Message Notes

A. A deeper study of faith against two important backdrops

1. Circumcision

2. God’s Promise to Abraham

B. The Example of Abraham

1. Revered as the father of faith

2. Revered as the faith of the circumcised (The Jews)

C. When was faith accounted to Abraham?

1. When was this done?

a) Before circumcision?

b) After circumcision?

c) This matters because of strong Jewish adherence to the rite of circumcision

d) Conclusion: Faith was accounted to Abraham before circumcision (Romans 4:10)

2. The significance of Circumcision

a) It is a sign

b) It a seal

Sign and seal of the righteousness of the faith that brings about justification (Romans 4:11)

3. Important ramification

a) He might be called the father of faith of the uncircumcised Romans 4:11

b) Righteousness may also be accounted to those who are uncircumcised, provided that they had genuine faith (Romans 4:11)

D. The father of faith

1. To those who are of the circumcision

2. But they too must be those who walk in the steps of faith of Abraham (Romans 4:12)

3. But what if the circumcised do not have faith as Abraham?

4. The challenge is to be found in the phrase “the steps of the faith” of Abraham

E. A correct understanding of the promise given to Abraham

1. That he would be “the heir of the world” (Romans 4:13)

2. And to his seed (Romans 4:13)

3. The means:-

i) Through the law?

ii) Through the faith that brings righteousness?

4. Conclusion
Through the righteousness imputed through faith (Romans 4:13)