Romans 4:13-25
The Promise Realized Through Faith

Today, March 16th, 2023, let us, together in the grace of God, rejoice and reflect on the Word of God in Romans 4:13-25.

13 For the promise was not through Law to Abraham, or to his seed, for him to be the heir of the world, but through a righteousness of faith.

14 For if those of Law are heirs, faith has been made of no effect, and the promise has been annulled.

15 For the Law works out wrath; for where no law is, neither is transgression.

16 On account of this, it is of faith, that it be according to grace, for the promise to be certain to all the seed, not to that of the Law only, but also to that of the faith of Abraham, who is father of us all,

17 according as it has been written, “I have appointed you a father of many nations;” before God, whom he believed, the One making the dead live, and calling the things that are not as if they were. Gen. 17:5

18 He against hope believed in hope, for him to become a father of many nations, according to what has been said, “So shall your seed be.” Gen. 15:5

19 And being about a hundred years old, not weakening in faith, he did not consider his body to have died already, nor yet the death of Sarah’s womb,

20 and did not stagger by unbelief at the promise of God, but was empowered by faith, giving glory to God,

21 and being fully persuaded that what He has promised, He is also able to do.

22 Because of this, “it was also counted to him for righteousness.” Gen. 15:6

23 But it was not written for him only, that it was counted to him,

24 but also on account of us, to whom it is about to be counted, to the ones believing on Him who has raised our Lord Jesus from the dead,

25 who was delivered because of our deviations, and was raised because of our justification.

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Suggested Questions:

1. What does “to be the heir of the world” mean for Abraham and the Israelites?

2. Why does the law work out wrath?

3. What does “against hope believed in hope” mean?

4. Why is one called righteous by relying on the words of God?

5. Why is believing in the death of Jesus Christ also believing in God?

6. Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ because of our justification?

7. What other promises of God will be fulfilled by our faith?

Suggested Applications:

1. Have you ever fallen into a state of lack of hope?

2. Since receiving the Gospel, have you ever felt like God wasn’t supporting you, rescuing you, or giving you what you asked for? How did you feel and how did you resolve it? What verses from the Bible helped you maintain your faith?

3. Are you sure that you have been called righteous by God because of your faith in Christ?