Romans 4:18-21 After learning earlier in Romans 4 that Abraham secured the promise of God by faith apart from works, apart from circumcision, and apart from the Law, we now see that he also did so by faith apart from sight. What did Paul mean when he said Abraham hoped against hope? What was necessary for Abraham to secure the promise God made? Why did Abraham contemplate the impossibility of his situation? What happened to Abraham's faith as he did so? What else did Abraham contemplate? How was Abraham's faith made strong? Did Abraham ever have doubts? What were the three results of Abraham's faith? Ultimately, what is Paul wanting us to consider in this passage? (48 min)

Keywords Faith, Works, Abraham

Romans 4:13-17 In these verses Paul begins to explain how it is that those who believe like Abraham believed are Abraham's descendants. What is the promise made to Abraham that he believed? What are the two categories that Paul presents for our consideration? What is the consequence of confusing these categories? What is it that the Law brings about? Why can it not bring about the inheritance of the promise? Why must the inheritance come by faith? What is it that is "in the presence of God?" What did Paul have in mind when he spoke of God giving life to the dead? Why is it important that God calls into being that which did not exist? (58 min)

Keywords Works, Faith, Law, Grace, Wrath, Inheritance, Promise

Romans 4:6-12 In order to demonstrate his point about righteousness from the life of Abraham, Paul uses an example from David in the Psalms. However, in David's case, it was not something that was credited to him, but something that was not credited to him. David says such a person is blessed. Paul then addresses the question of what kinds of people are blessed in this way. What is the importance of the timing of Abraham's circumcision to this issue? How long after he was credited with righteousness did God tell Abraham to be circumcised. Given what circumcision is a sign of, why did God wait so long? What does it mean that Abraham is the father of those who believe? (43 min.)

Keywords Faith, Works, Abraham, David, Forgiveness, Righteousness