Trinity Sunday 2020 A

Luther summarizes chapter 4 by saying:

Through the example of Abraham the apostle demonstrates that faith is required for salvation, and that the old law does not suffice for salvation.

In November of 2012 I passed Greek and jumped in the fountain at CSL. I lost my wedding ring- it did not nullify the promise I made to Natalie. The promise is what accomplishes our union.

It is God’s promise to us that saves.

Romans 4:13 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.

Sola Fide

Paul argues that the Law was never what saved (v. 13-14)

He makes the argument that this is what the Jewish faith has always believed

If you can be saved by accomplishing the works then you don’t need to trust God. You are sinless.

We need a better understanding of sin. 3 Hebrew words for sin

to miss: Hiti (595x in the scriptures) Judges 20 has Benjamin archers who wouldnt miss a hair (Inadvertent)

to rebel: Phshi (135x) violation of the covenants God made w/ people or people with people (intentional)

Guilt before God: Aioon (229x) deeply personal and religious. (Guilt).

Sin is a condition that prevents things from working as they should (Rusty gear @Marriott)

v.16. A good example: Abraham - saved w/out the law. 430 years before the law was given to Moses on Sinai.

Abraham took the promise into his own hands and tried to ruin it (Hagar & Ishmael)

v. 17 Points out why we should have faith in God not our own works…

What is the relationship between faith and reason?

Paul asserts life to dead (Jesus, etc)

children to childless (Abraham, Mary, Elizabeth)

Faith & Reason

Fideism - ‘blind’ faith.

At camp on High Ropes Course - got used to being up there - didn’t clip in (Trust w/out reason)

This is is detrimental to Christianity because it causes a blind reading of scripture:

Makes scripture look conflicting, is a new form of legalism.

Rationalism - the rejection of faith

To over use reason or reject reason

Mt. 28:16-17 - they all got together and some doubted. What more reason do you need to believe Jesus is alive!

Our God acts FOR A REASON. He created out of nothing because He LOVES you and wants you to exist.

The church in Rome should exist for a purpose, for a reason.

The Object and Perception of Faith (Faith & Reason Together)

Look at v. 18 & 19 (He believed against hope!) - Human hopes were exhausted.

Have you ever felt that way? Like you had no more options?

He considered His OLD body that had been beaten and worn by time. Have kids? No WAY! (read v 19)

Reason here justifies something else.

What is the OBJECT of your faith, the place where you place your hope?

Jesus, God who creates from nothing, rises from the dead.

That is sound reasoning!

Abraham was convinced that God could do what He said (v 21)

The reason why this story happens and is told is because Abrahams reality is our reality.

We believe in the promise and it is counted like work.

I lost my wedding ring on November 9 of 2012 and a month later the Seminary drained the fountain and we sifted through the leaves and detritus and my friend found the ring and gave it to me.

I did not found the ring- I trusted it was there, reason said it should be there, and it was eventually given to me.

We ultimately do not find our salvation or accomplish it. We trust that God can and will do these things, why? because He created from nothing, gave Abraham Children, He raised Jesus from the dead and one day he will raise us too.

The man that found my ring was my friend Chris. He passed away this last week Wednesday and God will restore Him and all believers to life too. I believe that, I trust that- do you?