based on the LGG Study, Enduring Hope, w4d1
Today’s Reading: Romans 4:13-25; SOAP / 20-21
He did not waver in unbelief about the promise of God but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that what God promised he was also able to do.
Romans 4:20-21
The Bigger Picture
Romans chapter 4 is an illustration of justification. I believe it is good to read/review the book of Romans often and particularly this chapter – which was instrumental in my late 20s and early 30s to understanding God’s grace and being able to stand firm in my salvation. It is a beautiful word picture of the TRUTH of our salvation.
So while we are only given verses 20 and 21 to SOAP, I would encourage you to look at the whole passage (13-25). It’s in these verses you will see that the promise of eternal life is not by keeping the law – but – by “the righteousness that comes by faith,” and even this is by God’s grace to all who believe. This may seem redundant information – as our studies touch on this a lot – which is because it is the crux of the Gospel message. Salvation is not by works that we have done or ever can/will do; it is solely by the grace of God, through the blood of His only begotten Son, and our faith in that truth.
For if they become heirs by the law, faith is empty and the promise is nullified.
Romans 4:14
Abraham’s life is one unknown after another it seems. He followed God out of his comfort zone into the unknown and was forever waiting for the fulfillment of the promise(s),specifically those mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3. It’s here we read of God calling Abraham to “go from his country to another land.” If he went, God promised to make Abraham a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, to bless those who blessed him and curse those who dishonored him, and to bless all of the families of the earth through Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3). Some of these He saw answered and rejoiced, others were never realized in His lifetime but according to our SOAP passage today, he did not waiver in unbelief about the promise of God that he would inherit the world, which is apparently Paul’s summation of the promises from Genesis. Because of this, his faith was strengthened and this gave glory to God.
Fully Convinced
How about you? Is your faith full and firm in God’s promise or is it empty and the promise nullified? It is a daunting question for sure but one we would be wise to occasionally examine so that we are not found wavering in our faith in the promises of God that are ours through Christ. Wavering may seem normal with such a promise as the Gospel presents but it is vital that we come to a place that we are fully convinced that what God has promised He is also able to do. As we continue in this belief our faith will grow stronger and God will be glorified.
The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind –
James 1:6 (see also Ephesians chapter 4, specifically v.14)
Response to God’s Word
Father, You are a promise maker and a faithful promise keeper. Your Word is yes and amen in Jesus Christ and we are blessed by You. The world is full of challenges and obstacles and we have an enemy who is the father of lies, so help us to stand firm in our beliefs, unwavering, like Abraham and strengthened in our faith, giving glory to You. Where there is doubt quickly speak Truth over us. Help us to faithfully be in Your Word and let us be fully convinced that what you have promised You have done and are also able to do. For only when we are fully convinced will we live in unwavering belief of the Gospel message … only then will we see the beauty of Your amazing grace, unending mercies, and abounding and abiding love. It is in these truths we will be able to press on in enduring hope through all of life.