Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 4:13-25. St. Paul continues to expound upon Abraham as the example of the righteousness of God that comes through faith. The inheritance given to Abraham and his offspring depended not on works, but upon a promise. The background of Israel’s inheritance of the land shows quite clearly that a promise depends not on adherence to the law, but upon God’s promise. Apart from God’s promise, the law only brings wrath. With the promise, however, grace is freely given to Abraham and to all who share his faith. That makes Abraham the father of many nations, not according to his physical family tree, but according to his faith. This faith of Abraham is faith in Jesus Christ, the God who created all things out of nothing and who gives life to the dead. Abraham trusted in this promise, because he in his old age and Sarah in her barrenness were as good as dead. This faith, not works, was counted to Abraham as