The sermon begins with an introduction to Romans 4, following a discussion in previous chapters on the depravity of man. The preacher emphasizes that all people, regardless of background, are sinful and fall short of God’s righteousness. Citing Romans 3:10-11, he highlights that no one naturally seeks after God, and any attempt to approach God in human strength will fail. Instead, true faith in God is required to find Him.

The preacher refutes the common belief that doing more good than bad can make someone right with God. Using a relatable analogy, he explains that one good deed does not erase wrongdoing. Just as giving a gift cannot undo an insult, performing good works does not remove the stain of sin. He critiques the idea of justification by works, stating that righteousness comes only through faith in Christ, not human effort.

Romans 4 introduces Abraham as an example of justification by faith. Abraham, a revered figure in Jewish history, was not justified by his works but by believing in God, which was counted as righteousness. The preacher explains the concept of justification—not as God making someone righteous instantly, but as God declaring them righteous. He likens this to having a criminal record expunged; the person is still guilty of past actions, but their record is cleared in the eyes of the law. Similarly, believers are justified by faith, but sanctification—being made truly righteous—happens over time as God works in their lives.

He warns against self-righteousness, where people take credit for their own spiritual growth instead of recognizing that it is God who justifies. Abraham could not boast in his own righteousness, and neither can believers today. Instead, true righteousness comes from trusting in God. The preacher illustrates this point with a personal story about a friend who found and returned a lost wallet and phone, despite the temptation to keep them. His act of honesty glorified God rather than himself, demonstrating how faith in action leads to righteousness.

The sermon emphasizes that faith often requires trusting God even when His commands make no sense. Abraham obeyed God without knowing where he was being led, simply because he trusted Him. Likewise, believers must have faith in God’s plan even when it is unclear.

The preacher shares a personal testimony about his reluctance to become a pastor due to financial struggles growing up. He initially resisted God’s call, fearing poverty, but later realized that God had abundantly provided for him in ways he never expected. His testimony reinforces the point that yielding to God leads to fulfillment and provision beyond human expectations.

He concludes with a reminder that believers should never judge others harshly because everyone has sinned. Instead of focusing on others’ faults, they should acknowledge their own need for God's grace. The key to spiritual growth is not self-effort or religious activities but trusting in God fully. The preacher encourages the congregation to genuinely seek God, not for personal gain or approval, but out of true faith.

Finally, he reflects on his own struggles with imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate in his role as a pastor and professor. However, he reminds himself and the audience that it is not about personal worthiness but about trusting God, who equips those He calls. He closes with the encouragement that faith, not works, is what God counts as righteousness, urging believers to put their full trust in Him.

‍