Romans 4:19-25 (NKJV) And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
V19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.
He believed even though Sarai’s and his age were what one would consider impossible to have children. He believed that God was able to do what He promised.
Old or not, God can do what He wishes.
Some other examples—Daniel 3:17, Matthew 3:9, Romans 11:23, Romans 14:4, etc.
V20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God…
He determined that God could and would do this. The devil is always quick to put doubt in our mind. The first sin was brought about by the devil who put doubt into Eve’s mind.
Abraham gave God glory for fulfilling His promise and enablement.
Faith strengthened Abraham. A couple of ways to strengthen faith is to rehearse all that God has done so far, prepare for the promise appropriately, and give glory to God.
V21 …and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
A principle is taught. We should not promise what we cannot keep. Abraham’s faith was not blind faith, but based upon previous interactions with God.
V22 And therefore “It was accounted to Him for Righteousness.”
Abraham’s faith is what God accounted, reckoned, and applied. Works, rituals, and attempting to keep God’s law will not please God.
V23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him…
Not only was Abraham and Sarah blessed, but we also through Abraham’s greatest descendant—Jesus. The Greek word for accounted in V22 and V24 and the word imputed are the same Greek word. Abraham was not righteous on his own works. He was accounted righteous because of the ministry of the Lord Jesus in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. See Romans 3:20-28. Abraham showed the pattern, the actions, and the faith of one man through whom Messiah would come. This is the blessing to all—by faith and by the Messiah.
V24 …but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead…
It is belief/faith in Jesus. He is the one who was raised up from the dead. Jesus is the first to have a permanent resurrection. All others in Scripture were resuscitations, and they died again. When we meet God’s conditions, He blesses us with many spiritual benefits.
V25 …who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Those who hated Jesus delivered Him to the Romans in order that He would be killed. Jesus allowed it willingly. He came to earth to be the Passover Lamb to die in our place. Compare Genesis 3:21, John 1:29, and 1 Peter 1:18-19.
We learn:
- Some blessings of faith, believing, in Jesus alone for salvation.
- The reason why Abraham is considered to be the father of the faith.
- Jesus was the Passover Lamb who died instead of us.
Questions:
- Have you believed in Jesus alone?
- Why was Jesus born?