Some Key Words (7/20/00-7/21/00)

Hope (elpis [1680]):

desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it, the object of hope, the thing hoped for, the foundation of hope, trust, confidence in someone, security; expectation of evil, fear, expectation of good, hope, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation, the author of hope, he who is the foundation, the thing hoped for; to anticipate with pleasure, expectation or confidence

Weak (astheneo [770]):

to be weak, infirm, sick, spiritually weak, weak in riches, poor, indigent, destitute of authority, dignity, or power, contemptible; to be feeble, without strength, powerless, to be weak in means, needy, poor; to be feeble, sick; to be feeble in any sense

Faith (pistis [4102]):

being persuaded, belief implying knowledge of, assent to, and confidence in certain divine truths, the same without good works, false faith, that faith in Christ to which is annexed the gift of working miracles, the doctrine of faith promising justification and salvation, the Christian religion, fidelity, assurance, proof; conviction of the truth of anything, belief, belief respecting man's relationship to God and the divine, belief joined with trust and holy fervor, belief in God as creator and ruler, belief in Christ as Messiah, the beliefs of Christians, belief with trust, fidelity, faithfulness, the character of one who can be relied on; persuasion, credence, moral conviction of religious truth or the truthfulness of God, reliance upon Christ for salvation, constancy in profession of belief

Dead (nekroo [3499]):

to make dead, put to death, slay, to be worn out, to deprive of power, destroy the strength of; to deaden, subdue

Promise (epaggelia [1860]):

to declare upon, a legal term denoting a summons or promise to do or give something, the promises of God, the thing promised, a gift graciously given as opposed to a pledge secured by negotiation; announcement, the act of promising, a promise given or to be given, a promised good or blessing; an announcement for information or pledge - especially a divine assurance of good

Waver (diakrino [1252]):

to discern or distinguish, to make a distinction, to make to differ, to judge, determine, to contend or dispute with another, to be divided from one in discourse, to doubt, to be divided in one's mind; to discriminate or prefer, to decide a dispute, to desert or withdraw from one, to separate oneself in a hostile spirit, to oppose, contend, to be at variance with oneself, to hesitate, doubt; to separate thoroughly, withdraw from or oppose, to discriminate or hesitate

Unbelief (apistia [570]):

faithlessness or uncertainty, distrust, lack of acknowledgment of Christ, want of confidence in His power, want of trust in the God of promise; unfaithfulness, lack of faith, weakness of faith; disbelief, lack of Christian faith, disobedience

Grew strong (endunamoo [1743]):

to strengthen, to make strong, vigorous, to be strengthened; to be strong, to endue with strength, to receive strength, increase in strength, to be bold, headstrong; to empower

Glory (doxa [1391]):

to recognize for what a person is, appearance, reputation, honor, renown, seeming appearance as opposed to truth, form, that which catches the eye or attracts attention, splendor, brilliance, all which is excellent in the divine nature, all that God will appear to be in His final revelation to us, God's glory made manifest in and through Christ, the glory shown from within - reflecting in the appearance; an opinion, judgement, view, an estimate concerning someone - in NT, always a good opinion resulting in praise, honor, and glory, splendor or brightness, magnificence, excellence, dignity, grace, majesty, a most glorious condition, a most exalted state; very apparent glory

Fully assured (plerophoreo [4135]):

to fulfill, thoroughly accomplish, to be fulfilled, being established or brought to completion, reaching the goal, to be fully proved, confirmed with the fullest evidence, fully persuaded; to cause a thing to be shown to the full, to fulfill the ministry in every part, to carry through to the end, accomplish, to fill with a thought, conviction, or inclination, to make one certain, persuade, to be persuaded, fully convinced and assured, to render inclined or bent on; to carry out fully, completely assure, entirely accomplish

Able (dunatos [1415]):

powerful, mighty, strong, mighty in wealth and influence, strong in soul, able to bear calamities and trials with fortitude and patience, strong in Christian virtue, able to do something, mighty, excelling in something, having power for something; powerful or capable

Credited (logizomai [3049]):

to reckon, to count, to put to one's account either in his favor or as a debt, a technical term referring to God's justification of man, the imputation of righteousness, to esteem as of no account, to conclude or infer, to believe or consider; to compute, calculate, count over, to take into account, to impute, to pass to one's account, to consider as equivalent to something - having like force and weight, to number among, to account, to deliberate, weigh the reasons, to reckon up all the reasons, gather, or infer, to suppose, to judge, to determine, decide; to take an inventory, estimate

Righteousness (dikaiosune [1343]):

that which fulfills the claims of God on the believer, or the claims of higher authority on the nonbeliever, conformity to such claims, the state commanded by God, conformity to all He commands, God's uprightness, God's standard, God's right upon man, the recognition and acceptance of God's right upon man, the acceptance of the claims of the law upon one's life; the state of one who is as he ought to be, the condition acceptable to God, the doctrine concerning how man may be approved of God, integrity, virtue, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting, justice; equity of character or act, Christian justification

Sake (dia [1223]):

through, with, in, throughout, during, by means of, the reason by which something is or is not done, on account of, because of, for this reason, therefore, on this account; the channel of an act

Believe (pisteuo [4100]):

to believe, give credit to, to have a mental persuasion, to be of opinion, to believe in or on Christ - implying knowledge or assent to and confidence in Him, to give credit to; to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in, the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by certain inner and higher prerogative and law of the soul, to trust in Jesus or God as able, saving faith, to acknowledge some fact or event, intellectual faith, to entrust to one, to be entrusted; to have faith in on or with respect to a person or thing, to credit, or entrust - especially to entrust one's spiritual well-being to Christ

Raised (egeiro [1453]):

to awaken, wake up, to become attentive to one's own dangerous position and to the salvation of God, to recover, rise up from bed, the recalling of the dead unto new life, the resurrection of the body, to erect, build up; to arouse, to cause to rise, to awaken, to recall the dead to life, to cause to rise up from a seat or bed, to produce, cause to appear, to bring before the public, to stir up opposition, to cause to be born, to construct or erect a building; to waken, rouse from sitting, lying, disease or death, to raise from obscurity, inactivity, ruin, or nonexistence

Lord (kurios [2962]):

Lord, wielding authority for good; he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has the power of deciding, master, the possessor and disposer of a thing, the owner or master, the sovereign, prince, chief, a title expressive of respect and reverence, the salute of the servant to the master, the title given to God, and the Messiah; supreme in authority, controller, Mr.

Delivered over (paradidomi [3860]):

to give into the hands of another, to give over into one's power or use, to deliver to one something to keep, use, or take care of, to deliver up to custody, to be judged, condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, or put to death, the deliver up treacherously by betrayal, to deliver one to be taught or molded, to commit, commend, to deliver commands, narrations, or reports, to permit or allow; to surrender, yield up, entrust, transmit

Transgressions (paraptoma [3900]):

fault, a lighter shading of sin, purposefully stepping over - includes the thought of the suffering of the one who has so violated the rule, a missing of the mark as opposed to a breaking of the law, the unintentional sin - no matter how serious, a missing of that which is right, defeat; to fall beside or near something, a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness, a misdeed, a sin; a side-slip, unintentional error or willful transgression

Justification (dikaiosis [1347]):

the act which establishes a right or just person, justification as the act - not the essence or character; the act of God declaring men free from guilt and acceptable to Him; acquittal due to the work of Christ

 

Paraphrase: (7/19/00)

18 Though it seemed hopeless, he hoped, that by so doing he might become the father of nations, as it had been told him "So your descendants will be." 19 And he considered his aged body - being about a hundred years old, and Sarah's body - whose womb was dead to birth, and yet his faith did not weaken. 20 Rather, he did not waver in his belief of God's promise, but grew strong in his faith, giving God the glory, 21 and having an absolute certainty that what God had promised, He was able to do. 22 This, too, was reckoned to him as righteousness. 23 And it wasn't solely for his benefit that this reckoning was recorded, 24 but for us as well, for to us also it will be reckoned, since we believe in God who raised Jesus our Lord from death - 25 Jesus who was delivered to that death for our sins, and raised up to life again as our justification.

Key Verse: (7/19/00)

4:20 - This is the key: to believe in all God promises without wavering, allowing faith to grow strong, and glorifying God through our strong belief.

People Mentioned: (7/19/00)

Sarah

Abraham's wife, mother of Isaac and Ishmael. Ge 17:15-21 - God changes her name from Sarai [8297]: princess, to Sarah [8283] noblewoman, declaring her the mother of kings and nations. This caused laughter and questioning in Abraham, but God chooses this new son over Ishmael. Ge 18:6-15 - At a later visit, she too finds the idea of childbirth amusing, but God declares that nothing is too difficult for Him, and that it shall be as He has said. Ge 20:2-18 - Abraham allows Sarah to become attached to Abimelech, who returned her at God's warning, who also sends him to Abraham for prayer. Ge 21:1-12 - Sarah bears Isaac, the child of laughter, and proceeds to have Ishmael and Hagar driven from their home. Ge 23:1-2 - Sarah died in Canaan at 127 years of age. Is 51:2 - Sarah is held out as an example to those who seek righteousness, noting that God blessed them when they were but a couple, and made them many. Ro 9:9 - The promise to Sarah is remembered. Heb 11:11 - Sarah's ability to conceive came by faith, as it was well beyond her proper time of bearing. 1Pe 3:6 - Sarah is held out as the example for the godly wife, submissive to her husband [even in his foolishness], and doing right before the Lord.

 

Some Parallel Verses (7/21/00)

4:18

Ge 15:5 - God declares to Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the starts

4:19

Heb 11:12 - Abraham fathered many nations in spite of being 'as good as dead'. Ge 17:17 - Abraham laughed to hear that he would become a father at 100, with a 90 year old wife, Ge 18:11 - for Sarah was past the age of child bearing.

4:20

Mt 9:8 - Upon seeing Jesus' miracle of raising the paralytic, the crowd glorified God.

4:21

Ro 14:5 - However one regards the days of the week, it should be a matter of full conviction of thought. Ge 18:14 - Nothing is too difficult for God, Sarah's son is promised as stated. Heb 11:19 - Abraham recognized that God was able even to raise from death, if need be.

4:22

Ge 15:6 - Abraham's belief in God was reckoned to him as righteousness by God.

4:23

Ro 15:4 - All that was written beforehand is for our instruction, to give us hope. 1Co 9:9-10 - In the law against muzzling the ox, God spoke to the needs of His workmen, not so much about the ox. 1Co 10:11 - All that happened in Exodus happened as an example, and were written down for our instruction. 2Ti 3:16 - All Scripture is for our teaching, correction, and training in righteousness.

4:24

Ro 10:9 - If we confess our Lord, and believe in Christ as raised from the dead, we will be saved. 1Pe 1:21 - We who through God's effort are believers in Him have our faith and hope in Him. Ac 2:24 - God raised Christ from death, as death couldn't possibly hold Him.

4:25

Is 53:4-5 - He bore our griefs and sorrows, being wounded for our sins, chastened that we might be acceptable, and scourged that we might be healed. Ro 5:6 - Christ died at the right time, while we remained helpless and ungodly, Ro 5:8 - and were still sinners - thus demonstrating His love for us. Ro 8:32 - If He didn't spare His own Son on our behalf, what will He not freely give us? Gal 2:20 - Having died with Christ, we now live with Christ, He in us, and the fleshly life we now live is by faith in Him who delivered Himself up for us. Ro 5:18 - What one man's fall brought on all, one man's righteousness has rectified. 1Co 15:17 - If He is not risen, our faith is worthless and our sins still unforgiven. 2Co 15:15 - He died for all, so that all could live for Him.

 

New Thoughts (7/22/00)

The big thing that hits me this morning, is that in Abraham's example there is so much assurance for us! When I look at his reactions at hearing God's promise, I think "this is unwavering? This is belief?" But, how often do I react the exact same way? It's one thing for me to agree that God can do anything He cares to do. It's another thing entirely to accept the seemingly impossible thing He may promise to me. Especially in that initial shock. In such a situation, who wouldn't laugh to think of it? So, how is it that Abraham is declared as unwavering and strong in his belief? I have to believe it's because he got over his initial reaction. He came to his senses, and realized who it was that was telling him what would be. Sure, he had his moments of impatience down the line, and tried to help God's promise along in his own ways, but would he have bothered trying if there wasn't that core belief that it would come to pass? Do you or I go out of our way to help along some process we see as absolutely futile? No. Abraham indeed made lots of mistakes, just like me. He had his occasional doubts, just like me. He grew impatient, just like me. But through all that, he continued to cling to God's promise - no matter how tenuously.

Just like me? Ouch. Father God, how many of Your promises do I truly hold fast to? I know there are many that I consider as a lifeboat: the promises of redemption, salvation, and a place in Your kingdom - these my very being depends on. But what of the promises of healing? Do I really buy that? You know I struggle with the whole thing. I've got too much physical evidence pounding against my faith to stand firm. Yet, Abraham was able to stand. How many things have You proven Yourself faithful in? How many ways have You shown me Your activity in my life? Numerous beyond counting. Why then, do I hesitate and worry over the things that haven't come yet? Lord, strengthen my faith. Hold me fast. Help me never to let go of that anchor of hope. Abraham held fast, and saw the promised child. And he learned. He learned to let go of his anxiety, he learned that his faith was built on solid ground. He grew so strong in faith that he could offer up that very promise on Your altar at Your command. He knew he could trust You, that if You truly required such a sacrifice, You are also able to raise that very sacrifice back to life. Oh, what You showed him at that altar! The very plan of salvation was opened to his eyes at that point, wasn't it? How it must have shook him to realize what You Yourself would do. The awe of it! He had had to come within inches of the act You would put Yourself through, and he with only the faith that You would make it right in the end. How it must have shaken him to go through that act, and then to realize the implications of it!

18 In expectant desire of obtaining some good - in spite of the impossibility of expecting that very good, he placed his confidence in the idea that he would father nations as it had been written. 19 Without becoming destitute of the power of a belief that had confidence in divine truth, he contemplated his own body, now worn out, and the deadness of Sarah's womb; 20 yet, as to the divine assurance of good, the promised blessing of God, he did not contend, dispute, or doubt due to distrust or want of confidence but was made strong and vigorous in conviction of the truth of God's promises, recognizing God for what He truly is, and giving Him all praise and honor. 21 He was fully convinced and assured, made certain and filled with conviction that God's divine assurance of good was well within His power and ability to bring to pass. 22 Because he did not doubt or lose confidence in God, it was given the force and weight of full conformity to God's right upon him by God's own authority. 23 His own assurance was not the only reason this was written in Scripture that God did so, 24 it was put there for our assurance, as well; we to whom God will also credit it as fully conforming to His claims that we have placed our confidence in God, who recalled our benevolent ruler, our master and possessor, from death, 25 who was treacherously given over to be condemned, punished, scourged, tormented, and put to death because we had brought suffering on ourselves by violating His rule, and falling short of His goals, and was recalled to life in an act which establishes us as right and just, free of guilt, and acceptable in God's sight.

This is what Abraham was witness to! He stands as a witness and example of faith as it ought to be. He stood as a witness to what God would do. And he knew whom he had believed in. God, may I too find that place of absolute trust! May I too find the strength of belief to accept whatever You may promise me, and to do whatever You may call me to do! Bring me past the point of questioning, of second-guessing, of trying to steer You who ought to be steering me.