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My thoughts on each verse
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Discussion questions
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Romans 4:1-3
Paul is desperate to communicate that justification can only happen through faith. It absolutely cannot happen by works. To communicate this, Paul goes back to Abraham, someone everyone honored and respected. If anyone could earn their salvation through works, it would be Abraham. However, Genesis 15:6 states that Abraham’s righteousness came from his believing in God.
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Romans 4:2
- What are ways we can let the Holy Spirit do His work of humbling us daily?
God Credits Faith as Righteousness
[Piper 4:1-5] 
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Romans 4:4-5
Abraham didn’t earn his righteousness through works. Paul again wants to be clear on this. Any suggestion of adding to Christ’s work on the cross takes away from Christ’s gift.
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Romans 4:4-5
- If we are credited as righteous for our trust and not our works, what does a life of trusting look like?
- What looks different in a life of trusting verses a life of working?
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Romans 4:6-8
In this Psalm, the psalmist’s only action to enter the state of blessedness was confession, and receiving God’s forgiveness. It is again, an action of God, not man.
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Romans 4:6-9
- What are examples of these blessings?
- How have you experienced these blessings of righteousness?
When the Lord Does Not Take Account of Sin
[Piper 4:6-8]
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Romans 4:9-10
Another point Paul wants to make clear is that outward expression (circumcision) does not determine anything regarding righteousness. Hypocrites are flawless on the outside.
Romans 4:11-12
These verses talk about the Christian’s adoption into the family of God. Abraham received righteousness before he was circumcised. This is a huge nuance for a group of people who believed righteousness came by circumcision. How could you say “one must be circumcised in order to be righteous,” when the patriarch was righteous before he was circumcised? Then in verse 12, it says Abraham was the father of those who had circumcision and faith. It is not that Abraham was the father of people with either faith or circumcision, but those with both.
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Romans 4:10-11
- What works do contemporary Christians face to be considered righteous to man?
- How has something beyond trusting crept into your life?
- What can you do to trust fully on Christ?
How Do Circumcision and Baptism Correspond?
[Piper 4:9-12]
Why Does it Matter Which Came First: Circumcision or Justification?
[Piper 4:9-12]
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Romans 4:13-15
These three verses basically say, “not by the law”, the next one say, “by faith”. It says if Abraham acquired righteousness through observing the law, than faith would mean nothing. I don’t fully understand the last phrase on the sentence “because law brings wrath” unless it means no one can fulfill it. The last sentence of this paragraph makes sense on a simplistic level, but does it also speak to the question of people dying before they have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel?
Romans 4:16
This is the responding verse to the three previous. The promise comes by faith. This is important because now it can be given to everyone regardless of their heritage or inability to fulfill the law. We get a glimpse of the new Israel where Abraham is the father of Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles.
Romans 4:17
Paul then restates the promise. Faith allows people from other nations to be apart of the family. God can do it.
Romans 4:18
God took all the glory for this pregnancy because it was against all human reason. Abraham’s faith was displayed here, trusting God’s promise over human logic. Paul doesn’t mention anything about Ishmael. This seemed like a breakdown in Abraham’s faith, however, Ishmael only shows God’s desire to use imperfect vessels of clay to carry out His will.
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Romans 4:13
- What has God promised you when you live by works?
- What has God promised you when you live by faith?
Inheriting the World Depends on Faith, not Law
[Piper 4:13-15]
The Children of Abraham Are Heirs of the World
[Piper 4:13-15]
Faith: In Hope, Against Hope, For the Glory of God
[Piper 4:16-21]
The Faith - Grace - Certainty Connection
[Piper 4:16-21]
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Romans 4:19-22
Going against all reason, Abraham did not have the slightest weakening of his faith. He knew God would do what He promised. This faith was credited as righteousness.
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Romans 4:19-21
- What crazy things has God promised that you still trust Him to provide?
- Are there attacks to your faith that God will provide what He promised?
Battling Unbelief at Bethlehem
[Piper 4:20]
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Romans 4:23-25
God’s crediting Abraham with righteousness because of his strong faith was for Abraham and us. It is incredible to think the scriptures written so long ago were penned with us in mind. Paul then summarizes Who we believe in and what He did.
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Romans 4:23-25
- Why does Paul put a summary of the Gospel here?
Faith and the Imputation of Righteousness
[Piper 4:22-25]
The Purpose and Perseverance of Faith
[Piper 4:22-25]
Why Was Jesus Put to Death and Raised Again?
[Piper 4:22-25]
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