Romans 4 | Why Work?

This might be one of the most offensive truths to Christians. Christians have a hard time hopping off of the self-righteous horse. We are quick to point to the things we have done as the basis of our right standing with God. In Romans 4 we see how the world usually operates: "Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation" (Romans 4:4). It is normal that someone engages in work with the understanding that they will be fairly compensated. I talked with my friend Travis about this today. He has recently been able to work for a local landlord doing routine maintenance on rented facilities. Travis understands that when the work is done, he gets paid. If the work is not completed, or is less than satisfactory, he either does not get paid or gets less. This sometimes transfers into our spiritual journey. We enter into spiritual work, like disciplines such as bible reading, small group, volunteering, tithing, obedience, journaling, etc... and our natural inclination is to think that because of those things we are compensated with the favor of God.

Then we see a crippling word in Romans 4:5, "However..." This tells us that tho we may think the world operates with this principle, however, with God it is different. "However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited to him as righteousness" (4:5). God is not shackled by your ability to work hard enough for His favor. His favor isn't contingent on your ability to give, to serve, to study... instead His favor rests simply on the blood of Christ. Do you believe that God justifies the wicked through His Son?

God, in His infinite goodness, legally declares us right based on His Son's work on the cross. Now we cannot boast in our work. We boast in the cross of Christ alone.

Yes we still work. But it is not to earn favor. We already have it in Christ. Yes we have to press on towards holiness, because without holiness no one will see God. But we can have peace and hope and rest because of Christ.

We work, but we work understanding that God is not obligated to give or withhold His favor... He has already gifted us with it at Calvary. Praise God.