SERMON QUESTIONS

It is our deep conviction that the Bible is not just to be listened to (Deut. 6:4), but studied (2 Tim. 2:15), meditated upon (Ps 1:2), memorized (Ps. 119:11), and, ultimately, applied to our lives (James 1:22). Because of this, our Bible studies revolve around the study, meditation, memorization, and application of God’s inspired Word to our lives. Below are sermon questions that correspond to our Sunday morning teaching, so that we slow down and really take in what God is trying to tell us as a church Ohana. These questions will be discussed at our weekly Bible Studies.

For all answers, use Scripture to support your answer as best as possible.

  1. Read Romans 4:1–8

  2. What ministers to and/or convicts you in this passage?

  3. What is justification? What does “righteousness of God” mean? What does “righteousness” mean when applied to Christians?

  4. Why does justification by faith rule out boasting (see Romans 3:27–28; 4:2)? Why is boasting so contrary to the Christian life and our understanding of salvation (consider 1 Cor 1:30–31). What ways do you often boast about or are tempted to boast about? Or how are you trying to be confident in yourself before God?

  5. How does trying to work for right standing with God go against the very nature of “grace”? (See Romans 4:4–5; 11:6)

  6. Why is it important that Paul uses the word “count” (instead of “made”) when he speaks about man being counted righteous (verses 3, 5, 6)? How does the idea of “credit” help explain this?

  7. What does it mean that we are credited with Christ’s righteousness?

  8. How does being justified by God’s grace through faith help us to find rest in Jesus and rest from works?

    Practice

Meditate on the twofold reality of justification: your sins are not counted against you and God credits you with Christ’s righteousness

Meditation/Memory Verse(s)

“And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”

—Romans 4:5