The Power of Hope

Introduction: Understanding the Context

Paul offers a major premise in the fourth chapter of Romans and it is this: Both Jews and Gentiles are invited to share in the blessings of God—forming a unified family through Jesus Christ (Romans 4:9). The problem were some who believed salvation and the inheritance of those who believed was granted through works of the law of Moses, which was a way to say “their tradition.” But then Paul demonstrates, the promise was Meade before circumcision—thus including the Gentiles.

Two conclusion should be made from this point:

God had plans for us before we were born.

These plans are not based on the tradition we adopt.

They are based on belief in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we cannot make it to heaven without Jesus. Neither can we be in the family that inherits God’s blessings without Jesus.

What Does Faith Look Like

Yet, Paul presses this point a bit further by telling us what this faith looks like. He depicts Abraham as the one who presents the example of what faith in this situation should look like. He is the founder of the Jews and the father of both the Jew and Gentile.

His life is described in three ways:

Hope in a hopeless situation (vs. 18)

Faith that never wavers (vs. 20)

Faith that gets stronger (vs.20).

Principle: Faith that starts you on the journey, but it is hope that keeps you going.

Hope is the expectation of that which is promised will be granted.

Conclusion: Tied to Salvation

The greater point is that our ability to be saved was just as impossible as a dead body bringing forth children. But through Jesus Christ it happened!