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SSS4 : Epistle to the Romans : Lesson 66

Text: Genesis 12 – 15, Romans 4
22 July 2018

CONCEPT OF DEFINITE FAITH

1. Some problems with defining faith

a. Assumption of faith
b. Feelings mistaken for faith
c. Misunderstanding of true faith

2. Hence we speak of “definite faith”

a. Involves knowledge of God
b. Includes commitment to God
c. Expressed in trust and obedience to Him

ABRAHAM’S EXAMPLE OF DEFINITE FAITH

1. Prior to definite faith (Genesis 12 – 14)

a. God had sought to reveal Himself to Abraham
i. Reassured him (Genesis 12: 7, 13: 14)
ii. Protected him (Genesis 12: 17)
iii. Provided for him (Genesis 12: 16, 13: 2)
iv. Delivered him from his enemies (Genesis 14: 19 – 20)
b. Abraham’s response was to build altars for worship (Genesis 12: 7, 8, Genesis 13: 8)
c. What does this mean?
i. Learning
ii. Tentative steps
iii. No full comprehension
iv. No full certainty yet
v. No full commitment yet
d. There was no acknowledgment by God concerning his faith yet!

2. Point of definite faith in God (Genesis 15)

a. Personal revelation from God
i. “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward” (Genesis 15: 1)
ii. “I am the LORD” (Genesis 15: 7)
iii. These were now better understood and believed in!
b. Prayer interaction with God
i. “The word of the LORD came” (Genesis 15: 1, 4)
ii. Abraham responded and interacted
c. Point of commencement
i. He believed in the LORD (Genesis 15: 6)
ii. His faith was acknowledged by God

3. Going beyond the point of definite faith

a. Deeper levels of prayer
i. Insight (Genesis 15: 13 – 16)
ii. Instruction (Genesis 17: 1 – 16)
iii. Interaction (Genesis 17: 17 – 22, 18: 33)
iv. Intercession (Genesis 18: 22 – 33)
b. Continued provision and protection (Genesis 20: 3, 7)
c. Personal counsel given (Genesis 21: 12 – 13)
d. Precious moments of worship (Genesis 21: 33)
e. Tested and proven faith (Genesis 22)

FEATURES OF THE LIFE OF A PERSON WITH DEFINITE FAITH

What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
Romans 4: 1

1. Faith

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Romans 4: 3

a. Not justified by works
b. But by faith!

2. Grace (Romans 4: 4)

Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.
Romans 4: 4

a. Abraham made many missteps
b. Yet God graciously imputed righteousness to him
c. He understood the place and significance of the grace of God
d. It was all about God… and not Abraham

BECOMING AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH

Abraham was an example of faith (Romans 4: 16 – 22)

1. “In the presence of Him whom he believed” (Romans 4: 17)
He was more conscious of the “presence of God” when faith was certain

2. “Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed” (Romans 4: 18)

3. “Strengthened in faith” (Romans 4: 20)

4. “Fully convinced” (Romans 4: 21)

APPLICATION TO ALL

1. Check if you have definite faith

2. Challenge to develop your faith to become an example of faith