My Walk With Him: That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Sunday, June 13, 2021

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Romans 4:16-17

This morning, I continued my study of Romans. Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with my review of chapter five Faith Alone, which covers the entirety of Romans 4. My focus today is Romans 4:9-17. Paul continues to use Abraham as the example from the Old Testament (and as our forefather) to build on his statement that we are justified by faith alone.

My commentary indicates that the text from today makes two key points: (1) we are not justified by circumcision, and (2) we are not justified by the law. Verse 11 is used to point out how circumcision was a "sign" and "seal" of faith - and not a cause or basis of faith. We are encouraged here to see how justification by faith and not by circumcision or the law gives hope to Jews and Gentiles alike as v16 highlights how Abraham is the "father of many nations." The commentary also indicates that "[b]elieving leads to belonging." We are finally encouraged to focus on v17 where my commentary states that Paul looks at the nature of Abraham's faith as he is a "model for us as he believed in God 'who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist." God created the world and our faith - from nothing, even our spiritual deadness.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gave me faith - thank You Jesus! The greatest gift of all time. I am not deserving - by a long shot. My sin of many kinds, continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.