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Father Abraham (Conclusion) Introduction:
The Jews looked to Abraham as proof of their special relationship with God. Paul
used Abraham to prove the importance of faith and obedience to lead them to
Christ. We want to notice that relationship now. I)
Abraham believed God, Genesis 15.6 A)
New Testament use of Abraham’s faith 1.
Galatians 3.6-9 and Romans
4.1-8 goes back to Genesis 15.6 which
deals with God’s promise of Abraham’s descendants being like the stars in
the sky. 2.
Romans 4.17-22 go back to Genesis 17.
3.
James 2.21-24 goes back to
Genesis 22.7-14 and Abraham offering Isaac on the altar. B)
The result of Abraham’s faith 1.
God counted him righteous, Romans 4.3 2.
Upon what basis did God count him righteous?
a. Not by his own perfection for Abraham was not perfect,
v. 2
b. Not by his perfect works for that would take away the need for
grace, v. 4
c. Not by the Law of Moses for the law was not yet in place
d. But by his faith, v. 5 3.
God did not count Abraham’s sin against him, Romans
4.7-8; Psalms 32.3-5
a. God saw the good of Abraham and not the bad, Romans
3.9-18
b. The doctrine of “imputed righteousness” says the righteousness of
Christ is imputed to the Christian and not our obedience. Such is false; God saw
the righteousness of Abraham.
c. The evidence of God counting Abraham as righteous is that God kept His
promises, Hebrews 6.13-15 II)
Application A)
We are children by faith, Galatians 5.6 1.
Abraham had others sons/children. What about them? 2.
We must be sure we have the same kind of faith as Abraham. B)
Justification by faith 1.
Justification by faith is not a singular act or one time instance but a life
time of obedience. 2.
Requires us to confess and repudiate our iniquities
a. We have to realize where we are and who we are. 3.
Requires us to continually trust in God in every circumstance, Hebrews 10.35-39
a. Never quit despite our failures
b. Inheres obedience to every oracle of God
c. Continues despite all the obstacles we face,
Romans 4.17-22 C)
We must know where our power base is and where it is not 1.
It is not in our own powers, Phil. 4.13,
or in our positive mental attitude 2.
It is in the power of God 3.
Know how to tap in to the power base
a. Grip – knowledge and faith in God’s word
b. Stance – your reliance upon God
c. Alignment – your being in the
d. Swing – your obedience III)
Why is it of faith? Romans 4.16 A)
So it would be of grace 1.
Grace and faith go together 2.
Obedience goes with faith, James 2.24 3.
It is by God’s grace and our faith we have the avenue of salvation. B)
So it would be sure, confident 1.
If our salvation was based on perfect law keeping or our perfectionism then the
promise would be void, Hebrews 10.22-23 C)
So all might profit, Romans 4.23-25 1.
Our circumcision is of the heart, Romans
2.28-29; Colossians 2.11-12 2.
All are called by the Gospel, 2 Peter 3.9 Conclusion:
There was a song popular a few years ago that had the following words: I
see my father in me, Yes, it is how it is supposed to be, I find I am more and
more like him each day. I see I walk the way he walks and talk the way he talks,
That is the way it is supposed to be. I am glad to see my father in me. Do
you see father Abraham in your life? Are you walking by faith? |