The Faith of Abraham
This passage is better understood in light of Abraham's life story. Read these key passages to prepare yourself
for the discussion: Genesis 12:1–4; 15:1–6; 22:1–18 and Galatians 3:6–9.
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Think of someone who has been an example of great faith to you. What are the evidences of that person's
faith?
Bible Reading
Read Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed,
through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is
made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is
no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure
to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is
the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed,
even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope
believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall
thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred
years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief;
but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able
also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake
alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised
up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. Tell how Abraham became right with God.
Question 2. Abraham was not saved because of his love for God, his good works, or his adherence to religious
rituals. His faith made him right with God.
3. How did Abraham receive God's promise? How can others receive it?
4. What obstacles did Abraham overcome to believe God's promise?
5. What does it mean to have a strong faith?
6. What words were written for both Abraham and us?
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
Henry Drummond [writes:] “You will find, if you think for a moment, that the people who influence you are people
who believe in you. In an atmosphere of suspicion men shrivel up; but in that atmosphere they expand and find encouragement
and educative fellowship. It is a wonderful thing that here and there in this hard uncharitable world there should
still be left a few rare souls who think no evil. This is the great unworldliness. Love sees the bright side, puts
the best construction on every action. What a delightful state of mind to live in! What a stimulus and benediction
even to meet with it for a day! To be trusted is to be saved. And if we try to influence or elevate others, we
shall soon see that success is in proportion to their belief of our belief in them. For the respect of another
is the first restoration of the self-respect a man has lost; our ideal of what he is becomes to him the hope and
pattern of what he may become.”
This faith moves mountains of inertia in other people. It pulverizes prejudices and impossibilities. This faith
is the fruit of God's Gracious Spirit that sweetens a sour world. It replaces suspicion and distrust with friendship
and hope and good cheer. It makes our friends, family, and casual acquaintances stand tall.
Faith of this caliber comes from God. If we lack it we must ask for it. He urges us to come boldly requesting
good gifts from Him (Luke 11:9–13). He does bestow His Gracious Spirit on those who request His presence and are
prepared to cooperate wholeheartedly with His commands (Acts 5:32). He will not withhold any good thing from those
who seek His faith in sincerity. He is faithful.
(From A Gardener Looks at the Fruits of the Spirit by Philip Keller)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. How does Abraham's example inspire you to deeper faith?
8. How can our life of faith influence others?
9. Describe a time when someone's faith made a difference in your life.
Prayer
Father, you accepted Abraham's faith, and you accept ours today. We do not deserve your forgiveness and mercy,
yet you give it freely. Thank you for covering our guilt in the blood of your only Son. Continue to strengthen
our faith in you, for your glory.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How are the people around me impacted by my faith in God?
Additional Questions
10. What things can keep our faith from growing?
11. What can we learn from Abraham about dealing with hindrances to faith?
12. What do you usually do when you experience doubts?
For more Bible passages on faith, see Genesis 15:6; 2 Chronicles 20:20; Isaiah 7:9; Habakkuk 2:4; Matthew 9:29;
Acts 15:9; Romans 5:1; 10:17.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 4:1–5:21.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing.
