Introduction

Good morning, Church Family. I hope this sermon finds you in good spirits and hungry for the word of God. Today, we'll be diving deep into Romans 4:13-25, which speaks volumes about the power of faith in God's promises, the hope of the righteous, and the blessings of unwavering belief.

As A.W. Tozer once said, "Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God."

Let us read from Romans 4:13-25 (NIV):

"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."

The Power of Faith in God's Promises

The power of faith in God's promises is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible and is particularly evident in the life of Abraham. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, uses Abraham as an example of someone who had immense faith in God's promises, even when circumstances seemed impossible.

Abraham's faith: It was not based on his abilities, his circumstances, or his understanding of how God would fulfill His promise. Instead, his faith was rooted in the character and faithfulness of God Himself. He believed that God was able to do what He had promised, despite the seemingly impossible circumstances. This is the essence of faith - a complete trust and confidence in God and His promises.

Not just about believing that God can do something: It's about trusting that He will do what He has promised. It's about holding onto God's promises even when everything around us seems to contradict them. This kind of faith does not rely on our understanding or our circumstances, but on God's character and His faithfulness.

This faith is not passive, but active: It's not just about believing in God's promises, but also acting on them. Abraham didn't just believe God's promise, he acted on it. He left his homeland, lived as a nomad, and even was willing to sacrifice his son, all because he believed in God's promises. His faith was active and it shaped his actions and decisions.

Transformative: It changes us from the inside out. It shapes our character, our attitudes, our actions, and our decisions. It gives us hope in the midst of despair, strength in the midst of weakness, and courage in the midst of fear. It enables us to persevere in the face of trials and to hold onto God's promises even when they seem impossible.

Brings us into a deeper relationship with God: It's not just about believing in a set of promises, but about trusting in a Person. It's about knowing God, relying on Him, and walking with Him. As we trust in God's promises, we come to know Him more deeply, to experience His faithfulness, and to grow in our relationship with Him.

Not just for us, but also for others: As we trust in God's promises, we become a testimony of God's faithfulness to others. Our faith encourages others, strengthens their faith, and points them to God. Just as Abraham's faith was a testimony to the nations, so our faith can be a testimony to those around us.

The Hope of the Righteous

The hope of the righteous is a hope that is not based on our human capabilities or circumstances, but solely on God's promises ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO