Daily Bread 2010 - Romans 4
Daily Bread 2010 – Romans 4
16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."[He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
In chapter 4, we see Paul’s frequent use of the word “promise”. This is a key word in Paul’s theology of being made righteous through faith, not works. For it was not through the Law that Abraham became righteous, but through faith in the Promise God made to Him. And this is what faith is, “trusting in God’s promises”.
In Galatians Paul writes, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Why does faith please God? Because faith trusts in the one in who it believes. When we act in faith in God’s promises we are saying we trust God that He will make good on His promises. And this is the basis for every subsequent relationship. Ie. We trust in our parents by obeying them, because we trust they will have our best interest in mind.
Unfortunately many people look toward the outward manifestations of faith, such as obedience to the Law, as evidence of faith. The problem is someone can outwardly do things a Christian would do, but that doesn’t mean they have faith. Of course, it doesn’t mean they don’t have faith either. But the bottom line is we are justified by faith by trusting in God’s promises, not by works.
Faith is like a muscle that we need to exercise every day. Faith is stepping out and trusting that God will provide even when it is not apparent how that is going to happen. The more faith we exercise, the more confident we become that God will honor His promises, not always in our timing but certainly in His. Where do you need to step and trust God today? Where is God calling you to step out in faith trusting in His promises, especially His promise that His grace is sufficient for you in Jesus Christ?
God, we know it is impossible to please you without faith. Grant us the faith to trust in You in whatever challenge we face today? In Jesus name, Amen.
16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."[He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
In chapter 4, we see Paul’s frequent use of the word “promise”. This is a key word in Paul’s theology of being made righteous through faith, not works. For it was not through the Law that Abraham became righteous, but through faith in the Promise God made to Him. And this is what faith is, “trusting in God’s promises”.
In Galatians Paul writes, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Why does faith please God? Because faith trusts in the one in who it believes. When we act in faith in God’s promises we are saying we trust God that He will make good on His promises. And this is the basis for every subsequent relationship. Ie. We trust in our parents by obeying them, because we trust they will have our best interest in mind.
Unfortunately many people look toward the outward manifestations of faith, such as obedience to the Law, as evidence of faith. The problem is someone can outwardly do things a Christian would do, but that doesn’t mean they have faith. Of course, it doesn’t mean they don’t have faith either. But the bottom line is we are justified by faith by trusting in God’s promises, not by works.
Faith is like a muscle that we need to exercise every day. Faith is stepping out and trusting that God will provide even when it is not apparent how that is going to happen. The more faith we exercise, the more confident we become that God will honor His promises, not always in our timing but certainly in His. Where do you need to step and trust God today? Where is God calling you to step out in faith trusting in His promises, especially His promise that His grace is sufficient for you in Jesus Christ?
God, we know it is impossible to please you without faith. Grant us the faith to trust in You in whatever challenge we face today? In Jesus name, Amen.
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