Romans 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Romans 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul asks what Abraham found regarding justification. He asserts that if Abraham was justified by works, he could boast, but not before God. Scripture states, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness' (v.

Key verse

“For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Romans 4:3 (WEB)

Outline

Romans 4:1–3 Abraham's Justification by Faith
Romans 4:4–8 Grace Versus Works
Romans 4:9–12 The Nature of Blessing
Romans 4:13–16 Promise to Abraham
Romans 4:17–22 Faith and Assurance
Romans 4:23–25 Righteousness for All Believers

Discussion questions

In v3, what does the Scripture say about Abraham's faith in God?
What blessing does David pronounce in vv. 7-8 regarding iniquities?
In v10, when was Abraham counted as righteous, during circumcision or uncircumcision?
In v14, why does Paul argue that if those of the law are heirs, faith is made void?
When have you experienced doubt about a promise, similar to Abraham's situation in v19?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Romans 4: Galatians 3, Genesis 15, Romans 8.

Before next time: read Romans 5.