Romans 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Abraham was old. Very old. His hair was white as wool.
One night God took him outside. The sky was black. Full of stars.
"Look up," God said. "Can you count the stars?"
Abraham looked. So many stars. He could not count them.
"Your children will be like that," God said. "More than you can count."
Abraham had no children yet. Not even one. But he believed God. He believed the promise, even in the dark, even with the stars twinkling above him.
What Does This Mean?
Abraham did not build anything to earn this. He did not work hard for it. He just believed what God said.
God looked at Abraham's believing heart. And God said: "You are right with me."
Not because Abraham was so good. Not because he did enough. Just because he believed.
That is strange, isn't it? But that is how God is. Kind. Very kind.
The Common Thread
Later, Abraham got a son. Old, old Abraham, and old Sarah too. Sarah laughed, it seemed so impossible. But God can make dead things live again.
He did it again with Jesus. Jesus died on a cross. He was put in a dark grave. But God raised him up. Alive again.
Whoever believes that God raised Jesus, that person is right with God too. Just like Abraham. Just by believing.
For You
Do you believe God, even when you cannot see how it will happen?
Abraham could not see his children yet. Only stars. But he trusted God's words.
You cannot see Jesus with your eyes right now. But you can believe he is alive. You can talk to him. He hears you.
You do not have to be perfect first. You do not have to do everything right. Just believe. Just trust him, like Abraham trusted, looking up at all those stars.
Talk About It
Have you ever counted the stars at night? Do you think you could count them all?
Abraham believed God even when he could not see his children yet. Is there something you cannot see, but still trust will happen?
Praying Together
Dear God, Thank you for the stars. Thank you that you keep your promises. Help me believe you, even when I cannot see. Thank you for Jesus, who is alive. Amen.
Questions about Romans 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Romans 4 about?
What does Romans 4 say?
What does Romans 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Romans 4?
Why is Romans 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Abraham could have made a list. He left his country. He built altars. He waited decades for a son. Paul admits it would impress people: "he has something to boast about, but not toward God." Whatever you would hand God to prove your worth, He already knows the whole story, the parts you leave off too. And still He counts you righteous.
Abraham "in hope believed against hope." Notice what that means: hope stood on one side, and everything he could see stood on the other. His aging body. Sarah's empty womb. The years stacking up. All the evidence said no. One word from God said yes. Which of the two are you counting today?
Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin." Paul borrows David's words, a man who knew exactly what he had done. Notice it doesn't say the sin never happened. It says God will not put it on your account. So why do you keep reopening a ledger God has closed?
For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect."
Notice how Paul refuses to let faith and law-keeping share the throne. If your standing with God rests on your performance, then the promise stops being a promise and becomes a wage. And wages can be lost.
Ask yourself honestly today: am I trusting a gift, or clocking in for pay?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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