Faith Like Abraham

Sermon Title: Faith Like Abraham

Series Title: Journey’s Road Map

Text: Romans 4:1–25 (ESV)

Introduction

A little boy came running to his dad with a drawing and said, “Dad, I drew this for you!” The dad smiled—it wasn’t much more than scribbles. The boy proudly added, “Aren’t you glad I did this all by myself?” The father chuckled, hugged him, and said, “I love it—not because it’s perfect, but because it’s from you.”

That’s a glimpse of faith. Abraham wasn’t justified by flawless works but by simple trust in God’s promise. Romans 4 shows us salvation has always been by faith, not works or law.

Point 1: Abraham Was Justified by Faith, Not Works (vv. 1–8)

Paul asks, “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham?” If Abraham had been justified by works, he could boast. But Scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Righteousness is not earned wages; it’s credited by faith. David echoes this: “Blessed is the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven.”

Joke: A man bragged, “I work out three times a week.” His friend said, “Really? What do you do?” He replied, “I drive past the gym, wave, and keep going. That way, I’m consistent!”

That’s how silly it is to think we’re justified by “works.” Faith, not works, is what counts before God.

Application: Stop trying to earn what only God can credit. Rest in His promise, not your performance.

Point 2: Justification Is for All Who Believe (vv. 9–17)

Paul addresses circumcision: Was Abraham justified before or after he was circumcised? It was before. Circumcision was only a sign, not the source. This means Abraham is the father of all who believe—Jew and Gentile alike.

God promised Abraham he would be the heir of the world, not through law, but through righteousness by faith.

Illustration: Imagine someone flashing their wedding ring but being unfaithful. The ring is just a sign; the covenant is the real thing. Abraham’s faith, not his ritual, was what made him righteous.

Joke: A kid once told his mom, “I don’t need to do homework; I’ve got the school T-shirt!” Paul would laugh—signs don’t save, faith does.

Application: Don’t rest in religious symbols—baptism, church membership, Bible knowledge. Rest in Christ alone.

Point 3: Faith Believes Against All Odds (vv. 18–25)

Paul highlights Abraham’s trust: “In hope he believed against hope.” Though his body was as good as dead and Sarah’s womb barren, he trusted God’s promise. His faith didn’t waver but grew strong, giving glory to God.

This was written not just for him but for us—“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.”

Joke: A child prayed, “Lord, please give me a bike… but you already know, Lord, I’m not pedaling uphill.” Abraham believed when everything looked uphill—and God provided.

Application: True faith looks beyond circumstances and rests in God’s character. The same God who kept His promise to Abraham raised Jesus from the dead. That’s the foundation of our faith.

Conclusion

Romans 4 is clear:

Abraham wasn’t saved by works but by faith.

His faith wasn’t tied to rituals but to God’s promise.

His faith grew strong, trusting God against all odds.

The gospel hasn’t changed. The same righteousness credited to Abraham is credited to us—through faith in Christ, who died for our sins and was raised for our justification.

Faith like Abraham isn’t perfect faith; it’s persistent faith. The question is: Do you trust the God who raises the dead and keeps His promises?

Amen.