Romans 4 Bible study guide: Abraham Trusted, and It Counted

Open with

Tell us about a time you had to trust someone without being able to see how things would work out.

Read together

Romans 4:1-12, then Romans 4:13-25. If you are leading, read the plain-words note on Romans 4 first (linked below).

Discussion questions

1. Verse 3 quotes Genesis: "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." What does "credited" suggest about how God accepts us?

2. In verses 4 and 5 Paul compares wages with a gift. Why do people find it easier to work for God's approval than to receive it as a gift?

3. Verse 7 says, "Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." What would it look like to really live as someone forgiven?

4. Paul points out that Abraham was counted righteous before he was circumcised (vv. 10 and 11). Why does it matter that faith came first?

5. Verse 18 says "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed." Where in your life right now does hope feel hard?

6. Verse 20 says Abraham "did not waver through unbelief." Yet the Genesis story shows Abraham had doubts and made mistakes. What does that tell you about the kind of faith God honours?

For our lives this week

Pick one worry you are carrying and name a promise of God that speaks to it. Like Abraham, choose to trust God with it this week.

Close in prayer

Thank God that he counts faith, not performance. Ask him to grow your trust when you can't see the way forward.

Leader tip

Some in your group may not know Abraham's story. Take two minutes to sum up Genesis 12, 15 and 21 before you start.