Passage: Romans 4:13-25 (ESV)
“For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 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. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was ‘counted to him as righteousness.’ But the words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”
Exegesis and Key Themes
- The Promise Comes Through Faith, Not the Law (Romans 4:13-15)
Paul explains that the promise made to Abraham—that he would be “heir of the world”—was based on faith, not adherence to the law. If the law were the basis for receiving the promise, faith would be nullified, and the promise void.
He further states that the law brings wrath because it reveals sin and transgression. This reinforces the need for grace and faith, as no one can perfectly fulfill the law’s requirements. - Faith as the Foundation of Grace (Romans 4:16-17)
Paul declares that the promise “depends on faith” so that it may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all of Abraham’s offspring, both Jews (those under the law) and Gentiles (those who share Abraham’s faith). This highlights the inclusive nature of God’s promise.
Abraham’s faith was in “the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” This description points to God’s power to create, resurrect, and fulfill His promises despite impossible circumstances. - Abraham’s Failures Did Not Nullify God’s Promises
Abraham’s faith was real, but his life was not without significant failures. One example was his decision to sleep with Hagar, Sarah’s servant, in an attempt to produce an heir (Genesis 16:1-4). This decision demonstrated a moment of doubt in God’s timing and led to severe consequences, including family conflict and long-term strife between Isaac’s and Ishmael’s descendants.
Despite these failures, God’s promises to Abraham remained steadfast. Even when Abraham faltered, God’s grace upheld the covenant, showing that His promises are not contingent on human perfection. This truth offers hope to believers today: our mistakes, though they may have consequences, cannot derail God’s purposes for us.
Abraham’s life reminds us that faith involves perseverance and trust in God’s faithfulness, even when we stumble. God’s ability to redeem and fulfill His promises surpasses our failures. - Abraham’s Unwavering Faith (Romans 4:18-21)
Paul emphasizes Abraham’s steadfast faith. Despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness, Abraham “hoped against hope,” trusting in God’s promise that he would become the father of many nations.
Abraham’s faith grew stronger as he gave glory to God, being “fully convinced” that God was able to do what He had promised. This serves as a model of faith that trusts in God’s power and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. - Righteousness Counted Through Faith (Romans 4:22-24)
Paul reiterates that Abraham’s faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” However, this statement was not written for Abraham’s sake alone but also for all believers who trust in God.
Just as Abraham believed in the God who brings life from death, Christians believe in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. This shared faith connects believers to Abraham’s example of righteousness through faith. - Jesus: Delivered for Our Trespasses, Raised for Our Justification (Romans 4:25)
Paul concludes by pointing to Jesus, who was “delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” This ties Abraham’s faith in God’s promises to the Christian faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The resurrection is central to our justification, as it confirms Jesus’ victory over sin and death, guaranteeing our right standing before God.
Life Application
- Do I trust in faith or effort to receive God’s promises? Reflect on areas where you might be striving to earn God’s blessings through your efforts rather than trusting in His grace. How can you rest in the assurance that His promises depend on faith, not works?
- How do I handle my own failures? Abraham’s mistakes, like his decision to sleep with Hagar, did not nullify God’s promises. Reflect on how God’s grace covers your shortcomings and how you can move forward in faith, trusting in His faithfulness.
- Am I trusting God despite impossible circumstances? Abraham’s faith was unwavering, even when circumstances seemed hopeless. Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to trust God’s promises? How can Abraham’s example encourage you to “hope against hope”?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection assure me of my justification? Paul ties our justification to Jesus’ resurrection. Reflect on the significance of the resurrection in your faith and how it assures you of God’s power to forgive, restore, and fulfill His promises.
