Delving into the Scriptures

Romans 4:16-25
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations” ) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

Welcome once again to Delving into the Scriptures! Today I hope we can wrap up Romans 4 – which will wrap up the reasons why we should have faith…

We could certainly spend the next month or so looking at the life of Abraham – but the primary example of Abraham was his faith. First his faith in God to move away from where he was, to where God called him. His faith later in life that he would be the father of many nations. His faith that God would come through with His promise – no matter what appeared to be the odds stacked against him. His faith later in life to bring his son as a sacrifice – despite it now being well past the time that he could be replaced. The primary example we see in Abraham is that of faith and belief in God and His promises.

They key message here I wanted to focus on though was verses 20 and 21 – He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

What a summary then of faith!

• God promised
• Abraham believed
• Despite obstacles, mitigating circumstances and ‘impossibilities’, he did not waver in faith
• By maintaining his faith – he was strengthened – and even worshiped God
• He was fully convinced that God was able to perform.

What can we then learn from this? The first thing is – if God has promised it, it will happen – all you need to do is know that. But then this is the essence of faith – believing that God is who He is and will do what he says.

Secondly, by the example of Abraham, our faith will be tested. BUT, by maintaining our faith we will be strengthened (see also James 1:2-3) – straightened in belief, faith and in ourselves.

Also, what was Abraham’s response to the testing of his faith? He worshiped God. He no doubt thanked God for His promises, for who He is. This is a perfect example for us – when we are tested in our faith (often enough for me in any case!), we should continue to believe and worship God.

Thirdly – and we know this from the old testament – God comes through. We know that God promised – and we know that God delivered, despite all of the obstacles. Having the fulfillment of belief – this will then strengthen your faith for next time. It should also encourage us to thank and worship God again! Don’t forget to thank God!

And how easy is it to forget! Take the example of sickness – when you are under it, there is almost nothing worse. As soon as you are better – you can almost forget you were sick – since you don’t feel it, you don’t really remember it. So when the promise comes through, give thanks to God straight away! Think back on the hardships that you endured, the faith that you showed, the time you spent in prayer, and thank God for bringing you through in faith, with a successful outcome.

Now I would say for most of us – we are not 100 years old and believing for a promised child. Though there are things in our life we do believe we were promised. There is even the simplest of faith, that is, faith that God is, and that he has done what is written. Even in these simplest of things – believe in God. Know that He has done, and that he will complete the things He has promised in our lives – small, large or just plain impossible!

Lord God, teach us faith – teach us how to believe, how to focus on You, how to worship even in adversity and doubt. In Jesus Name. Amen.