Romans 4:13-25

NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #9

The Promise Received Through Faith (Romans 4:13-25)

This passage continues Paul’s argument, using Abraham as his main example, that Justification (i.e. a right standing with God) is through faith, not works. In Rm 4:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8 he showed that Abraham’s faith was apart from works. In Rm 4:9-10,11,12 he showed that it was apart from circumcision since it took place before circumcision was introduced. In our passage tonight he will show in Rm 4:13,14-15 that it was apart from the law and in Rm 4:16-25 that Abraham’s faith was in God.

Outline

Rm 4:13,14-15 – God’s promise is by Faith, not the Law

• God did not promise Abraham blessing “if he kept the law” – there was no such condition. (Rm 4:13)
• If righteousness comes by keeping the law, then the promise is meaningless (Rm 4:14)
• The purpose of the law is explained (Rm 4:15) – it condemns us and highlights our plight – facing wrath

Rm 4: 16,17 – God’s promise extends by grace to all

• God’s promise by grace extends, on the same basis, to all without distinction – both those under the law (Jews) and those not under the law (Gentiles). Abraham is father to all who are of faith.

Rm 4:18-22 – Analysis of Abraham’s Faith (a case study)

Rm 4:23-25 – All of this applies to all of us

• These verses directly apply the example of Abraham to us in the NT age – he believed in God – how much more should we, now that we have the added benefit of knowing that God “raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead”?

Key Points/Questions for Discussion

1. Why is it important to understand that favour with God is based on grace and comes through faith – rather than being based on merit and coming through works?
2. In what sense is Abraham the father of all believers? Does this mean that all distinction between Jews and Gentiles is eliminated forever, and God’s promises to Abraham are now spiritually fulfilled in the church and were never meant to be literally understood?
3. In what sense is “blind faith” a totally unbiblical concept?
   Abraham’s faith was not blind – it was confidence in a God whose character and capability Abraham knew (Rm 4:17,21). Why is this so important for us to remember today?
4. In what sense did Abraham “give glory to God” (Rm 4:20). How can we do the same today?
5. Rm 4:25 describes “Jesus our Lord” being “delivered for our
   offences” and being “raised again for our justification”. How do we understand the key gospel truths described in this verse?