Romans 14:21

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 14:21

“It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.” – Romans 14:21
n the first century Jews were accepting Christ and the work He did on the cross in droves.  The same can be said of the Gentiles.  However, because their former beliefs were not the same, they had different opinions as to what was acceptable and what was not.  That does not mean that either was wrong, but if they believed it was wrong, then it was wrong for them. There were several ideas in that time period that were most evident.  The first was what they could eat.  The Jews believed that only those foods that were declared clean by God were acceptable, everything else was not.  For instance, sheep were acceptable, but pigs were not.  Bass would be acceptable, but not eels.  “One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.” Romans 10:2. Another area in that day was when to worship.  “One person regards one day above another; another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.” Romans 14:5. One group, Jews, believed that the seventh day (Sabbath) was the day to observe in honor to God, others believed that all days, not necessarily the Sabbath only was acceptable. However, Paul sees it like this.  “He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.” Romans 14:6. As for eating, see what God tells Peter.  “But he became hungry and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; and he saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air.  A voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!  But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean. Again, a voice came to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” Acts 10:10-15.  Some things are not wise to eat, but nothing is unclean as declared by God.  And “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”  James 1:13. As you can see from this, the Jews had a different view of right and wrong regarding these two ideas. And many today have similar differences as to what is right and wrong in the Christian walk.  One is that some will not drink any alcohol because they believe it is evil, while others believe alcohol is ok as long as there is no drunkenness.  Another area is with clothing.  Some believe that men need to be dressed up in suit and tie to go to church, while others believe anything that is not provocative is acceptable, such as jeans and a nice shirt.  Both examples within the belief described are OK.  However, some have grown up believing a certain way and were taught it was unacceptable to drink even a drop of alcohol, or that any clothing considered casual should not be worn in church. However, Paul wrote to the Romans that whatever we do as unto the Lord, and we truly believe this, honors Him and that it is not declared explicitly in scripture as sin, then we should not judge our brother or sister.  However, we must not do what another believes is wrong in their presence.  For instance, with the alcohol issue, if someone believes any alcohol is wrong, then no alcohol should be served or consumed.  For in doing so, we might cause him to stumble by doing what he believes is wrong; or to judge another by declaring them a sinner.  “The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.” Romans 14:3. Or, in our example, the one who wears a suit is not to regard with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not wear a suit is not to judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.  What is important in this verse is as long what anyone does is not explicitly considered sin, such as theft, murder or deceit, and they are doing it to honor God, then we must accept it as good.  And we should not do anything in the presence of our brothers and sisters if they do not see it as acceptable, for this may cause them to fall. In closing, we must be careful how we judge the actions of another, for they may truly believe that their actions absolutely honor God, whether they abstain from something or practice something.  God knows what is in the hearts of men, we do not.  So, we must allow God to determine if what they do is acceptable or not.  If we attempt to do so, we may falsely judge them and end up in sin ourselves.  And that would not be a good thing. William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 14:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 14:1

“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.” – Romans 14:1 

One thing I have learned in my many years of being a Christian and sharing the word is that there are some who find it hard to give up old beliefs that they have followed for many, many years.  This is what Paul is referring to in this passage.  Let us look at verse 2 as an example.  “One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only.”.  Romans 14:2. What we see here is a difficulty in understanding that there are no such things as unclean foods within the Christian belief system that matches the Jewish Mosaic law.  This does not mean that the belief either way is wrong.  What it does show is that both are trying to do the right thing.

Paul addressed this well in verse 3.  “The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.” Romans 14:3. As long as neither is sinful within the Christian framework, then there should be no arguing regarding doctrine.  If you choose only to eat vegetables, then that is ok.  If you choose to eat goat meat, then that is fine too.  Neither side is sinning by their choice.  The point Paul makes here is found a couple verses down.  “He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God.” Romans 14:6. If you are thanking God for the food and giving Him the honor and glory, then that is what counts.  We are not to judge one another in these areas. But do not put a stumbling block in his way as well.  In other words, do not do what another deems sinful in their presence.

This is done so that the ‘weaker’ person, the one who is not as learned in this walk and has beliefs that they find difficult to give up, will not see you sinning, as he sees it, and condemn you either openly or in his mind.  As he says starting in verse 16, “Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:16-17.  For God approves and I believe delights in this behavior.

Therefore, when you come across someone who finds your actions as disobedience or sin, which in actuality is not in the Christian belief system, go ahead and abstain in his presence.  “So, we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Romans 14:19. Why have division and conflict when it can be easily averted?  Is an action or behavior more important than unity of the brethren?  I would say no.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 13:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 13:1

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” – Romans 13:1

We are called to obey civil governing authorities.  The reason is that God has established them in their positions.  Not that He has determined how they are to act or require of us, but that He has placed the leaders in their positions.  Note what it says in Daniel. “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.” Daniel 2:21.  God is very clear here.  He is the one who establishes leaders in their positions, and He is the one that removes leaders from their positions.  When we look at the world today, it is hard for us to see this clearly.  I have asked the question, “Why this man?”  However, it is important that we obey ‘where we can’.

I say, ‘where we can’ because there are times when government requires us to do things that are against God’s will.  Let’s look at a few times we see this in scriptures.  In Acts 4, we see where Peter and John are arrested by the Jewish leadership because they were “teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.”  Acts 4:2b.  This was definitely against the Jewish leadership, however, they continued teaching.  When the leadership chose to let them go, they warned them not to teach this anymore.  “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 4:18. However, Peter challenged them as follows, “But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20. They asked them a rhetorical question; whether they should obey them or God.  However, they said that their opinion was not important, for they were going to teach of Jesus as the Son of God.  Remember what Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.  They were obeying God rather than the Jewish leadership.

Now, one chapter later, we see the apostles still teaching the message of Christ.  Therefore, they arrested and brought Peter and the other apostles to a public prison.  During the night, an angel of the Lord came, opened the gates of the prison and set them loose, saying, “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.”  Acts 5:20.  When morning came the high priest  and his associates called the council together and ordered the apostles to them.  When the guard did not find them in the prison, they reported back to the council that they were not there.  Then someone told them the apostles were in front of the temple teaching the people.  The captain of the temple brought them back with no violence.  Once there, the high priest said to them, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” Acts 5:28.   “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”  Acts 5:29.

As per the focus verse, we are to obey the civil authorities who are over us.  “For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  Romans 13:3-4.  They have the authority to punish those whoever break the laws.  However, if the choice is in front of us to either obey the authorities or obey God, we must obey God.  And, if obeying the authorities does not disobey God, then we must obey the governmental authority.  For in so doing we are obeying God as well.  The key here is to obey God at all times.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 8:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 8:1

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1

In Genesis 3 Adam and Eve sinned causing all of mankind to be under the curse.  “Therefore, just as through one-man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned”.  Romans 5:12. Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, death came into the world.  But even more important in my thoughts, perfection was lost, for sin was passed on from generation to generation.  Man could not address this problem himself, for the solution was the shedding of the blood of an innocent, perfect man, who would have the sins of all imputed to him, thus paying the penalty for us.  Also, we would be justified, declared righteous, if we choose to accept this work done by Jesus.

This is what happened.  Man, himself could not do it, for no man was innocent, without sin.  Therefore, God had to come down himself and die for us.  And He did, through the second person of the trinity, Jesus the Christ.  Peter says the following when describing his calling, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24.  Because of the death Jesus died for us, we are justified by our faith in His work.  “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2

I know this is understood by all who are Christians.  However, do we rejoice because of this?  This is the most incredible picture of love ever exhibited in this world.  We were condemned and bound for eternal punishment because of our sin, and there was nothing we could do.  So, God did it for us.  He spent over thirty years here on earth living an absolutely perfect life, ending in dying a horrendous death to pay the penalty for our sins.  Do we show our appreciation for this as we should?  As I said above, we were condemned, but now the condemnation has been done away with for us who are truly saved by faith in the work of Christ.

We must rejoice with everything we have, for we are reconciled with God and we now have access to Him.  “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”  Romans 5:10-11.  Never let this work of Christ be minimized at any cost. Be mindful of it at all times, for without this work, we have no hope, but through this work we have absolute hope, for our sins are forgiven and we are now children of God.  “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”  Luke 2:14. William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Matthew 5:44

Verse of the Day Devotion: Matthew 5:44

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ” – Matthew 5:44

As Christians, we are called to love everyone, just as Christ did when He was down here.  Of course, we are called to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  John 13:34.  He commands us to love each other.  We are all one in the body of Christ.  There should be no enmity between us, but we should be compassionate with each other.  In fact, we should see others as better than ourselves.  “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;“  Philippians 2:3

Also, we are to love the lost.  We do this by showing them the love of Christ, and the way to salvation.  This is why we are here.  To reach out to all who are lost and guide them to Christ.  He does not want anyone to remain unsaved but wants all to come to salvation.  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

However, there is one area that is most difficult, but is no less important.  And this involves our focus verse.  We are to love our enemies.  We are to love all who treat us badly.  Paul put it very clearly.  “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20.  So, we are to meet every need they have as well, with compassion.  However, what does it mean to heap burning coals on his head?  Sounds like a bad idea, however, this is a true blessing as well.  Note these verses in proverbs.  “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you.”  Proverbs 25:21-22.  Notice the similarity of the verses.  No doubt Paul was quoting this verse.

Also notice though that heaping hot coals on the head was a blessing back then; note “and the Lord will reward you”.  When Proverbs was written, people heated their homes and cooked with fire. But sometimes, a person’s fire would go out during the night, and before they could cook their breakfast, they had to go to a neighbor’s house to get a coal so they could relight their fire.  Proverbs 25:22 teaches that if the fire of your enemy goes out, and they come asking for a coal to relight their fire, instead of turning them away or giving just one, we should be extravagantly generous. How? By us giving our enemy so many burning coals they must carry them the way burdens were carried in the Middle East: in a container on the head. Then they can go back and immediately bake their bread without having to wait for the wood to become suitable coals for cooking.  A much different way of looking at the heaping hot coals verses.  This is the love we should have for our enemies.

As the focus verse says, we are to love our enemies and pray for them.  We are also to meet their needs the same as we meet the needs of our brethren.  By doing so, it gives us the opportunity to share the love of Christ through words, and by deeds where they will see our light shine into their darkness, and it may turn an enemy into a true friend.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 12:9

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 12:9

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9

Paul here moves to a more practical look at our Christian walk; in this verse dealing with love and goodness.  First, he addresses love, urging that his followers ensure their love is real and not just surface level.  It needs to be unfeigned, both sincere and not hypocritical.  It should go beyond the words we say and have its source be the very depths of our hearts.  Too many people wear a mask that covers their true feelings; those being mostly indifference.  This is not the love we are to have.  It must be genuine.  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  John 13:34.  What kind of love is this?  A love that is real and pure and sacrificial.  He loved us so much that He was willing to die one of the most horrible deaths imaginable that we could be reconciled with the Father.  Is this the kind of love we have?  Would we be willing to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ?  Is keeping what we have more important than meeting a need another has?  We must all answer this question for ourselves, with complete and total honesty.  If we find we come up short, we must pray and ask God to give us this kind of love.  This will show the world that your Christian walk is very real.  “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35.

The other thing Paul mentions here is that we must look for and do that which is good.  This entails not only clinging to what is good but abhorring what is evil.  We must hate sin as much as Jesus did.  This hatred, when looked at in the context of this verse I believe focuses on malice and unkindness rather than evil in general, however, we are to absolutely hate that as well.  We should not speak ill of anyone, but our thoughts should be of love and our desire to help them grow in the faith.  He is exhorting us to show genuine love to others so that through this they will be encouraged to do the same.

As for the good, we should cling to it in a way we will not let go.  This word has the idea of ‘gluing’, that we will have no excuse but to hold firmly to it.  We should never depart from it at any cost.  This goodness also has the idea of how we treat others.  “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32.  This is a great picture of love.

This can be very difficult in this world today.  However, submit to the Holy Spirit and let Him give you the strength to love like this.  For this is how He loves us. William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 10:3

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 10:3

“For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” – Romans 10:3          

Paul is writing here to the Church in Rome, and he starts off here by declaring his love for the Jews.  “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.”  Romans 10:1-2 Paul very much desires that every Jew would be saved.  This is not the first time he states this.  “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,” Romans 9:1-3 Here, Paul shows how badly he wants this to happen.  He states that if it was possible, he would wish himself cursed if that would bring them to salvation.

Paul states in verse 2 of chapter 10 that the Jews do have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  What does Paul mean by this?  It most likely means that they had a passion for God, but they did not recognize Christ as the Messiah.  They rejected Jesus as the promised one even though the Old Testament is full of prophesies regarding His coming.  They studied and followed the Levitical law; however, they never really knew God nor Christ as they should have.  They assumed that strictly following the law was what God desired.  However, if they had truly understood, they would not have relied on the law but in the coming Messiah.  “But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. Isaiah was speaking here of the coming Messiah.  He did not say the law saved them, it was the Messiah suffering and dying that brought about their salvation.

Since they did not understand this they relied on their own righteousness.  They endeavored to confirm or validate their own righteousness and make it the means by which they were justified; to make good their own claims to eternal life by their own merits.  They did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah because He did not act as they believed this Messiah would act, even though He fulfilled every prophesy about Him.  They thought they had perfect knowledge about God and this coming Messiah, but they really did not, and thus they took the path of the focus verse, “For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:3

This is why it is so important that we read and study His word, so we know exactly what it is saying.  I have seen many church goers who speak of doing what the Bible says when they really do not understand what it is actually saying.  And it is even more important when we are teaching others. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.  It is important that we read and be diligent, not haphazardly reading when we get a chance, but focusing on truly understanding.  The Jewish leadership unfortunately did not get it, let’s not follow in their footsteps.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 8:18

Verse of the Day Devotion: Romans 8:18

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18   

I am sure that we all suffer or have suffered to some degree due to our Christianity. We may not have to endure what the apostles or those Christians today who live in countries that are hostile to the Christian faith.  However, we will no doubt experience persecution for our faith in Christ.  Paul put it this way in his second letter to Timothy. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12.

Christian persecution in this country is growing fast.  In fact, many Christian organizations are persecuted by those who disagree with them regarding their faith.  There are colleges and universities that do not allow Christian organizations to have meetings on campus, however, it is OK for anti-Christian groups to meet regularly.  A law school in New York required students to work with a law firm over the summer, however, law firms that held firm to Christian beliefs were not acceptable and several students who selected them were forced to find another firm to work with.  In Canada, it is illegal to talk or give a speech or sermon that states homosexuality or transgenderism is an abomination, in fact, there are heavy fines and possible jail time for those who do.  The same idea is being talked about by the democratic presidential candidates, in fact, one has said if he becomes president, if they do not declare LGBTQ acceptable to God, a church may lose its tax-exempt status.

What is interesting is that no other religion is being spoken of in this way.  Even Islam, which kills those who practice homosexuality are not being targeted.  This, to me, makes it pretty clear that Christianity is under attack and ultimately Christians.  Abortion is another issue that causes people to hate Christians.  Many believe that the murdering of an unborn child is not only acceptable, but also pleasing to God.

There are many groups forming here and all over that will attack and punish those who do not agree with them, and this definitely includes those who live out and speak out about their Christian faith when it comes to LGBTQ, abortion, or any other issues in which the disagree with us.

We must understand this will occur, and we must stand strong and not compromise when it does.  In so doing, we will show our love for God in standing up against evil.  James put it like this.  “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. James 1:12. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 And this hope is looking forward to the day when He returns and delivers us from this world.

As our focus verse says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18. Times like this are hard, but they are nothing compared to our new life, which is an eternal one.  So, look at these trials and tribulations as of no consequence, in fact, pray for those who perpetrate them on you.  Their future, if nothing changes, will be eternal torment.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:43-48.  Remember, Jesus while on the cross prayed that those who put Him on the cross be forgiven for they know not what they do.  Many who persecute Christians really do not understand the reality they truly live in.  We need to present the truth when we can and pray always for them to come to the knowledge of the truth.  Who knows what changes this will bring about in their lives.  They may even give their lives to Christ as we have.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Romans 8:28-29

Verse of the Day: Romans 8:38-39

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
This is an absolutely beautiful passage.  Paul is very clear that there is absolutely nothing that can cause God to stop loving us who are members of the Body of Christ, his should give us immense peace.  Because of His love, He will always be with us, helping us through all of our trials and troubling times.  And you can trust this, because He said I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You can trust God to bring you through everything you go through.  If hard times come, remember He is with you.  And He will always be with you.  This is His promise to you, and one thing we know for sure, He always keeps His promises.

Romans 4:2

Verse of the Day Devotion.  Romans 4:2

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.” – Romans 4:2     

There are many today who believe that if they are good enough they can attain salvation, therefore they do many good works thinking that if they do enough they will earn salvation. However, this is not the case. We see this in the writings of Paul where he said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10. Now the Jews in the first century Church struggled with this idea. Therefore, Paul spent a lot of time trying to get this point across. But we see he also had to address the false idea that due to this, they did not need to obey the law if they had faith. And he addressed this in the last verse of the prior chapter. “Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” Romans 3:31. Paul then clearly lays out how this all works.

He starts by mentioning Abraham their forefather. “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?” Romans 4:1. This was essentially an objection of the Jews. ‘How does your doctrine of justification by faith agree with what the Scriptures say of Abraham? Was the Law set aside in his case? Did he derive no advantage in justification from the rite of circumcision, and from the covenant which God made with him?’ Paul starts by countering this idea. In our focus verse we read, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.” Romans 4:2. The Jews of Jesus’ day considered Abraham the primary example of justification by works. The apostle James could ask without fear of rebuttal, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?” James 2:21. So the claim that God accepts people on the basis of personal trust rather than adherence to the law seems to run counter to the principle in force with Abraham. Therefore, it can be seen how the Jews would believe this way.

However, Paul then shows them that this was not the case. “For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3. We find this in the Book of Genesis. “And Abram said, Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him: This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir. And he brought him outside and said, Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. Then he said to him, So shall your offspring be. And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:3-6. As we see in this passage, because Abraham believed what God told him regarding his offspring, God counted his faith as righteousness. And Paul uses this to teach the Jews the truth. “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,” Romans 4:4-5. Paul proceeds to contrast the way of works with the way of grace. When one works, his wage is his as a right; it belongs to him. It is not a free gift. Whereas grace is a free gift. And then Paul refers to David. “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:5-8. As we see here, as Abraham’s faith and not his works, was credited to him as righteousness, so is our faith credited to us as righteousness. A system of works seeks to put God in debt to us, making God owe us His favor because of our good behavior. In works-thinking, God owes us salvation or blessing because of our good works. But this is not the way it works. “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:21-23.

We have all sinned, some more than others, but we all have sin that negates our righteousness. No  amount of good works will take this unrighteousness away. Only the grace of God can, and this through our faith in God in the substitutionary death on the cross. We must understand that only perfection will save us. And if we are not perfect, we need a perfect one to pay the penalty for us, and this is Jesus. There is nothing we can do to gain salvation and no amount of good works can erase our sins. We must completely place our trust in Him by accepting His work on the cross, where He died for us and thus paid our penalty. We are not worthy of salvation by doing good works, but we should do good works because we believe and thus He deems us worthy through the grace He gives to us. Let us not forget this, and then tell the world of this love and grace. And this is a good work indeed.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.