Romans 4:18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." Truth to Learn Abraham’s faith was an unwavering, fully-expectant faith. Behind the Words The word translated “hope” is the Greek word elpis,...
Romans 4:17 – Children by Faith
Romans 4:17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; Truth to Learn God’s promise to Abraham referred to...
Romans 4:16 – Foundational Promises
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of...
Romans 4:15 – Legal Wrath
Romans 4:15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. Truth to Learn Trying to keep the law causes God’s wrath against us. Behind the Words The words “brings about” are from the verb katergadzomai, which is a compound word made up...
Romans 4:14 – Precious Promise
Romans 4:14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, Truth to Learn Righteousness comes either by faith or by works, not both. Behind the Words The word translated “void” is kenoō, which means “to make empty,...
Romans 4:13 – Promise Received through Faith
Romans 4:13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. Truth to Learn God’s promise of salvation is based on faith, not obedience. Behind the Words The word translated...
Romans 4:12 – Abraham’s Faithful Footsteps
Romans 4:12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. Truth to Learn Circumcision doesn’t matter. Faith matters. Behind the Words The word translated “father” is...
Romans 4:11 – Signed and Sealed
Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, Truth to Learn Abraham’s...
Romans 4:10 – Before or After
Romans 4:10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. Truth to Learn Obedience to God is the result of faith, not the cause of it. Behind the Words “While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised?” could more literally be translated as...
Romans 5:4 – Rejoice in Hope
Romans 5:4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Truth to Learn Difficulties should give us hope and assurance of our salvation. Behind the Words “Character” is translated from the Greek word dokimē, which is derived from the verb dokimadzō, meaning “to test for the purpose of finding good.” It is...