is one promise of God you need to keep believing, even when your circumstances seem to say otherwise?
Day 5: God’s Declaration Over You—Justified, Redeemed, and Welcomed
When you put your faith in Jesus, God declares you justified, redeemed, and accepted. Justification means God proclaims you righteous; redemption means you have been bought back by the blood of Jesus; propitiation means God’s wrath is satisfied and you are welcomed into His presence. You don’t have to walk in condemnation or try to help God out—He has already done the work. Your part is to believe and receive, living in the freedom and joy of being God’s beloved child. [42:28]
Romans 4:22-25 (ESV)
That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Reflection: How would your day change if you truly believed God has declared you justified and fully accepted in Christ?
Quotes
You can't get righteous. You can't be righteous. There's nothing you can do to earn righteousness. You can't. You can't do anything. The only thing you can do, watch this, is receive whenever you believe. You believe on Jesus and because of that you are made righteous. You received it. It has been imputed into you. [00:17:07] (22 seconds)
God's grace is the parent going, hey, baby, I got you. I'm going to put $20 into your account. That's grace. You didn't earn it. You didn't do anything. You just believed I had the power to do it. Oh, don't miss that. You believed that I had the power to put that money in your account. You believed in me. And because you believed in me, you received from me. That's God's grace. Your part is faith. His part is grace. He gives it, but you got to believe it to receive it. That's how it works. [00:17:46] (42 seconds)
Justification. Look at this. It means to make a declaration and proclamation to treat you as if you had never sinned. Now, let me explain. What I've said for years is justified or justification. God treats you just as if you had never sinned. That's partially true, all right? That's a partial portion of it, okay? I don't want you to miss, though, the top part, the top line here. To make a declaration or proclamation. That's what it is. It's when God says over you, okay, that I will treat you as if you have never sinned. It's not you believing you will be treated like you have never sinned. It's when God says over you, you are my son, you are my daughter, I believe that I declare that you are now justified. I'm declaring it over you, I'm speaking it over you. That's what God does for you. He justifies you. He declares it over you. [00:19:33] (72 seconds)
This is why whenever we get saved, it is the blood of Jesus that makes us righteous. It's the blood of Jesus that sets us free. It's the blood of Jesus that has power over devils and demons. It's the blood of Jesus that does it. Not any works that we should boast. We didn't do it. We didn't deserve it. It was imputed to us that we became righteous by the blood of the Lamb of God. [00:25:09] (23 seconds)
Faith is not, I believe God exists. That's not faith. Faith believes God exists and he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. That's what faith is, all right? Now watch, and without faith, I wanna remind you, it is impossible to please God, impossible. It's the only way you can be made right with God is to believe God. [00:33:34] (21 seconds)
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief. He didn't go, well, Lord, you promised, but look at her. He didn't go, well, Lord, you promised, but look at me. He didn't do any of that. He said, you know what? Regardless of her condition, my condition, you are able, and I believe it. And that is all I need, God. [00:40:17] (21 seconds)
And being fully convinced that he who had promised was able to perform. I'm not, she's not, but you are. God, you are. You are able to do it. So, Father, do it. And therefore, it was accounted unto him as righteousness. God says, because you believe me, because you believe me, you're righteous in my eyes. And this is what happens when we believe on Jesus. We believe on Jesus, we're made righteous. It's accounted unto us. Have we doubted? Has anyone ever doubted? Of course they have. But your core belief is, I believe God. I believe in heaven. I believe in eternal life. I believe you sent your son and died. On a cross. I believe it. I believe it. I believe it. I believe it. At the core of my being. My mind struggles to wrap itself around it. But I believe it here. That's the difference. And therefore, it was accounted unto him as righteousness. [00:42:20] (54 seconds)
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