Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
– Romans 4:1-5
Devotion
Paul has clearly stated that man is a sinner. Then he reveals that God provides a righteousness for sinners, and justification by faith has been explained. Now he illustrates his point by using two examples from the Old Testament. In Paul’s day, Abraham and David were probably held in higher esteem by the nation Israel than any other two in the Old Testament. Abraham was the founder of the Hebrew race, and David was their greatest king. Paul uses these two patriarchs as illustrations to establish his doctrine of justification by faith. Paul will make the case that even under the Law and before the Law, faith was God’s sole requirement. Abraham, before the Law, was justified by faith. Paul is not presenting some strange new doctrine which cancels out the Old Testament and the Law of Moses. In verse three, Paul quotes Genesis 15:6, “And he believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” When Abraham believed (trusted) God, he did the one thing that a man can do without doing anything. God made the promise, and God would fulfill it. Abraham believed in his heart that God told the truth. There was no effort here. Abraham’s faith was not an act, but an attitude. His heart was turned completely away from himself to God and His promise. He simply believed God would accomplish what He had promised.
The Big Question
Do you take God at His word? Are you able to trust God in all things and leave the results up to Him? Are you a true son/daughter of Abraham?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.