Romans 4:13-25
key verse: 16
1. Abraham's faith
Paul talks about the relationship between faith and grace. When we have faith, we have grace. Under the law, there is only judgement, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. His anger falls continually on mankind, be it pagans or Jews. The the faith of him who justifies without our works gives grace, since the anger of God is satisfied by faith in the promise. Though we are sinners, God has mercy on those who believe in him. He fulfills his promise through strength, and this strength is revealed separately from men. Abraham had faith and believed that He who made the promise was capable of fulfilling it, however difficult it would be. He thus obtained a son in his old age, and also inherited Canaan in spite of his sin.
2. Our faith
As believers, we are descendants of Abraham, since we hope against all hope and believe in God's promise. We are powerless before the power of death, but we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that he rose from the dead, crushing the power of death. Through him, we can overcome the sinful world and our weak bodies in order to do great works by faith. We believe that our unforgiveable offenses are entirely erased and that we are completely made righteous by his resurrection (25).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the example of Abraham's faith. I believe Jesus died so that my sins could be forgiven, and I believe he was risen from the dead to make me righteous. Thank you.
Bottom line: Abraham's faith is also ours
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