Romans Chapter 4 Bible Study for Women

Romans Chapter 4 Commentary and a 1 Day Bible Study Plan for Women 

Theme: Justification by Faith Alone — Apart From Works, Law, or Ritual

Romans 4 is Paul’s Spirit‑led courtroom demonstration that God justifies the ungodly by faith alone, using Abraham and David as witnesses. This chapter is the backbone of Mid‑Acts teaching on grace: righteousness is imputed, not earned; believed, not performed; received, not achieved.

Paul shows that this principle was true before the Law, before circumcision, and before Israel’s covenant identity—making Abraham the father of all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile.

📖 Section‑by‑Section Commentary

1. Abraham Was Not Justified by Works (Romans 4:1–4)

Key verse: “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.” (v.2)

Paul begins by dismantling the idea that Abraham’s righteousness came from his obedience. If works could justify, Abraham could boast—but no flesh can glory before God.

 Mid‑Acts emphasis: Paul is proving that justification by faith is not a new doctrine; it is the only way God has ever justified anyone.

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1. Righteousness Is Imputed by Faith (Romans 4:5–8)

Key verse: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (v.5)

This is the heart of the chapter. God justifies the ungodly, not the worthy.

 David is quoted to show that righteousness is a gift, and sin is not imputed to the believer.

Mid‑Acts emphasis: This is the same principle Paul teaches in the dispensation of grace—imputed righteousness apart from works.

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1. Abraham Was Justified Before Circumcision (Romans 4:9–12)

Key verse: “How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.” (v.10)

Paul proves that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised.

 Why does this matter?

 Because it shows that righteousness is not tied to Israel’s covenant signs.

Mid‑Acts emphasis: Abraham becomes the father of all who believe—Jew or Gentile—because faith, not ritual, is the basis of justification.

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1. The Promise Was Not Through the Law (Romans 4:13–17)

Key verse: “For the promise… was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” (v.13)

The Law brings wrath, not righteousness.

 The promise is secure because it rests on grace, not performance.

Mid‑Acts emphasis: Paul is showing that grace precedes the Law and supersedes it. The Body of Christ stands in this same grace.

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1. Abraham Believed God Against All Hope (Romans 4:18–22)

Key verse: “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” (v.20)

Abraham believed God’s promise even when circumstances were impossible.

 His faith was not perfect, but it was placed in the God who cannot lie.

Mid‑Acts emphasis: Faith is not about the strength of the believer but the faithfulness of God.

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1. This Was Written for Us Also (Romans 4:23–25)

Key verse: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (v.25)

Paul brings the chapter home:

 Abraham’s story is recorded for our sake—those who believe in the risen Christ.

Mid‑Acts emphasis:

• Christ’s death deals with our sins.

• Christ’s resurrection secures our justification.

• This is the foundation of the gospel of grace (1 Cor. 15:1–4).

📘 Bible Study Plan — Romans 4

1. Read 

Read Romans 4 slowly. Note every time Paul uses the words counted, imputed, or reckoned.

1. Reflect 

• What does it mean that God justifies “the ungodly”?

• How does Abraham’s example strengthen your understanding of grace?

• What does “imputed righteousness” mean for your daily walk?

1. Respond 

Write a short paragraph about how Romans 4 frees you from striving and invites you into rest.

✍️ Journaling Prompts

1. Where do I still feel pressure to “earn” God’s approval, and how does Romans 4 invite me to rest in imputed righteousness?

2. What promise of God feels impossible right now, and how can I respond like Abraham—“strong in faith, giving glory to God”?

🙏 Prayer

Father, thank You for justifying the ungodly by grace through faith alone. Thank You that righteousness is imputed, not earned, and that Christ was delivered for my offences and raised for my justification. Teach my heart to rest in Your grace, to trust Your promises like Abraham, and to walk in the freedom of being fully accepted in Christ. Amen.

(C) Adrienne Jason Grace Living Ministry. Feel free to share this blog post with others. 

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