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RomansPaul’s Exposition of

“Salvation by Grace Through Faith”

Lesson 7aIII. God’s Righteousness: Given Through

FaithRomans 3:21 - 4:25

Page 45

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From the last lesson...

B. Abraham, the great example of righteousness by faith

1. Justified by faith, not works;2. David confirms this conclusion;

Now, Paul shows that:3. Circumcision not connected to righteousness

(9-12)4. Keeping the law not connected to

righteousness (13-15)

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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3. Circumcision not connected to righteousness (9-12)

a. We [Jews and Gentiles] all agree that Abraham attained righteousness apart from perfect obedience to law (9)

b. When did this happen? Before or after his circumcision? (10)

c. Answer: Not while circumcised but while uncircumcised (10)

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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3. Circumcision not connected to righteousness (9-12) (continued)

d. It happened when Abraham believed that he would have children (to become the father of all who believe) (11) (See Gen. 12:7)

e. His circumcision was a seal of the righteousness that he already had by faith (11)

f. His circumcision was a sign that he was in covenant relationship with God

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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3. Circumcision not connected to righteousness (9-12) (continued)

g. His faith was well before it was said that “he believed in the Lord” in Gen. 15:6 which was before he was told to be circumcised in Gen. 17:10 (12)

h. Circumcision and righteousness were two different things

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

254. Keeping the law not connected to

righteousness (13-15)a. It was not Abraham’s physical “seed” who would

inherit the world (13)b. This promise of the world is fulfilled in his

spiritual seed (righteousness of faith) (13)c. Law never provides forgiveness for those who

violate its terms; it brings wrath (punishment) (15)

d. If blessing were received by the Law, faith would be irrelevant and promises of no effect (14)

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End of Lesson 7a

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RomansPaul’s Exposition of

“Salvation by Grace Through Faith”

Lesson 7bIII. God’s Righteousness: Given Through

FaithRomans 3:21 - 4:25

Page 49

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Today’s lesson...

B. Abraham, the great example of righteousness by faith

5. Abraham received promises by faith;6. His example assures those who imitate his

faith.

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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5. Abraham received promises by faith (16-22)

a. The blessing of God’s grace is through faith and it is for all of Abraham’s seed (16) Those who were of the law Those who are of the faith of Abraham

b. Abraham believed that God could give life to the “dead” in child-bearing (17, 19)

c. He believed that God made everything from nothing, from things that did not exists (17)

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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5. Abraham received promises by faith (16-22)(continued)

d. Believing in God’s promise gave him hope even though their physical condition did not (18)

e. Abraham had to decide: Believe God Believe nature “He did not consider his own body” (19)

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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5. Abraham received promises by faith (16-22)(continued)

f. Abraham’s faith did not waver but grew stronger (20)

g. He gave God the glory (20)h. He was convinced that God would perform

that which He had promised him (21)i. Abraham’s great faith was accounted to him

for righteousness (22) (repeated from verses 3 & 9)

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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6. His example assures those who imitate his faith (23-25)

a. It was for the sake of glorifying Abraham that Moses first wrote about his example of “perfect” faith (James 2:22)

b. The Scriptures give attention to Abraham’s faith to benefit “us” (24,25)

c. God raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead (24)

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B. Abraham, the Great Example of Righteousness By Faith Romans 4:1-

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6. His example assures those who imitate his faith (23-25) (continued)

d. He was delivered up because of our offenses (25)

e. He was raised because of our justification (25)

f. God will judge us to be righteous exactly as he imputed righteousness to Abraham (23-25)

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End of Lesson 7b