12. Romans 4:18-25 - Abraham’s Faith and God’s Promise

September 27th, 2024
by Jongseung Park

In this passage, Paul continues to expound on the nature of Abraham’s faith and its relevance to the believer. Abraham’s faith in God’s promise, despite overwhelming circumstances, serves as a model for all believers. The same faith that was credited to Abraham as righteousness is now credited to us through faith in Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification.

1. SCRIPTURE

18 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.” 19 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.20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

The nature of faith is not based on human possibilities, but on the promises and power of God. Abraham’s faith was remarkable because he believed God’s promise even when he was fully aware of the physical impossibilities and his faith did not weaken (v. 18-19).

Abraham was fully convinced that God had the power to fulfill His promise, which is why he was strengthened in his faith and glorified God instead of doubting (v. 20-21). His faith wasn’t blind or ignorant of reality; it was a deep trust in God’s ability to do the impossible. Abraham understood that, no matter how unlikely the situation seemed, God was capable of bringing His promises to fruition.

Those who believe in God’s promise through Jesus Christ, particularly His death and resurrection, are also credited with righteousness. Just as Abraham trusted God to fulfill His promise, we are called to trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross for our salvation(v. 22-24).
Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification (v. 25). The resurrection is key to our justification—it is the confirmation that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted by God and that we are now declared righteous through faith in Him.

3. APPLICATION:

Do I truly believe God can do the impossible in my life?
Am I ready to trust Him when I can’t see how things will work out?

Abraham’s faith encourages me to trust God, even when everything seems hopeless. Like him, I might encounter situations that feel impossible or out of my control. But real faith isn’t about what I can see; it’s about believing in God’s promises and His power to fulfill them.

Instead of letting doubt weaken my faith, I want to be strengthened like Abraham. I will trust God’s Word, even when my circumstances seem challenging. Just like Abraham faced tough realities but didn’t let them discourage him, I want to hold on to my faith and keep believing in God’s promises.

I confess that the resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of my faith, and I declare that my relationship with God is based on faith in Christ’s finished work, not my own efforts. Because Jesus was sacrificed for my sins and raised for my justification, I am completely forgiven and made right with God. I thank God for accepting His sacrifice.

4. PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for showing me the example of Abraham’s faith. His trust in Your promise, even when things looked impossible, really challenges me to deepen my own trust in You. Lord, I ask that You strengthen my faith like Abraham’s. Help me to lean on You, especially when my circumstances feel hopeless and I can’t see how things will work out. I want my faith to rest firmly in Your promises and in Your incredible power to do the impossible.

I’m so grateful that I’m justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins and for raising Him to life for my justification. Help me never to forget how significant the resurrection is and the confidence it gives me in my relationship with You. Teach me to live each day grounded in this truth, relying not on my own efforts, but on the finished work of Christ.

When doubts and fears creep in, please help me to be strengthened in my faith, just like Abraham was. I want my life to reflect my trust in Your faithfulness and power. Give me the grace to wait patiently for Your promises to unfold in my life, knowing that You are always faithful.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Posted in Book of Romans