Apr 14, 2019
Originally presented on January 28th, 2007
Scripture Reading: Romans 4:18-25
In the section of Romans which begins with Romans 3:21, Paul unfolds the wondrous doctrine of justification by faith. He spends time, patiently, answering objections to the idea that a man can stand in the judgment of God on the basis of faith alone and not on the basis of his deeds.
Not content to let such an important subject end quickly, now Paul encourages his readers to experience what it is to trust God. His encouragement is to hold out to us the life of Abraham, the greatest example of faith in the Old Testament.
The strength of Abraham's faith is seen in the way he is described . . . "without becoming weak in faith" (Rom 4:19) . . . "he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith" (Rom 4:20)
. . . "being fully assured" (Rom 4:21).
Abraham was strong in faith because he "gave glory to God" (Rom 4:20) and he was "fully assured that what He [God] had promised He was able to perform" (Rom 4:21). (1) Faith grows when a man is consumed with God's glory, considering His matchless attributes. (2) Faith grows when a man knows and rests in the promises of God. So for our faith to grow we must taste the wonders of God and know exactly what it is that He has promised those who belong to Him.