Romans 3-4 | The Progression of Your Faith

Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:19-22)

How can we be saved? Our sins forgiven? Our lives changed? There is one manward component and one alone. Faith.

The great point of Romans, Chapter 4, is to show the Jewish man that even their greatest ancestor, Abraham—the father of their race—was made acceptable to God through faith, not through his works.

In the midst of this chapter, Paul gives us several clear explanations of what faith is. Faith is always the same. It may come in different degrees, but genuine belief runs down the same path.

THE PROMISE

Abraham had been given a promise from God that he would have a son who would be the beginning of an entire race. The challenge of faith was, "Will I believe what God has said?"

Paul would later say that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." This is where faith begins.

You may think about your current situation or need that there is no promise, so you are not called upon to believe. But that is not true. There are 7,000 promises in God's Word (an average of seven promises on every page of your Bible!) It is your responsibility to be listening to Him through the Word and asking, "What does God say to me and call me to believe about my day? My current situation? The issues that surround me?"

THE CONTEMPLATION

Once seeing what God has said about your issue, it is natural to consider the magnitude of what God has said. Abraham was 100 years old, and his wife was 90. He considered this. He pondered or thought about or wondered whether God would be able to do what He had said. This is a natural progression in faith.

THE UNWAVERING BELIEF

But Abraham chose to take God at His Word. Despite the apparent obstacles and contradictions to his logic, he believed God would do what He said.

THE STRENGTHENING

This honest contemplation and continued belief strengthened His faith. F.F. Bruce said, "Having nothing to rest upon but the bare word of God, he relied on that, in the face of all the opposing indications which pressed on him from every side. His faith was strengthened by the very force of the obstacles which lay in its path."

THE THANKSGIVING

The highest moment of faith is when, despite every obstacle, we come to the point where we are giving thanks and glorifying God even when we do not yet see the promise fulfilled. This is the confidence that says, "I believe God! He will not fail me! He has said, 'My God shall supply all your needs,' and I know that He will honor His Word."

THE FULL ASSURANCE

Abraham now comes, not to a partial belief, but was "fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform." This was the completion of his faith. A confidence that would not be shaken and would cross the finish line of belief.

THE CREDIT

This faith means something to God. It honors Him, and God says that Abraham's faith was "credited to him as righteousness." His belief is what put Abraham in right standing with a holy God. Anything less would have been unacceptable.

MY FAITH

We should be trusting God for multiple things every day! God asks us this morning: "What are you believing Me for today?"

Father, help me to be found by You in faith. Thank You that You are always trustworthy. Give me the grace to hear Your promises and believe them to show the world who You are.