Three facets of Abraham’s faith:
I. Abraham’s faith
. (v 13-17)
A. The promise does
Romans 4:13-15 (NIV84) It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
B. The promise comes by grace through
Romans 4:16-17 (NIV84) Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring– not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed–the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
Additional Notes:
Are you trusting in
, or an all-powerful God?
II. Abraham’s faith
. (v 18-21)
A. Abraham believed God could do
Romans 4:18 (NIV84) Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Additional Notes:
What in your life seems
?
B. Abraham believed circumstances aren’t
Romans 4:19 (NIV84) Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead–since he was about a hundred years old–and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.
2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV84) O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.
Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV84) “Ah, Sovereign Lord , you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Additional Notes:
What
are weakening your faith?
C. Abraham believed challenges are
Romans 4:20 (NIV84) 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.
Additional Notes:
What
has God given that you need to believe or reclaim?
D. Abraham believed God’s promises mean
Romans 4:21 (NIV84) being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Additional Notes:
How
is your God?
III. Abraham’s faith
. (v 22-25)
A. You can experience God’s
Romans 4:22-24 (NIV84) This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness–for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Do you truly
? (John 3:16)
Discussion Questions:
1. What did you learn from this teaching?
2. If you were to describe your faith in God (in terms of a zoo animal) which animal would you be?
3. Discuss Abraham’s faith. Why is he considered the “Father of faith” What did he do to earn that title?
4. Where do you struggle when it comes to having faith in God’s promises? What are-as is it hard to believe God will come through?
5. What practical steps can you take to grow in your trust in God?