Romans 4:18-25

God’s Reality Must Be Ours 17 – the God who gives life to the dead and calls the things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17)

The Contradiction 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.” (Romans 4:18)

The Relationship between Facts and Faith 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. (Romans 4:19)

The Power of Facts vs. The Power of Faith 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, (Romans 4:20)

Persuasion 21 being fully persuaded that God had POWER to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:21) What persuaded Abraham? What persuades you?

22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4:22)

This Is Why! 1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, (Romans 4:23)

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. (Romans 4:24) - Belief in the resurrection of Jesus has observable results just as Abraham’s belief in the promise did

The natural vs. the non-natural Which is more persuasive?

25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. (Romans 4:25)

Against all hope in hope!

Romans 4:18-25