We continued on in the book of Romans last week, and started with reading
Romans 3:9-20. In this portion, Paul brings to our attention that “all” have sinned. None are exempt from this. He helps us to see ourselves by stating:
- “none are righteous”
- “none understand”
- “none seek God”
- “we all have turned aside”
- “none does good”
- “all our tongues speak wrongly”
- “there is no fear of God”
He points to our sinful nature not to condemn us, but to make us aware of the role which the Law has in our lives – “for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin” (verse 20).
It is through the Law that we become aware of our need for a Savior. The Law points us to salvation. And the Law makes us aware of the gracious act of justification.
Justification:
“The act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner righteous in Christ on the basis of the finished work of Christ on the cross.”
(from The Wiersbe Study Bible, page 1651)
Both the Old and New Testament are important and have precious value in our lives.
The Law makes us aware of our absolute need for a Savior each and every day. The Law fills our hearts with deep gratitude for the grace and mercy of God in providing a Savior for each one of us.
~*~*~
Romans 4:1-8 provides us a peek into Abraham through the lens of “faith”.
“Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (verse 3)
God told Abraham, an old and childless man, he was chosen to become the father of a great nation. He would have descendants as numerous as the stars above him.
And to that, Abraham simply replied to God, “Amen.”
“God promised, and Abraham believed God’s promise. The Hebrew word translated “believed” means “to say amen.” God gave a promise and Abraham responded with “Amen!” This faith is what was counted for righteousness.”
(from The Wiersbe Study Bible, page 1652)
Taking time to pause and wonder brought this question: What would happen in our lives if each time we read one of God’s promises, we responded, “Amen!”
Prayer: God, we come before You this morning, admitting there have been times of doubt in our lives. We’re grateful for the example we see in Abraham, who against all odds, simply said, “Amen!” Help us to be a people who live with this very same faith – God said it. I believe it. Amen!
~*~*~
We can learn so much about Abraham and faith in reading Romans 4:16-25.
“In hope against hope, he believed.” (verse 18, NASB)
What does this mean?
It means when there was nothing left to hope, when it all looked hopeless, he kept on hoping. But there is more:
“Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body.” (verse 19, NASB)
He was old and most likely impotent, yet – he believed he would be a father.
“he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith.” (verse 20, NASB)
Month after month, when no pregnancy occurred, his faith grew stronger and stronger.
It really is all amazing when you stop to think about it from a human perspective.
Abraham stood firm on one thing and one thing only:
“And being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.” (verse 21, NASB)
May today’s reading encourage us to stand firm, to believe God. To trust Him. To obey Him.
It can be challenging some days to do so, but the reward is great when we do.
Our Savior –
gives us precious promises
to which we can only respond, “Amen!”
Photo 1: by Ryan Hutton on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Keita Senoh on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
