Romans_4

ScriptureRomans 4:4 - Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.Observation - What does it say?In this letter to the church in Rome, the apostle Paul touches upon no less than 10 important theological themes.  It is a letter that reads more like an “elaborate theological essay” (NIV text note).  In this day of emails, texts, tweets and blogs, you might say the book is more of a live feed; systematic and thorough.  In chapter four Paul illustrates the principle of justification by faith.  And for good reason.  The critics are blasting him for being against the law and rejecting the law’s essential part in salvation.  And these so called experts in the law have already taken up their position ready for Paul’s arrival in Rome.  Even more reason to unpack his teaching on the role of faith in our salvation. Understanding - What does it mean?Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness Genesis 15:6In the classic style of “Which came first ... the chicken or the egg?” Paul takes the reader back to undisputed Jewish history; all the way back to the beginning.  Abraham had kept no law, rendered no service and performed no ritual that earned credit to his account before God (NIV text note).  It was his belief in the God who had made promises to him.  It was this action of belief that was credited to him as righteousness.  Then Paul turns to a more current illustration to make his point.  Current in Paul’s day and just as current today.  How would you feel if after a grueling work week the boss came up to you on payday and said, “Please accept this gift in appreciation for all your hard work.”  Pretty good until you open the envelope and find your payroll check.  Obviously, the boss is confused as to what constitutes a gift.  Simply put a wage is earned and thus an obligation while a gift is, well, a gift.  Repeat after me, “I have been saved by grace through faith – and this was none of my doing.  It is the gift of God and not by any works of my own.  I have no boast except in Christ.Life ApplicationIn today’s self absorbed environment it is tempting to rewrite Scripture and veg on my own self importance.  My resume of “good deeds,” not to mention the time I gave with my right hand and my left hand didn’t have a clue, is certainly enough capital to warrant justification, right?  Not a chance.  My right standing before God is predicated on His grace alone.  As the verse in “How Great Thou Are” so beautifully puts it, “I can scarcely take it in.”  Lord, keep us from the miry pit that is of salvation by works.  Especially as we share the Good News with those who are lost.  In Jesus Name.-Warren VivianTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.