Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 4, where Paul uses Abraham’s life to explain what it means to be justified by faith. Paul is resolute: we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. Looking at Abraham, Paul illustrates that true faith trusts God’s promises even when circumstances seem hopeless. Abraham faced the reality of his own limitations—his age, Sarah’s barrenness—yet believed in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not exist. This kind of faith glorifies God, not self, and rests fully on His promises rather than human effort.

Dr. Easley challenges us to consider the nature of our faith. Are we trusting in our ability to believe, or in the object of our belief—Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification? This passage calls us to turn from self-reliance and rest in the God who creates life from death and credits righteousness to all who believe in Him.

Takeaways:

We are justified by faith apart from works of the law, as seen in Abraham’s example.

True faith trusts God’s promises even when circumstances seem impossible.

God gives life to the dead and creates something out of nothing.

Abraham’s faith glorified God, showing us that faith rests on God’s ability, not ours.

Faith grows stronger as we understand the character and promises of God.

Our justification rests on Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection for our life.

To read the book of Romans, click here.

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