Ro 4:2 For if Abraham got righteousness by works, he has reason for pride; but not before God.
Ro 4:3 But what does it say in the holy Writings? And Abraham had faith in God, and it was put to his account as righteousness.
Ro 4:4 Now, the reward is credited to him who does works, not as of grace but as a debt.
This chapter of Romans explains how Abraham became the Father of the Jewish and Christian faith by simply believing God. True believers--Jew or Gentile copy his example--trusting in God's gift rather than their own efforts to be made holy.
Getting gifts can be hard for me. It is much easier for me to give a favor, or money, or some effort than it is to have a gift given to me. When I think about why that is, I don't think it is entirely that I have a giving personality--although I truly like to give things. Getting gifts are hard because I did not earn them. When I do my job, or give a gift and someone complements me or thanks me, part of my pride feels good. When I am given an all out gift, beyond what I needed or expected--I have to admit to my pride that someone else deserves my attention. The focus goes on the giver--and it's hard when that's not me.
I think that is the same reason why it is hard for people to come to faith in Christ--it requires a focus from self to Christ. I also think, and I have seen this in my own life, that once someone becomes a believer--the focus switches from looking at God's great gifts back to what little things I can do to serve Him. I secretly want God to owe me something for serving Him.
I don't see myself believing God for big things, like salvation for my whole family, or massive revival simply because those are things that are WAY beyond me. My prayers seem tethered to what I think is reasonably assured to happen anyway. Abraham was NOT that kind of person.
Ro 4:18 Who without reason for hope, in faith went on hoping, so that he became the father of a number of nations, as it had been said, So will your seed be.
Ro 4:20 Still, he did not give up faith in the undertaking of God, but was made strong by faith, giving glory to God,
Ro 4:21 And being certain that God was able to keep his word.
Ro 4:22 For which reason it was put to his account as righteousness.
Abraham was able to have and maintain great faith because he kept his focus on God. He spent his time waiting by considering the Greatness of God and the faithfulness of God. Even though he did some things for God, he grew strong by thinking about, worshipping, and giving glory to God.
In short, he kept his focus on the Giver. and that gave him joy and strength to make it to the end and receive great things from God.
So how will I know where my focus is? Lets go back a few verses:
Ro 4:7 Happy are those who have forgiveness for their wrongdoing, and whose sins are covered.
Ro 4:8 Happy is the man against whom no sin is recorded by the Lord.
The word, "Happy" there is the word "Blessed" or "Makarios" meaning supremely blessed, fortunate, well off. When I am focused on God and aware of His great gift to me, I am happy and blessed and aware of the magnitude of His great eternal favor for me. When I am focused on what I am giving and doing--I will be cranky, prideful, critical of others who don't seem to be like me, and depressed.
So, maybe the gift isn't the problem, maybe it's a need to refocus on the Giver.
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