March 14, 2018
All in the Family
Romans 4:13–15
Savannah Brock
Central Truth
Just like with Abraham, we can only become righteous through our faith in what God has done.
Romans 4:13–15
The Promise Realized Through Faith
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
Dive Deeper | Romans 4:13–15
Throughout Romans 4, Paul has been highlighting the faith of Abraham. Abraham is mentioned about 300 times in the Bible and more than 70 times in the New Testament. The biblical writers seemed to think he was pretty important. But how relevant is the ancient nomad to us today? Great question.
Did you know that when we trust in Jesus and join God’s family, we become a part of Abraham’s family as well? Galatians 3:29 says, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” In Genesis 12:1-3, God makes a covenant with Abraham. One aspect of this promise is that through Abraham, God would bless the world.
2 Corinthians 1:20 states, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Jesus],” and this promise is no different. Through Jesus, Abraham’s descendent, the world was given the greatest blessing of all—salvation. We, as heirs of Abraham, are freely offered this gift.
My Grandma Joyce is a fabulous painter and displays many of her pieces in her home. One of my favorites is this simple winter scene that hangs at the top of the stairs. In the future, I will inherit it from her. Not because I paid her for it or did extra chores around her house to earn it. But because of my relationship with her as her granddaughter. Similarly, our inheritance of what God promised us is not earned. God invites us into relationship with Him, asking us to fully trust Him. Through belief in Jesus Christ, we, too, can be declared righteous, just like our father Abraham (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:21-22).
Let's follow our spiritual father’s example. Let's throw away the burdens of working toward salvation. Instead, we should cherish God's gift and walk today in the freedom of faith.
This month's memory verse
10 as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
11
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
– Romans 3:10–11
Discussion Questions
1. In Genesis 15, God seals the covenant with Abraham. The practice described here was common for the time. After a covenant had been made, both participating parties would walk through the sacrificed animals as if to say, “May this be done to me if I don’t hold up my end of the deal.” In Genesis 15, which party passes through the animals? How does this relate to our passage today from Romans 4?
2. Are there areas in your life in which you are still trying to earn approval from God through works? What does verse 14 say are the implications of this? Take some time to lay these areas before God in prayer.
3. Verse 16 can be a little confusing. Is the law bad? How can something God provided be bad? Don’t worry! Paul doesn’t leave us hanging here. Stay tuned for more about the law in Romans 7.