What is Faith? What Does It Look Like? - Romans 4

13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

In chapter 4, Paul's main goal is to connect the concept of righteousness and how it is obtained by faith not through the Law.  It is clear in the last two chapters that Paul's primary audience was his Jewish brothers and sisters.  But remember there were always Gentiles in the Jewish community who had converted to Judaism. There were three key covenants God had made with His people. The covenant with Abraham, the covenant with Moses and the covenant with David.  Paul addresses these covenants often in Romans.  Importantly he makes the case that Abraham was justified by faith because he believed in the promise before the Law, because he was born before Moses. 

"Since all God’s dealings with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob happened before the giving of the Mosaic Law, we can’t say they were based on the law. Instead, they are based on God’s declaration of Abraham’s righteousness through faith."  (Guzik)

i. “Faith is the ground of God’s blessing. Abraham was a blessed man, indeed, but he became heir of the world on another principle entirely – simple faith.” (Newell)

Paul makes an excellent point.  If we are justified by the law it is an obligation, like wages to be paid.  But the promise is all about a relationship between two parties. Obeying the law out of fear is not a relationship.  The law is good because it preserves order, but can't it save. It is all about punishment and reward. 

16 Therefore, 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 have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[c] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Abraham is called the "father of faith".  He believed and trusted in God's promises. He was also called the "father of many nations".  Again Paul uses the relational language of a father or parent.  Whereas Moses was the law giver, Abraham was the faith giver. This is why as we trust in God by faith, we are sons and daughters of Abraham.  God says, "Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him."  (Genesis 18:8)

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[d] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Paul's closing verses reflect the greatness of Abraham's faith.  Importantly Abraham put faith into action through obedience.  Obedience has become a bad word in our society, but in the biblical story it is always connected and part and parcel to faith.  

"Abraham’s example also helps us to understand the nature of faith. The conception of Abraham’s son Isaac was a miracle, but it was not an immaculate conception. Abraham’s faith did not mean that he did nothing and just waited for God to create a child in Sarah’s womb. Abraham and Sarah had marital relations and trusted God for a miraculous result. This shows us that faith does not mean doing nothing, but doing everything with trust and reliance on God." (Guzik)

Abraham's faith did not waver.  I love what Paul says about Abraham's faith. He says, "Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."  Paul was fully persuaded by God's promises.  If you never act on your faith, are you ever fully persuaded God can do what He promises?  Faith grows as we act on it, and as we become fully persuaded by God's consistent faithfulness.  Although faith is a gift, faith becomes alive when we follow Abraham's example.  

What do you admire most about Abraham's faith?  Are you fully persuaded that God will do what He says He will do in YOUR life?  Where is God calling you to act because of your confidence in God's faithful track record in your life?  Have you ever had a crisis of faith?  How did you pull out of it?  Sometimes when we don't feel faith it is at its strongest.  Just like your faith and love in a relationship is proved through hard times!