THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM

THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 4:1-25

Key Verse: "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." (Romans 4:20, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Genesis 12:1-4; Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 17:1-8; Genesis 22:1-18; Hebrews 11:8-19; James 2:21-23.

Description: Abraham's faith demonstrates that righteousness comes through trusting God, believing His promises, and obeying Him wholeheartedly despite impossible circumstances.

INTRODUCTION
Romans 4 presents Abraham as the supreme example of justification by faith. After explaining that salvation is received through faith and not by works, the Apostle Paul points to Abraham to prove that this truth has always been God's plan. Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God long before circumcision was instituted or the Law of Moses was given. His life demonstrates that righteousness has always been received through faith rather than human achievement.

Abraham's faith was not a passive belief but an active confidence in God's promises. He obeyed God's call without knowing where he was going, trusted God for a son despite old age, and willingly offered Isaac because he believed that God could even raise him from the dead. His unwavering trust made him the father of all who believe.

The life of Abraham teaches every believer that genuine faith is founded upon God's Word rather than human circumstances. Those who trust God completely will discover that He is faithful to fulfil every promise, no matter how impossible it may appear.

1. ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, NOT BY WORKS
Abraham's acceptance before God was based entirely upon faith rather than personal merit or religious observance.

a) Faith Was Counted As Righteousness (Romans 4:3; Genesis 15:6)
Abraham believed God's promise, and God credited righteousness to him.

b) Salvation Is Not Earned By Human Effort (Romans 4:4-5)
Good works cannot make anyone righteous before God; justification is received by faith.

c) Grace Is Greater Than Merit (Romans 4:16)
God's promises are secured through grace so that every believer may receive them by faith.

d) Boasting Is Excluded (Romans 4:2)
No one can boast before God because salvation is entirely His gracious work.

Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 15:1-6). Before any religious rite or achievement, Abraham simply believed God's promise, and God declared him righteous.

2. TRUE FAITH BELIEVES GOD'S PROMISES DESPITE IMPOSSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES
Faith looks beyond visible circumstances and rests upon the reliability of God's Word.

a) God Specialises In The Impossible (Romans 4:17)
The Lord gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not yet exist.

b) Do Not Consider Your Limitations (Romans 4:19)
Abraham did not allow his old age or Sarah's barrenness to weaken his faith.

c) Reject Unbelief (Romans 4:20)
Abraham refused to doubt God's promise and remained steadfast in faith.

d) Give Glory To God While Waiting (Romans 4:20-21)
Faith honours God by trusting Him before the promise is fulfilled.

Biblical Example: Sarah (Hebrews 11:11). Though initially doubtful, Sarah eventually believed God's promise and received strength to conceive Isaac.

3. GENUINE FAITH IS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH OBEDIENCE
Biblical faith always produces actions that reflect trust in God.

a) Obey God's Call Promptly (Genesis 12:1-4)
Abraham left his homeland immediately because he trusted God's direction.

b) Walk By Faith And Not By Sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Faith continues even when the destination is not fully visible.

c) Trust God With What You Treasure Most (Genesis 22:1-2)
Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac demonstrated complete surrender to God.

d) Faith Receives God's Reward (Hebrews 11:6)
God honours those who diligently seek Him and trust His promises.

Biblical Example: Abraham offering Isaac (Genesis 22:9-14). His obedience proved that his faith was genuine, and God provided a ram in Isaac's place.

4. THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM IS A MODEL FOR EVERY BELIEVER
Every follower of Christ is called to develop the same unwavering confidence in God's promises.

a) Believe God's Word Completely (Romans 4:23-24)
The righteousness credited to Abraham is also credited to those who believe in Christ.

b) Stand Firm During Delays (Hebrews 10:23)
God's timing is perfect, and His promises never fail.

c) Depend Upon God's Power (Ephesians 3:20)
Faith trusts God's unlimited ability rather than human strength.

d) Live By Faith Every Day (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17)
The Christian life is sustained through continual dependence upon God.

Biblical Example: The Virgin Mary (Luke 1:38, 45). Mary believed God's promise concerning the birth of Jesus, and God's word was fulfilled exactly as He had spoken.

CONCLUSION
Abraham's life stands as a timeless example of genuine faith. He was justified by faith, trusted God's promises in impossible situations, obeyed without hesitation, and persevered until he received the fulfilment of God's covenant. His faith did not depend upon favourable circumstances but upon the faithfulness of God.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to follow Abraham's example by trusting God's promises, rejecting unbelief, and walking in faithful obedience. As we place our confidence in God's Word, He will strengthen our faith, fulfil His purposes in our lives, and make us living testimonies of His power and faithfulness.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, strengthen my faith to trust every promise You have spoken concerning my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me never to stagger through unbelief but to remain strong in faith, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me the grace to obey You promptly in every situation, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, remove every spirit of doubt, fear, and discouragement from my heart, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to trust You even when circumstances appear impossible, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, fulfil every good promise You have made concerning my life and family, in Jesus name.

7. Father, increase my confidence in Your unfailing Word, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make my life a testimony of unwavering faith and obedience, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to glorify You through steadfast faith in every season of life, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my faith inspire others to trust You completely, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the faith of Abraham and experience the fulfilment of God's promises.

2. Every spirit of unbelief and fear shall lose its hold over your life.

3. The Lord shall strengthen your faith to overcome every impossible situation.

4. You shall never be discouraged by delays because God's timing for your life is perfect.

5. Every promise God has spoken concerning you shall surely come to pass.

6. You shall obey God's voice promptly and enjoy the blessings of obedience.

7. Your faith shall grow stronger with every challenge you face.

8. The Lord shall make your life a testimony of His miraculous power and faithfulness.

9. You shall receive the grace to persevere until every divine promise is fulfilled.

10. From this day forward, you shall live by faith, walk in unwavering confidence in God's Word, inherit the blessings promised to Abraham through Christ, and fulfil God's glorious purpose for your life, in the mighty name of Jesus.