Joint Heirs in the Promise Outline

Romans 4:13–25 ESV

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 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.” 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. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Heirs of Promise: A Journey of Faith

Bible Passage: Romans 4:13-25

Summary: This passage discusses how Abraham's faith made him the father of many nations and illustrates the importance of faith over law in receiving God's promises.

Application: This sermon encourages believers to understand that their faith, like Abraham's, allows them to be heirs of the promise. It reminds them that regardless of their past mistakes or current struggles, they can trust in God's grace and experience the fulfillment of His promises.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that justification comes through faith and not by works, emphasizing that being a part of God's family is based on belief, not adherence to the law. It highlights how Abraham's faith serves as an example for all believers.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, just as Abraham's faith leads to justification. In Christ, we become co-heirs with Him, linking our faith journey directly to the promises given to Abraham.

Big Idea: Faith in Christ connects us to the promises God made through Abraham, reassuring us of our identity as co-heirs with Him and offering hope in our uncertainty.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider examining the cultural context of Abraham's covenant in Genesis to enhance your understanding of Romans. Utilizing Logos can help you identify key Greek terms related to 'faith' and 'promise' in this passage for deeper insights into Paul’s arguments. Also, explore different commentaries that discuss how Abraham's faith contrasts with the works of the law to clarify its implications for the early church and its relevance today.

1. Promises, Not Legalism

Romans 4:13-15

You could emphasize that the promise to Abraham and his offspring was through the righteousness of faith, not by the law. This distinction is foundational because it underscores the gift of God's grace, setting the stage for our understanding that it is faith—rather than a legalistic adherence to rules—that secures our place in God's family. By focusing on faith over law, believers can feel liberated from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and focus on living out the promises God has made to them through faith.

2. Grace Guarantees Glory

Romans 4:16-18

Perhaps you want to highlight that it is faith that guarantees our place as heirs. God's promise is based on grace, ensuring it is available to all—Jew and Gentile alike. This point can reassure believers that their past doesn’t disqualify them from God's blessing. Emphasizing Abraham’s faith in the seemingly impossible can encourage believers to hold on to their faith in God’s promises despite present circumstances, fostering a hope that transcends evidence.

3. Faith Faces Facts

Romans 4:19-22

Maybe you could illustrate the unwavering nature of Abraham’s faith in God's promise despite physical impossibilities. This section shows that hope against hope rests on God’s faithfulness rather than human capability. By pointing to Abraham counting God as able, believers can be encouraged not to limit their expectations based on their understanding, but to trust fully in God's power beyond the evidence of their eyes.

4. Christ Confirms Confidence

Romans 4:23-25

You could conclude by linking Abraham’s faith to the faith we are called to have in Christ. The same faith that was counted to Abraham as righteousness becomes the basis for our justification. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate sign of God's faithfulness and fulfillment of His promise. By focusing on Christ’s resurrection, this point assures believers of the certainty of their salvation and their position as co-heirs with Christ in God’s kingdom.