The Promise – The Law or Faith?

SERIES: ROMANS
MESSAGE: The Promise – The Law or Faith?
TEXT: Romans 4:13–22
MESSAGE BY: Pastor Tim Lewis

1. The promise. (V. 13)

   • What was the promise?
     (Gen. 15:5, 7, 18–21; 17:3–6; 18:18; 22:16–18)

   • When was it given?

   • How was it given?

   • To whom was it given?
     (Gal. 3:8, 9, 14, 16, 18, 24–29)

2. The problem. (Vv. 14–15)

   • If the promise is law based then faith is empty.

   • If the promise is not faith based it is VOID!

   • The law can only bring wrath. (V. 15)

     • “Self-justification brings God’s righteous wrath, personal emptiness and hopelessness.”

3. The confidence. (Vv. 16–17)

   • The promise based on grace through faith. (V. 16a)

   • The promise is to all who believe. (V. 16b)

   • The promise is God’s miracle in us. (Vv. 17–18)

     • Life to the dead. (See Ez. 37)

     • Creates from nothing.

     • Hope against hope. (Vv. 18–21)

Questions:

1. What is the promise to us?

2. On what is it based?

3. What do you see when you look at yourself?

4. What has God said?

5. Do you trust in Him and His ability?