STRONG FAITH IN SPITE OF DIFFICULTIES
 

Matt 9:29; Rom 4:16-25

In Verses 19 and 20 two faiths are mentioned. We find "weak faith" in Verse 19. Then there is "strong faith" in verse 20.

Weak faith looks at the difficulties and does not look to God (Vs 19). Strong faith looks at God who has promised and does not see the difficulties (Vs 20). In Mark 11 we have a tremendous example of this (Mark 11:22-24).

Abraham had strong faith in spite of difficulties. If you were a hundred years old and your wife was ninety and somebody told you that you are going to have a son, it would take strong faith!

I. Faith expounded (4:16)

A. Faith brings us into God's favor

Paul hammers hard at the faith that salvation is by faith alone "Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace."

We sing "Amazing grace how sweet the song that saved a wretch life me...."

It is faith which links us to that grace, that unmerited, unearned, undeserving favor of God.

B. Faith brings us into God's family (4:16)

All who believe are the spiritual children of Abraham and members of the family of God.

The man or woman who is uncertain about his salvation is not looking at the finished work of Christ with the eye of faith; he is looking with doubt at his own works. "the promise is sure...."

II. Faith explained (4:17-22)

Notice how Abraham received and believed God's word...

A. How Abraham received God's word (4:17-18)

His faith was in a God who could "quicken" (make alive) the death.

It was "against hope" that Abraham "believed in hope."

Humanly speaking, his case was hopeless! "Against hope" (Vs 18). This hope was in his flesh. He "believed in hope." This hope was in God.

B. How Abraham believed God's word

1. Abraham's faith was not weak but strong because it was in God's promise (Vs 19-20).

He weighed the human impossibility (of becoming a Father), against the Divine impossibility of God breaking His word. The impossibility of God not being able to keep his promise.

2. Abraham's faith was not weak but strong because it was in God's power (vs 21-22)

III. Faith experienced (4:23-25)

The principle of salvation by faith so effective in the case of Abraham it is to be experienced by us....

A. For the same purpose (4:23-24a)

God's method of saving Abraham and counting him righteous is also God's way of saving us and counting us righteous.

It was faith that prevailed in Abraham's situation and so it is with us!

It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, or how far down in the pit you are, its faith that prevails (Eph 2:8-9).

B. By the same process (4:24b; 10:9)

Paul preached this doctrine at Athens (Acts 17:32), and he was mocked. Today there are many who refuse to believe it. Yet it is the very heart of faith.

We believe it and God imputes to us the righteousness of Christ (Rom 10:9; 4:25).

Abraham was saved the same way we are (John 8:56).

We look back by faith to the finished work of Christ and enjoys the same salvation Abraham enjoyed!