Romans 4-7 It gets Better and BEtter and BETter and BETTer and BETTEr and BETTER!!

November 25th, Romans 4-7

       Thinking clearly has it's advantages. Romans is certainly a great book to hang out in, if your looking for clarity about theology. The portion that struck me this morning comes from 4:18-25...

        18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

       1. Not wavering regarding God's promises
       2. Strengthened in trusting God. James tells us that doubting God is like being blown and tossed in the                   waves.
       3. Gave glory to God.
       4. FULLY convinced that God can and will do what he said he will do. Knowing God's promises is an                  important step. Which ones do you know?
       5. This faith was counted as righteousness. There is a full version of righteousness that comes as a result                of the cross. For his time Abraham entered into the requirements of righteousness..."trusting God."               "Without faith it is impossible to please God."
      
       Each portion of Romans builds on itself. Chapter 5 "Therefore, since we have been..."  Because of all the great examples in chapter 4 here's what is also true in chapter 5. Go check it out. See how it just seems to get better and better!!