Faith Talk – June 15, 2025

Sunday: June 15, 2025
Series: Romans: The Righteousness of God
Sermon: The Great Exchange: Our Sin for Christ’s Righteousness

Romans 4:5 – But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.

In this pivotal sermon from Romans 4, Paul uses Abraham and David—two towering figures in Jewish faith—to prove that salvation has always been by grace through faith alone, not by works or religious rituals. Paul demonstrates that Abraham was declared righteous by God through faith in His promises 29 years before he was circumcised, establishing that external religious practices are expressions of salvation, not conditions for it.

David's testimony from Psalm 32 celebrates the radical blessing that God "will never charge" believers with sin because Christ took our guilt while crediting us with His righteousness. This divine exchange means salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles through the same means Abraham used—trusting God rather than trusting in personal performance. The message emphasizes that you cannot be good enough to earn salvation, nor bad enough to be beyond God's saving grace.
 
Main Points

• Abraham was justified by faith alone, not works - declared righteous 29 years before circumcision
• Salvation is a free gift, not earned wages - faith is the opposite of works
• God saves the ungodly - you can't be too good or too bad for salvation
• Religious practices express salvation, they don't earn it - circumcision was a sign, not a condition
• The divine exchange - our guilt given to Christ, His righteousness given to us
• Salvation is for all people - Jews and Gentiles receive righteousness the same way Abraham did

Homes with Adults

• Paul emphasizes that faith is the opposite of works, not a type of work. How does this understanding change your approach to sharing the gospel with others who think they must earn God's approval?
• The sermon describes a "divine exchange" where our guilt goes to Christ and His righteousness comes to us. How does understanding this transaction affect your daily confidence before God?
• Abraham's circumcision came 29 years after his justification, serving as an expression rather than a condition of salvation. What religious practices in your life serve as expressions of faith versus things you might unconsciously rely on for acceptance with God?

 
Homes with Students

• Paul says you can't be "good enough to be saved" or "bad enough to be beyond saving." How does this truth affect how you view yourself and others around you?
• Abraham was declared righteous through faith in God's promise of a coming Savior. What promises of God do you find most important to believe and trust in?
• How would you explain to a friend the difference between earning something through work versus receiving it as a free gift, especially when it comes to salvation?

 
Homes with Kids

• If someone gave you a really special present, would you have to pay for it or work to earn it? How is God's salvation like a present?
• Abraham trusted God's promises even when he couldn't see how they would come true. What is something you trust about God even when you can't see it?
• God loved Abraham and made him part of His family through faith. How does it feel to know that God wants you in His family too?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of salvation that comes through faith alone, not through our works or religious performance. We're grateful for the examples of Abraham and David that show us salvation has always been Your free gift to those who trust in You.
 
We ask for help in truly understanding and living in the freedom of knowing that Christ has taken our guilt and given us His righteousness. Help us to stop trying to earn what You've already freely given and to rest confidently in the righteousness that comes through faith alone.
 
We commit to embracing our identity as people who have been declared righteous not because of what we've done, but because of what Christ has done for us. Help us to express our faith through obedience and service, not as ways to earn Your love, but as grateful responses to the love we've already received. May we share this good news with others who are still trying to work their way to heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Object Lesson: Materials needed:

• Wrapped present (something special inside)
• Play money or Monopoly money
• Two signs: "GIFT" and "EARNED"
• Simple household chores list

 
Instructions:

1. Set up the demonstration:
   • Place the wrapped gift under the "GIFT" sign
   • Put play money under the "EARNED" sign
   • Show the chores list
     
     

2. Act out the scenarios:
   • Have one child do chores and "earn" the play money
   • Give another child the wrapped gift for free
   • Discuss the differences:
     • How did it feel to work for the money?
     • How did it feel to receive the gift?
     • Which one could you brag about? Which one makes you grateful?
       
       

3. Connect to the lesson:
   • Explain that many people think they have to work (do good things) to earn God's love
   • But God's salvation is like the gift—free and given, because He loves us
   • Abraham received God's gift through faith (trusting and believing)
     
     

4. Family application:
   • Have each person share one way they can "express" their faith this week
   • Remind everyone that these expressions don't earn God's love—they show thankfulness for the love already given
     
     

5. Create reminder cards:
   • Make simple cards that say "GIFT, not EARNED" to put in Bibles or on mirrors as reminders

This activity helps children understand the fundamental difference between earning salvation through works versus receiving it as God's free gift through faith.