In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where uncertainties loom large and challenges seem insurmountable, the call to grow strong in our faith resonates deeply. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, paints a vivid portrait of Abraham as the archetype of unwavering belief. Romans 4:18-25 serves as a cornerstone passage, illustrating how Abraham "grew strong in his faith" despite overwhelming odds. This isn't just ancient history; it's a blueprint for us today. Paul urges believers to walk in Abraham's footsteps, believing as he believed. But how? By fixing our eyes on God's promises rather than our circumstances, and by giving glory to God in the midst of trials.
Drawing from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, we'll exegete this passage verse by verse, delving into the original Greek language to uncover nuances that enrich our understanding. The Greek text, part of the New Testament's Koine Greek, offers profound insights into keywords and phrases that highlight the nature of faith. For instance, words like "hope" (elpis) and "faith" (pistis) aren't mere optimism but a deep, confident trust in God's character. As we unpack Romans 4:18-25, we'll see how Abraham's story intersects with our own, encouraging us to believe against hope and strengthen our faith through praise. This journey isn't about mustering our own strength but about relying on the God who "gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist" (Romans 4:17, ESV).
Paul's argument in Romans 4 is part of a larger discourse on justification by faith, apart from works. Abraham, the father of the faithful, exemplifies this. His faith wasn't passive; it grew amid impossibility. Today, many Christians struggle with doubt, perhaps over unanswered prayers, personal failures, or global chaos. Yet, Paul's message is clear: faith strengthens when we look beyond the visible to the invisible promises of God. Let's dive in and explore how Abraham's example can transform our spiritual lives.
Exegesis of Romans 4:18-19: Believing Against Hope
Romans 4:18 (ESV) states: "In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, 'So shall your offspring be.'" This verse captures the essence of Abraham's faith journey. The Greek phrase "par' elpida ep' elpidi episteusen" is particularly striking. "Par' elpida" means "against hope," where "elpis" (hope) refers to natural human expectation based on circumstances. Abraham's situation was hopeless by earthly standards: he was nearly 100 years old, and Sarah was barren. Yet, "ep' elpidi" indicates "upon hope" or "in hope," a supernatural hope rooted in God's word. The verb "episteusen" (believed) is in the aorist tense, signifying a decisive, point-in-time act of trust. This wasn't blind faith but belief in God's specific promise from Genesis 15:5, "So shall your offspring be."
Exegetically, Paul contrasts natural hope with divine hope. Abraham didn't ignore reality; he faced it head-on. The promise to "become the father of many nations" (patera pollōn ethnōn) echoes Genesis 17:5, where God renames Abram to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude." In the original language, "ethnōn" (nations) implies not just biological descendants but a spiritual lineage, including Gentiles who believe. This universal scope underscores justification by faith for all.
Moving to verse 19: "He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb" (ESV). The Greek "mē asthenēsas tē pistei" means "not having weakened in faith," with "asthenēsas" from astheneō, implying no loss of strength or vigor in belief. "Katenoēsen" (considered) is a deliberate contemplation; Abraham fully acknowledged the facts, "his own body... as good as dead" (nenekrōmenon, from nekroō, meaning deadened or lifeless). Sarah's "nekrōsin" (barrenness, literally necrosis or deadness) of the womb highlights the impossibility.
Yet, faith didn't falter. This exegesis reveals faith as realistic yet transcendent. Abraham's consideration wasn't doubt but a platform for God's glory. In real life, we often face "dead" situations: a prodigal child, failing health, or shattered dreams. Like Abraham, we must consider them but not let them dictate our hope. Instead, anchor in God's promise. For believers, this mirrors trusting in Christ's resurrection power, which revives what is dead (Ephesians 2:1-5).
Expanding spiritually, this passage challenges the prosperity gospel's shallow optimism. True faith thrives in adversity. Consider modern examples: missionaries in hostile lands who believe God's call despite persecution, or parents praying for wayward children amid despair. Abraham's faith grew because he believed "against hope", a paradox inviting us to trust God's sovereignty. As commentator David Guzik notes, Abraham's faith was in the God who quickens the dead, not in his own abilities. This builds resilience; when circumstances scream "impossible," we respond with "But God..."
To grow strong here, practice daily: recite promises like Isaiah 41:10 ("Fear not, for I am with you") when fear arises. Journal "dead" areas in life and counter with Scripture. This cultivates the hope Paul describes, turning natural despair into supernatural confidence. Abraham's example isn't unattainable; it's empowered by the same Spirit in us (Romans 8:11).
Exegesis of Romans 4:20-21: Growing Strong Through Glory
Romans 4:20 (ESV): "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God." The Greek "ou diekrithē tē apistia" translates to "he did not waver in unbelief," where "diekrithē" from diakrinō means to doubt, hesitate, or be divided in judgment. "Apistia" (unbelief) is the negation of pistis (faith), emphasizing no internal conflict despite evidence. Instead, "enedunamōthē tē pistei" means "he was strengthened in faith," with "enedunamōthē" from endunamoō, implying empowerment or invigoration, often passive, suggesting God as the source.
The key phrase "dous doxan tō theō" (giving glory to God) reveals the mechanism: faith strengthens through worship. "Doxan" (glory) from doxa means honor or praise, ascribing worth to God. Abraham's faith grew as he glorified God, not after resolution but amid waiting. This counters human tendency to praise post-miracle; instead, praise fuels faith.
Verse 21: "fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised" (ESV). "Plērophorētheis" (fully convinced) from plērophoreō means to be fully assured or carried to fullness, a passive participle indicating God's work in convincing. "Epēggeltai" (had promised) from epangellomai, a perfect tense denoting a completed promise with ongoing force. "Dunatos" (able) underscores God's power (dunamis), echoing His self-revelation.
Exegetically, these verses link faith's growth to glorifying God. Abraham's strength came from focusing on God's ability, not his inadequacy. This ties back to verse 17, God who "calls into existence the things that do not exist." Spiritually, it's transformative: in trials, giving glory shifts perspective from problem to Promise-Keeper.
Apply this: When finances crumble, praise God as your Provider (Philippians 4:19). In loneliness, glorify Him as your Companion (Hebrews 13:5). Personal story: During a health crisis, I praised God daily for His promises, and my faith grew, even before I received healing. As the provided text notes, "We may feel hopelessly unrighteous... but we must believe God’s promise of grace." This glorifying isn't emotional hype, but a deliberate act of thanksgiving.
Biblical parallels abound: In Psalm 42-43, the psalmist commands his soul to hope in God amid despair, leading to praise. Habakkuk 3:17-19 rejoices in God despite barrenness. Practically, incorporate worship routines: sing hymns, pray thanksgivings, meditate on attributes. This "gives glory," empowering faith against wavering.
Critics might say this ignores emotions, but Paul acknowledges feelings, yet subordinates them to truth. In a feelings-driven culture, this is countercultural: believe God's word over sensations. As Barclay comments, Abraham's trust was complete, in God's promises despite odds. Growing strong isn't complicated; it's consistent glorification.
Exegesis of Romans 4:22-25: Faith Counted as Righteousness
Romans 4:22 (ESV): "That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness.'" "Elogisthē" (counted) from logizomai means to reckon or impute, a bookkeeping term where faith is credited as "dikaiosunēn" (righteousness). This echoes Genesis 15:6, central to Paul's argument.
Verses 23-24: "But the words 'it was counted to him' were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord" (ESV). "Pisteuousin" (believe) is the present participle, indicating ongoing faith. The object is God who raised Jesus, linking Abraham's faith to the gospel.
Verse 25: "who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification" (ESV). "Paredothē" (delivered up) alludes to Isaiah 53:12. "Dikaiōsin" (justification) from dikaiōsis means vindication or acquittal. Jesus' resurrection secures our right standing.
Exegetically, this applies Abraham's imputation to believers: faith in Christ's work credits righteousness. It's not earned but gifted, fulfilling the promise through grace.
Spiritually, this assures: our faith, like Abraham's, justifies because it rests on God's act in Christ. In doubt, remember: justification is complete in Him.
The Blessedness of Justification: Insights from Romans 4:6-8
Although our focus is 4:18-25, Paul earlier references David in 4:6-8 to reinforce the concept of imputation. "Just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 'Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin'" (ESV).
"Logizetai" (counts) reappears, with "dikaiosunēn chōris ergōn" (righteousness apart from works). Quoting Psalm 32:1-2, "makarioi" (blessed) means supremely happy. David, after the adultery, knew the weight of guilt and the joy of forgiveness. "Anomias" (lawless deeds) and "hamartiai" (sins) are covered ("epekaluphthēsan"), not imputed.
This complements Abraham: both illustrate faith-based righteousness. David, under law, shows grace transcends works. As Lenski notes, no sinner can remove guilt; God must. For us, this means blessedness in Christ's covering.
Apply: In sin's shame, claim this blessing. It's not self-forgiveness but God's imputation.
Practical Steps to Grow Strong in Faith
Drawing from the passage, grow by: 1) Looking to promises, not circumstances, memorize verses like Romans 8:28. 2) Giving glory through praise, start a gratitude journal. 3) Rejecting waver, confess doubts, affirm truth. 4) Embracing imputation, rest in Christ's righteousness.
Examples: A single mother trusting God for provision praises amid lack, faith strengthens. In marriage strife, glorify God as Restorer.
Challenges: Emotions fluctuate, but as the text says, choose God's word over feelings.
Walk in Abraham's Footsteps
Romans 4:18-25 calls us to Abraham-like faith: believe against hope, grow strong by glorifying God, trust His promises. This isn't self-help but gospel-powered. What will you believe today, circumstances or Christ? Step out, give glory, and watch faith flourish. May this exegesis inspire deeper trust, leading to spiritual vitality.
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