1What then shall we say that ...

1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?

2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.

3What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

4Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.

- P56

5However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

7"Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

8Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them."

- P57

Paul uses the example of Abraham to discuss justification by faith and its relationship to works and righteousness. This can be a risky move since the Jews regard Abraham as the father of the circumcised and a model of obedience. However, Paul explains that a person is not justified by their works; even Abraham is credited with righteousness because of his belief in God, not his works. - P58

The one who trusts in God and places their faith in Him is credited with righteousness. Sometimes, we fall into a pattern of striving for righteousness through our works; we think we can earn righteousness by what we do. However, - P58

Paul reminds us of the power of faith: The righteous are those who place their trust in Jesus. - P58

Paul offers another biblical example of an important and influential figureto the Jewish people David. In the Psalms, David declares that the onewhose sins are forgiven by God is truly blessed. The Lord does not countDavid‘s many sins against him. David can be declared righteous despite histransgressions because he humbled himself and repented of his sin. This isan encouraging word for those who struggle with the idea that they couldever be declared righteous by God.  - P58

We can rejoice in the knowledge thatthose who humble themselves and truly repent before God can receivethe blessing of forgiveness and know that the Lord will not hold their sinsagainst them. - P58

"Faith‘s exclusive function is humbly to receive what grace offers."- John Stott - P58

Dear God, thank you for the examples of Abraham and David that show me the power of faith and the grace of Your forgiveness. When I struggle, remind me that righteousness is not earned and that You will not hold my sins against me. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P59

 As I learnmore through Scripture, aiming to be a faithful steward of God‘s Word, Isee that God has already given us everything we need in the Bible. Our partis to stay committed to reading it daily and seeking to understand it well. - P59

22This righteousness is given...

22This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

25God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
- P52

The laws of God ultimately point us to Jesus, who fully embodies the glory of God. Despite humanity’s sinfulness, God held back His judgment so that Christ could offer redemption through His sinless life. His sacrifice did not negate the Law but restored what humans alone could not achieve. - P54

The Law cannot make us righteous, but it helps us recognize the depth of our sin for which only God can atone, making the righteousness we now receive from Him all the more meaningful. - P54

Paul tells us to have faith in Christ because we can trust a God who is able to bestow righteousness apart from the Law in a fully gracious manner. In this way, Jesus stands at the center of our salvation, revealing both His justice and grace in full measure. - P54

Gracious God, thank you for Your loving commands. Help me to center Christ in my life so that I may follow Your laws with joy and compassion. Help me to share Your love through my actions, and may You be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P55

Paul explains that the righteousness of God has been made known apart fromthe Law. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all whobelieve. All have sinned and fall short of God‘s glory and are justified freely byHis grace. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement to demonstrateHis righteousness and justice. - P53

Paul does not dismiss the Law but redefines its role in our lives. Christiansdo not follow God‘s Law out of obligation or to earn salvation. We upholdGod‘s Law as an extension of our faith and trust in God.  - P54

The Law is a wayto live out our faith. We do not boast in our achievement of following God‘slaws. Instead, our actions celebrate Christ who made our righteousnesspossible.  - P54

His commands are not burdensomethrough which we can express our newfound;ause they are an avenuein Christ. The Lawis not a means of achieving righteousness through works; it shows what itlooks like for God‘s people made righteous by Jesus to live out their faiththrough God‘s grace, - P54

10As it is written: ˝There is...

10As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;

11there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

12All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."

- P48

20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. - P49

Paul states that Jews and Gentiles alike are under the power of sin. He quotesScripture to show that no one is righteous, no one understands, and no oneseeks God. All people‘s words and actions are corrupt. The Law speaks tothose under it so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world isheld accountable to God. - P49

The Law reveals that no one is declared righteous based on status or heri-tage. Although the Jewish people have access to God‘s Law, following theLaw is not sufficient to absolve them of their sins. Paul reinforces his mes-sage by quoting Scripture, showing that the message of human sinfulnesshas been communicated by God from the very beginning.  - P50

Scripture actsas a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and insufficiency and our desperateneed for God.  - P50

The Bible offers us wisdom on morality and ethics, but itsprimary purpose is not about giving us rules to follow. God‘s Word helpsus recognize why we need Him to rescue us from sin.  - P50

We are humbled andstripped away of our illusions of self-sufficiency as we realize that salvationcannot be earned; it is received. - P50

Dear Jesus, thank you for making us right with God when we put our faith inYou.  - P51

Help us to keep depending on You every day. In Your name, amen. - P51

4Not at all! Let God be true,...

4Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."

5But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) - P42

Paul expounds on the advantages of being a Jew and the value of circum-cision. He says that God‘s faithfulness is not invalidated by human unfaith-fulness. Some argue that since human unrighteousness accentuates God‘srighteousness, God should not condemn anyone. However, Paul rejects theidea that the Lord is unjust in bringing wrath upon sinners - P43

Some of Paul’s readers may question the value of Jewish heritage when God saves everyone by grace through faith, but Paul explains that the Jews have the blessing of having been entrusted with the very words of God. As we see in the Old Testament, the Jews were God’s chosen people, and they were also the first group to receive the gospel message. Although some may have been unfaithful, this does not nullify God’s faithfulness. This is an encouragement to us. - P44

We should remain faithful to God, but even if we fail, we can trust that God will remain faithful to us. His love does not waver or change, and He will fulfill every one of the promises He has made. - P44

In these verses, Paul addresses the mistaken claim that the more sin Godforgives, the more appealing and amazing it makes His forgiveness appear,
as though sin actually serves a good purpose. This is obviously not true!
This way of thinking abuses God‘s free gift of grace and takes advantage ofHis mercy.
God‘s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, not more sin.
- P44

When we realize the extent of God‘s mercy and His willingness to forgive usas we fall far short of His perfect holiness, we should respond with gratitudeand surrender, remembering that we were rescued from death and adoptedinto His family. He gave us His life, and we dedicate ours to Him. Whatwonderful truth!
- P44

Dear God, You have been merciful, patient, and faithful to Your people. - P45

I recognize that the grace and mercy You show me are undeserved, and I accept them freely as gifts that I could never repay. - P45

Help me to never take Your kindness for granted. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P45

God converses with us primarily through His words in Scripture.
We can also use His words to respond to Him.
Use the following guide to pray through this week‘s memory verse.
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is byfaith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
- Romans 1:17 - P45

21you, then, who teach others...

21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

23You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

24As it is written: "God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
- P38

28A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.

29No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

- P39

Paul addresses those who call themselves Jews and rely on the Law. Thoughthey teach others, they break the Law themselves, which leads to Gentilesblaspheming God‘s name. What really matters is not being a Jew outwardlyor circumcision as an outward sign but the circumcision of the heart by theSpirit. A person circumcised in heart will receive praise from God. - P39

Some of God’s people take pride in knowing His Law and boast about their special relationship with Him, but they dishonor Him with their hypocrisy. They teach and preach about the Law, but they break the Law themselves. We may know Scripture very well. We may even be able to preach or teach it. - P40

However, if we do not obey God’s Word, then we are blaspheming His name. We are not representing Christ. Let us remember what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross and not only know what God commands but also obey it. - P40

May we seek to both know God’s will and follow it so that we q1might bring honor and glory to Him. - P40

For the Jews, the ritual of circumcision demonstrates that they are God‘schosen people. However, as many Gentiles become Christians, they donot show their dedication through circumcision; they demonstrate theirfaithfulness to God by obeying His commands. Those who faithfully obeyGod become better representatives of His people than those who may becircumcised physically and know the Law but fail to obey it.  - P40

Sometimes, weare overly concerned with outward appearances, acting out of spiritual prideso that we might receive the praises of people. However, the true follower ofGod is one who has accepted the circumcision of the heart by committingthemselves entirely to Him. Instead of following religious traditions with asense of pride, we can humbly dedicate our lives to God. - P40

Heavenly Father, I confess that I sometimes care too much about the praises of other people when all I really need is You. Keep my heart from becoming prideful. Make me humble, and remind me of how desperately I need You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen - P41

The people were very proud oftheir spiritual heritage as nearly everyone considered themselves a memberof the state-sponsored church. They knew about Jesus, but they did notwant to hear about sin or their need for forgiveness; they felt that they weremorally good enough.
We can easily build such walls ourselves if we are not careful. Spiritual prideis a dangerous form of sin because it can so easily take root in a devotedcheart and grow like a cancer, twisting and deforming our perspective, re-orienting our confidence away from Jesus and toward ourselves. Instead ofrecognizing our need for Christ, we begin to place our confidence in thegood deeds we do or the religious traditions we follow - P41