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SSS4 : Epistle to the Romans : Lesson 62

Text: Romans 3-4
24 June 2018

Review on the theme of Faith

UNDERSTANDING THE PLACE OF FAITH IN THE CONTEXT OF GOD’S JUDGMENT

1. God’s judgment

a) We will be found to be either:
i) Righteous
ii) Unrighteous
b) All will be judged (Romans 2:10)
c) There is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11)

2. Two ways by which we are judged

a) Our works/ deeds
i) According to the law
ii) The problem: all are under sin (Romans 3:9-18)
iii) By the deeds of the law, no flesh will be justified before God (Romans 3:20)
b) Faith
i) Apart from the law/ the deeds of the law (Romans 3:21/ 28)
ii) Through faith one obtains the righteousness of God (Romans 3:22)

3. “Through / By faith” (dia pisteos)

a) A phrase that is used repeatedly
i) Important
ii) Focus
b) It is our only means of being righteous before God!
c) Personal faith is of importance

THE OBJECT OF FAITH

1. The object of our faith – the Lord Jesus Christ

“Through faith in Jesus Christ…” Romans 3:22

2. Objective faith
Cf. Romans 1:1-4

a) Substance of faith
b) Definite and specific

THE QUALITY OF FAITH

1. Our faith is meant to be of quality!

2. Seen in the example of Abraham

a) The father of all who believe (Romans 4:11)
b) A benchmark for us to follow – to walk in the same steps of faith (Romans 4:12)

3. The quality of Abraham’s faith

a) Contrary to hope, in hope believed (Romans 4:18)
b) Not being weak in faith (Romans 4:19)
i) Did not consider his own body, already dead
ii) And the deadness of Sarah’s womb
c) Did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief (Romans 4:20)
d) But was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God (Romans 4:20)
e) Fully convinced of God’s promises (Romans 4:21)