Faith of Abraham

Thesis: In validating and vindicating the one true gospel to the Romans, Paul continues his defense by using Abraham's faith as the prime example the grace promise.

1. PREMISE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (v. 13-14)

   • Not a mixture of law and faith
   • If Promise by law, then promise will be
     nullified - no one can keep it.

2. RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH (v. 15-16)

   • law can only bring wrath
   • Abraham received Promise before law
   • by his faith he gained Promise

3. PARADIGM OF FAITH (v. 18-21)

   • Not mere intellectualism, involves putting
     tangible trust/faith in God - i.e. you
     "trust" railing when you lean on it.
   • conviction of certainty of things not seen -
     not desperate unfounded hope
   • encouraged by promise vs blessing - assurety
     of promise despite circumstances

4. RESULT OF FAITH (v. 22-25)

   • convicted faith = credited righteousness
   • anyone with like faith is saved - receives
     the Promise!

CONCLUSION: Don't seek validation outside of gospel; be justified by believing God's promise through His Son; and sin is fought through understanding our acceptance through grace - fight from view of being already victorious, not to gain it