18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.  Romans 4:18-25

A. God’s promise given to Abraham

1. The substance in the promise

– Individually: Abraham – Rom. 4:13, 17-18

– Corporately: All Christians – Rom 4:13, 16-18

2. The fulfillment of the promise

– By faith – Rom. 4:14, 16

– Through grace

B. God’s promise acted upon by Abraham

1. The irrational nature of faith

Rom. 4:18-19, Heb. 11:1, 2 Cor. 4:16-18, Joshua 6:1-21, Gen. 22:1-6, Matt. 14:22-33

2. The conquering power of faith

Rom. 4:20-21, Heb. 11:32-40

3. The reward of faith

Rom. 4:22, Heb. 11:6, 2 Tim. 4:7-8

C. God’s promise acted upon by us

1. The promise offered

Rom. 4:23-25

2. The promise believed

Rom 4:23-25

– Belief in harmony with Abraham: Rom. 4:23-25

– Belief in the Gospel of God: Rom. 1:1-4

– Christ our substitute: 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 John 4:9-10

– Christ our life: Rom. 6:4-5