17As it is written: ˝I have m...

17As 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 into being things that were not. - P61

Paul answers the question of whether the blessing of righteousness is onlyfor the circumcised. He explains that Abraham‘s faith was credited to him asrighteousness before he was circumcised. Therefore, he is the father of all whobelieve, both circumcised and uncircumcised. The promise comes by faith sothat salvation may be by grace and guaranteed to all of Abraham‘s offspring. - P61

Abraham was called righteous by faith before he was circumcised, and he later received circumcision as a sign of that righteousness. In this way, he became the father of both the circumcised and the uncircumcised—solely on the basis of faith. This has been God’s plan from the beginning: to extend His blessing to all who believe in Him. Therefore, there is no room for boasting before God—not even for Abraham or David. - P62

Likewise, no matter how long we have been Christians or how much we have served in the church, there is no place for pride or discrimination. Instead, we are called to humbly walk in unity with those who share the same faith, extending grace to one another along the way. - P62

Paul also uses the example of Abraham to speak about promises that comeby faith. God promised that Abraham would become a great nation and bea blessing to all the peoples of the earth, and He promised that Abraham‘sdescendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham believedGod, and in the end, God‘s promise waswas fulfilled.  - P62

Now, a way has beenopened for all people to receive the benefits of God‘s promise as descendantsof Abraham through the same faith that he had. This is God‘s grace: thatwe may receive His promise by faith and become heirs of His blessing. Maywe remember this and continue to live in the blessedness of the promisethat comes by faith. - P62

Dear God, thank you for the grace of becoming an heir of Your abundant blessings. Help me to respond in faith in every moment of my life and to live in harmony with others who share the same faith for the work of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P63

God‘s grace urges me to choose what pleases Him. It pushes me beyondmy comfort zone to reach those who have not yet experienced this grace. Itcompels me to surrender my ambitions and humbly obey His will. God‘sgrace made it possible for Jewish and Gentile Christians to accept one an-other in love, and it continues to enable us to love, forgive, and accomplishwhat our sinful nature resists not because it is always easy, but because - P63

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