Justification by Faith: The True Children of Abraham

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans, we delve into the profound doctrine of justification by faith, as articulated by the Apostle Paul. This doctrine is foundational, emphasizing that righteousness is imputed to us through faith, not by works or adherence to the law. Paul addresses potential objections, particularly from the Jewish community, regarding the role of circumcision in salvation. He clarifies that Abraham was justified by faith long before he was circumcised, underscoring that circumcision is not essential for justification. Instead, it serves as a seal, authenticating the righteousness already received by faith.

Paul's argument is meticulous, akin to a legal document, ensuring clarity and precision. He emphasizes that circumcision was given to Abraham as a sign, not as a means of justification. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights that the true children of Abraham are those who share his faith, regardless of circumcision. The Jews' misunderstanding of circumcision as a means of justification is a tragic reversal of God's intention. Paul reiterates that natural descent or religious rituals do not save; only faith does.

Furthermore, Paul extends the promise made to Abraham to all believers, both Jews and Gentiles. This promise is not confined to the land of Palestine but encompasses the entire world, pointing to the universal reign of Christ. Believers, as heirs with Christ, are partakers of this promise, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. The essence of being Abraham's seed lies in being united with Christ, the true seed, through faith.

Key Takeaways:

- Justification by faith is a central tenet of the Christian faith, emphasizing that righteousness is imputed through faith, not by works or adherence to the law. This doctrine dismantles any notion that human effort can earn salvation, highlighting the grace of God in Christ. [01:19]

- Circumcision, while significant as a sign, is not a means of justification. It serves as a seal, authenticating the righteousness already received by faith. This distinction underscores that true children of Abraham are those who share his faith, not merely his physical sign. [14:52]

- The promise to Abraham extends beyond the Jewish people to all who believe, encompassing the entire world. This universal promise points to the reign of Christ and the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs. [45:08]

- The tragedy of the Jewish misunderstanding of circumcision as a means of justification serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that religious rituals or natural descent do not save; only faith in Christ does. [26:53]

- Being Abraham's seed is about being united with Christ, the true seed, through faith. This union transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, making all believers heirs of the promise and partakers of the new creation in Christ. [40:38]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Romans
[01:19] - Justification by Faith
[02:47] - The Role of Circumcision
[05:19] - The Tenacity of Unbelief
[06:26] - Historical Context of Abraham
[08:31] - Purpose of Circumcision
[10:41] - The Seal of Righteousness
[13:57] - Assurance through Circumcision
[16:30] - Abraham as the Father of Believers
[19:16] - The True Children of Abraham
[22:19] - Faith Beyond Circumcision
[25:47] - Misunderstanding of Circumcision
[28:28] - Modern Application
[32:15] - The Promise to Abraham
[36:11] - Heir of the World
[40:18] - Christ as the Seed
[43:23] - Inclusion of Gentiles
[46:22] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 4:9-12
2. Genesis 15:7
3. Galatians 3:16

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 4:9-12, what is the significance of circumcision in relation to Abraham's justification by faith? How does Paul use Abraham's story to address the Jewish understanding of circumcision? [06:09]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the role of circumcision as a seal of righteousness? What historical context does he provide to support this explanation? [11:03]

3. What does the pastor identify as the two main purposes of circumcision according to Paul's argument in Romans? [10:41]

4. How does the pastor explain the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 15:7 and its fulfillment in Christ, as discussed in the sermon? [33:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the pastor's explanation of circumcision as a seal rather than a means of justification challenge the Jewish understanding of religious rituals? What implications does this have for modern religious practices? [14:52]

2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the promise to Abraham extends beyond the Jewish people to include all believers? How does this reflect the universal reign of Christ? [45:08]

3. How does the pastor's discussion of Abraham as the "father of all who believe" help clarify the relationship between faith and religious identity? [16:59]

4. What does the pastor mean when he says that being Abraham's seed is about being united with Christ? How does this union transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries? [40:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of religious rituals. Are there any practices you have relied on for justification rather than faith in Christ? How can you shift your focus to faith as the basis of your relationship with God? [14:52]

2. The pastor emphasizes the universal promise to all believers. How can you actively embrace and celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ in your church community? [45:08]

3. Consider the pastor's explanation of Abraham as the father of all who believe. How does this perspective influence your view of spiritual heritage and identity? [16:59]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of being united with Christ. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ and live out your identity as part of Abraham's seed? [40:38]

5. The pastor warns against the misunderstanding of religious rituals as a means of justification. How can you ensure that your faith remains centered on Christ rather than external practices? [26:53]

6. How can you apply the pastor's teaching on the promise to Abraham in your daily life, particularly in how you view your role as an heir with Christ? [45:08]

7. Reflect on the pastor's discussion of the grace of God in Christ. How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for this grace in your personal faith journey? [01:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Justification by Faith Alone
Justification by faith is a cornerstone of Christian belief, emphasizing that righteousness is granted through faith, not by human efforts or adherence to the law. This doctrine, as articulated by the Apostle Paul, dismantles any notion that human effort can earn salvation, highlighting the grace of God in Christ. Paul meticulously argues that righteousness is imputed to believers through faith, not by works, ensuring clarity and precision in his message. This understanding of justification by faith alone is crucial for believers, as it underscores the grace and mercy of God, who offers salvation as a gift, not as a reward for human achievement. [01:19]

Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in God's grace for your righteousness? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ today?


Day 2: The True Purpose of Circumcision
Circumcision, while significant as a sign, is not a means of justification. It serves as a seal, authenticating the righteousness already received by faith. Paul clarifies that Abraham was justified by faith long before he was circumcised, underscoring that circumcision is not essential for justification. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights that the true children of Abraham are those who share his faith, not merely his physical sign. The misunderstanding of circumcision as a means of justification is a tragic reversal of God's intention, reminding us that religious rituals or natural descent do not save; only faith does. [14:52]

Colossians 2:11-12 (ESV): "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."

Reflection: Are there any religious rituals or traditions you rely on for your sense of righteousness? How can you refocus on faith as the true source of your justification?


Day 3: The Universal Promise to Believers
The promise to Abraham extends beyond the Jewish people to all who believe, encompassing the entire world. This universal promise points to the reign of Christ and the inclusion of Gentiles as fellow heirs. Paul emphasizes that believers, as heirs with Christ, are partakers of this promise, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. The essence of being Abraham's seed lies in being united with Christ, the true seed, through faith. This understanding invites all believers to see themselves as part of a global family, united by faith in Christ and sharing in the promise given to Abraham. [45:08]

Ephesians 3:6 (ESV): "This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel."

Reflection: How does understanding your inclusion in the promise to Abraham change your perspective on your identity in Christ? How can you embrace this global family of faith in your daily interactions?


Day 4: The Misunderstanding of Religious Rituals
The tragedy of the Jewish misunderstanding of circumcision as a means of justification serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that religious rituals or natural descent do not save; only faith in Christ does. Paul addresses potential objections, particularly from the Jewish community, regarding the role of circumcision in salvation. He reiterates that natural descent or religious rituals do not save; only faith does. This serves as a powerful reminder to examine our own lives and ensure that our faith is rooted in Christ, not in external practices or heritage. [26:53]

Matthew 15:8-9 (ESV): "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you might be placing more emphasis on religious rituals than on a genuine relationship with Christ? How can you realign your focus on faith?


Day 5: Unity with Christ as Abraham's Seed
Being Abraham's seed is about being united with Christ, the true seed, through faith. This union transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, making all believers heirs of the promise and partakers of the new creation in Christ. Paul extends the promise made to Abraham to all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that the true children of Abraham are those who share his faith. This understanding invites believers to embrace their identity in Christ and live as part of a new creation, united with Him and with one another in faith. [40:38]

Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Reflection: How does your unity with Christ influence your interactions with others, especially those from different backgrounds or cultures? What steps can you take to live out this unity in your community today?

Quotes


The Apostle now has got two further difficulties to deal with and he proceeds to deal with them in verses 8 9 to 12 he deals with the first and in verses 13 to 16 he deals with the second now what is this first difficulty well it's more or less this if then works and deeds do not come at all into this surely circumcision does after all circumcision was something peculiar to the Jews something that had been commended and ordained by God. [00:02:30]

The Apostle entirely demolishes any such suggestion there is nothing to be said for it there are specific scriptures strongly against it indeed the whole case of Abram is a proof that justification is by faith righteousness was imputed to him by faith it wasn't his works at all and the quotation from David Psalm Psalm 32 supports that and substantiates it and of course as we saw the Apostle brings out that tremendous and most vital statement that God justifies the ungodly. [00:01:46]

The Apostle is anxious that people should be clear about the whole Doctrine so he raises the question well why then was he ever circumcised at all what is the point of circumcision and that is what he answers in verses 11 and 12 he says he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised that he might be the father of all them that believe though they be not circumcised that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. [00:08:02]

Circumcision was given as an outward sign to Abraham to seal to him the righteousness which he had already received by faith 14 years ago he received the sign of circumcision a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised 14 years before now what is this what does this mean what does he mean by a seal well the business of a seal as you know is to authenticate that's its purpose. [00:10:41]

The Apostle is here saying is that the sign of circumcision was given to Abraham in order to authenticate to him and to give him Assurance of and certainty of the fact that he was already justified by faith that the righteousness of God had been imputed and reckoned to him it had happened 14 years ago but now he has given the seal 14 years later in the form of circumcision. [00:13:59]

Circumcision did not as it were do anything to Abraham as such it didn't change Abraham in any way at all all it did was to confirm to him something that had already happened all the meaning of circumcision was that Abraham himself might have all this made sure to him confirmed to him authenticated to him God gave him the sign for that reason. [00:14:48]

The tragedy of the Jews misunderstanding of the meaning of circumcision they completely misunderstood it and entirely reversed what God had intended it to do circumcision was given as a sign and a seal of the righteousness which is by faith they turned it into a means of being justified they did the exact opposite of what God intended. [00:25:47]

The promise to Abraham went well beyond it it really was that he should be the heir and his seed of the world and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ repeats it in one of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:5 blessed he says are the meek for they shall inherit the earth Earth Abram is to be the father of many nations and in him all the nations of the Earth are to be blessed. [00:36:11]

The promise to Abraham must therefore never be confined in our thinking to the Jews to the Natural Seed of Abraham that's a complete misunderstanding of this scripture and its Mighty argument we must never confine this promise to the Natural seed of Abram and to the land of Palestine no no it is a promise to the seed Christ Jesus and all who are in him. [00:43:23]

The Apostle says this in many other places let me give you one or two examples take one Corinthians chapter 6 for instance and the second verse 1 Corinthians 6:2 do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the world and the Saints are all believers and if the world shall be judged by you are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters know ye not that we shall judge Angels. [00:37:23]

The Apostle is defined and described as the father of all who believe he is as it were the outstanding example the first in this great succession that are defined in this way and manner throughout the scriptures very well then what we are told is that Abraham is the father of all believers all the children of Faith are Abraham's children. [00:19:16]

The Apostle has very good reason for repeating that phrase all along and of dragging it in every time he makes a statement the righteousness of the faith which he had been yet uncircumcised Our Father Abram the Faith of Our Father Abram which he had being yet uncircumcised oh yes it was then he had it and circumcision didn't give it him and circumcision doesn't give and baptism gives nothing except this ceiling. [00:49:33]

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Transcript
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