This is the twentieth in a series of verse-by-verse expositions of the book of Romans. This message was delivered at Hillcrest Baptist Church on the morning of August 4, 2013. This message deals with the fact that the promise for a believer’s inheritance is based on faith, not works. This post contains an audio recording of my message, along with my sermon notes and a study outline. Please note that the sermon notes are not a full transcript.
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Romans 4:13-25
v.13:
The promise of an inheritance was not based upon the law.
The law was given to a redeemed people, who were already in a covenant relationship with God.
The law was aimed at securing their health, happiness and holiness as God’s people, but it must be remembered that God had already chosen them before He handed down the law.
That’s what God’s rules are still for.
This promise is actually culminated in Jesus Christ. This is what Paul speaks of in Galatians 3:8, as he quotes Genesis 12:3.
v.14:
If our inheritance is based upon whether or not we keep the law, then the promise is worthless.
If its fulfillment depends on law-keeping, our inability to keep the law will ensure that the promise will never be fulfilled.
Making a promise contingent on an impossible condition nullifies the promise.
v.15:
The ultimate outcome of the law, apart from faith, is to bring about wrath.
Remember that the law should reveal our sinfulness, and lead us to Christ.
Romans 3:20
Galatians 3:24
If we never come to faith, which is necessary to cover our sins, then the only option God has is wrath.
However, when we come to faith in Christ, we are no longer under that tutor, which is the law.
By God’s grace, our sins are no longer remembered. The Sacrifice of Jesus paid the debt in full.
v.16:
Faith brings us into God’s favor. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”
Faith brings us into God’s family.
Faith lays hold of the divine promise. The promise of an inheritance and Justification.
Ephesians 1:11-14
Having said that, it is vitally important to remember that the power of justification is God’s great grace, not man’s faith.
vv.17-18:
Abraham received God’s word.
Genesis 17:4
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”
Abraham believed, and His faith was in a God who gives life to the dead.
Abrahams expression of faith was per Romans 10:9
“calls those things which do not exist as though they did”
Abrahams case (as everyone’s) was hopeless, but Abraham was a believing sinner, and his case was put in God’s hands.
God declared the sinner, Abraham, to be righteous. And all he had done was placed faith in God.
vv.19-21:
Abraham believed by exercising faith in God’s promise.
God is faithful
1 Corinthians 1:9
and God cannot lie
Titus 1:2
Therefore, a promise of God is a sure thing, something you can count on.
Abraham believed by exercising faith in God’s power.
Abraham didn’t view his age as a barrier. He knew that God’s strength would more than make up for his own weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Philippians 1:6
v.22:
Abraham’s works had nothing to do with his righteousness.
It was a gift of God’s grace, because he placed his faith in God.
vv.23-24:
None of this happened just for Abraham’s benefit, it was for us all.
Likewise, the journey that God takes you on, is not just for your benefit, it is for others, as well.
We must simply place our faith in the Risen savior, Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9-13
v.25:
Jesus died for OUR sin. He didn’t deserve it, He knows no sin, yet He chose to.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Praise God that we serve a living God. Our Savior s alive and well.
Revelation 1:18
And to this day, Christ continues to make intercession for us.
Hebrews 7:25
The resurrection of Christ is proof that God has accepted the sacrifice of His Son. It is the means by which He can remain just, yet justify the ungodly at the same time.
In Defense: The Blog 
Posted on August 9, 2013
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