Romans 4:1-3
Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
Abraham
It is very difficult for us in modern day North American culture to appreciate the importance of Abraham to Jewish people. He is one of the most significant and important people in history. He is considered the Father of all Jews.
By using Abraham as an example in this passage, Paul is making a significant statement. His First Century readers would have read these words over a number of times. Abraham’s righteousness was not based on his own works, but on faith in God. If it’s true for Abraham, then it must be true for every person who followed him. In other words, it must be true for everyone. It is so key for the early church to grab ahold of this point: it is through faith in Christ that we are set free from the burden of sin. Not in anything we do. It is still so important for us to let that truth penetrate the very deepest parts of our hearts today.
How do you know when you have finally grasped this truth? Your attitude changes. Suddenly, avoiding sin isn’t motivated by the fear of breaking God’s Law. Instead, avoiding sin is motivated by a desire to please God. We know that when we disobey him, we break his heart. Our motivation is to do all that he desires of us so that we might be the person that he has designed us to be.
I often hear people say, “I’m sure God is pissed at me. I do a lot of bad things.” That way of thinking stems out of a focus on the Law. A focus on grace, and a faith in Christ, would cause someone to comment, “I know my choices have broken God’s heart. After all he’s done for me, and because of the incredible love he has for me, I don’t want to break his heart again.”
Do you see the difference?
My prayer: Lord, you have done so much for me. Your heart overflows with a love for me and a desire to see me live my life to the fullest. To fulfill my purpose and achieve greatness in your eyes. I choose to follow your plan not out of a fear of punishment, but out of a desire to please you. I love to honour you because of all you’ve done for me. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
