Romans 4:13–25 NASB95 13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; 15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation. 16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, "A father of many nations have I made you") in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, "So shall your descendants be." 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness. 23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

Point #1 (4:13-15) - The promise to Abraham and his descendants was based on FAITH and not obedience to the Law.

Point #2 (4:16-17a) - Since the promise of Abraham is based on FAITH, it is a GIFT to all those who trust in God as he did.

Point #3 (4:17b-22) - Despite mounting EVIDENCE to the contrary, Abraham believed God would keep his promise and give him an heir.

Point #4 (4:23-25) - Jesus' RESSURECTION is proof that God accepted His sacrifice for our sins and that we are righteous in His sight.

1 Peter 3:18 NASB95 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Application #1: Remember, "God's promises can only be fulfilled by God's power" (John MacArthur). Therefore, RECEIVE His promises by faith.

A Short List of God's Promises:

1.    The promise of ETERNAL LIFE. (John 5 24)

2.    The promise of PROVISION. (Matt 6:25-32 )

3.    The promise of a WAY of ESCAPE. (1 Co 10:13)

4.    The promise of RECIPROCITY. (Lk 6:38, Heb 6:10)

"Faith always looks at the problems in the light of the promises." - John Stott

Application #2: Our faith should be STRONGER than ABRAHAM'S.

Application #3: God will GROW your FAITH as you wait for Him to fulfill His promises.