Romans: Theology for EverybodySample

Continuing with the survey of Abraham’s life as our prototype and pattern of faith, the comparison and contrast are made between trusting in the works that we do, versus trusting in the works that Jesus has done. 

We either have faith in ourselves, or we have faith in Jesus. We either wrongly try and earn right standing with God by our performance, or we rightly receive right standing with God by faith in Jesus’ perfection which He credits to the account of those whose faith is in Him alone. 

The key to Abraham’s faith in God rather than Himself, was the unwavering belief that God could do the impossible and would be faithful to any promise He had made. 

In the same way, when we trust that God raised Jesus from the dead, and will raise us from the dead to be like Him and with Him forever, we are trusting God to do the supernatural and impossible because we trust His Word. And in the meantime, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, we can trust that God will work, as well.

When we look at our own lives, we can become scared and fearful of promises that appear to be void, reasons for belief to waver, and death. But when we look at examples like Abraham, we can see that the perseverance of the Saints has been tested long before we were alive. And that even when we fail or fear, God is faithful.

Reflection:

• How did Abraham demonstrate faith in God’s promises (Romans 4:18-24)? Abraham’s faith in God and his faith in God’s promises made him able to believe that even his barren and old wife would bear him a son because God had promised. How did Abraham have faith in God’s promises because He believed in the Power of God to do the impossible.?
• What do you learn about faith, including Abraham’s faith, by reading Hebrews 11, especially 11:1?
• How has God proven faithful in specific ways in your life? How can you trust that He will do the same in the future?