Faith Wins #
Romans 4:18-25
Introduction
I had mentioned earlier that this portion was Justification by the Resurrection,, Paul certainly closes with that statement, I don’t think it is the focus of these verses. Paul spends a lot of time on the faith in these verses. Faith tends be the focal point of these verses. We are going to look at the fact that Faith Wins tonight.
These verses closely resemble the verses in Hebrews 11, which is labeled the ‘Hall of Faith’ by many. It is a phenomenal chapter which covers faith extraordinarily in the Scripture.
I. Fulfillment of Faith (17) #
A. Nations from Abraham “I have made thee a father of many nations” #
1. In Sunday School, we sing that song, Father Abraham, had many sons… #
- Spiritually, the blessings of Abraham, are immeasurable. One man surrendered to God!
2. Physically, there were nations from Abraham! #
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Ishmael, was made a great nation of Arabic people
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Isaac was made a great nation of Israeli people
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Sarah passed away, Abraham married Keturah (Gen 25:1-4)
- Midian – father of the Midianites
- Ishbak – father of a tribe of northern Arabia
3. God is ABLE to do #
Eph. 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
- What can God do through you???
B. God’s Ability #
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Not only is God able to raise nations from a man past his prime, he is able to raise the dead to life!
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“who quickeneth the dead” – I think this is a reference to the fact that God asked Abraham to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice!
- Abraham’s faith was unwavering. At the bottom of the mountain, he told his servants, he and his son would return.
- At the top of the mountain, he bound his son, prepared the altar, and wood, raised the knife to kill his own son… FAITH, unwavering!
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II. Faith of Justification (18-22) #
A. Belief even against hope (18) #
- Hope – a desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, confidence in a future event
1. When Abraham went up the mountain to offer his son… the reality is hopeless! #
- You don’t offer something to God, and expect to get it back, but God does that over and over!
- Offerings
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Eccl. 11:1 ¶ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
B. Belief against physical limitations (19) #
1. Faith can overcome physical limitations! #
2. Abraham was well in his 90’s! #
3. Sarah was past child bearing years! #
C. Belief against Unbelief! (20) #
1. Staggered not! #
2. Strong! #
Matt. 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
- Maybe you need to ask God to help you tonight!
- Mark 9:17-24* “...help thou mine unbelief.”