Romans 4:13
Verse
Context
Abraham Receives the Promise
12And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.13For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.14For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless,
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world - This promise intimated that he should be the medium through whom the mercy of God should be communicated to the world, to both Jews and Gentiles; and the manner in which he was justified, be the rule and manner according to which all men should expect this blessing. Abraham is here represented as having all the world given to him as his inheritance; because in him all nations of the earth are blessed: this must therefore relate to their being all interested in the Abrahamic covenant; and every person, now that the covenant is fully explained, has the privilege of claiming justification through faith, by the blood of the Lamb, in virtue of this original grant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For the promise, &c.--This is merely an enlargement of the foregoing reasoning, applying to the law what had just been said of circumcision. that he should be the heir of the world--or, that "all the families of the earth should be blessed in him." was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law--in virtue of obedience to the law. but through the righteousness of faith--in virtue of his simple faith in the divine promises.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if they which are of the law be heirs,.... That is, if the Jews who are under the law, and are seeking for righteousness and life by the works of it, should, on the account of their obedience to it, be heirs of the grace of life and of glory, faith is made void; for if the right to the inheritance is by the works of the law, there is no room for faith; that can be of no use or service; and the promise made of none effect: if salvation is by works, it is to no purpose for God to promise, or men to believe; for the thing promised depends not upon God's promise, but upon man's obedience to the law; and if that is not perfectly observed, as it cannot possibly be, then the promise of God stands for nothing, and is in course made void. The apostle here argues from the absurdities which follow upon the doctrine of justification by works, as he does from the different effects of the law, in the following verse.
Romans 4:13
Abraham Receives the Promise
12And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.13For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.14For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Judgment Is Bound to Come
By Rolfe Barnard1.2K44:30Judgment DayGEN 6:22MAT 6:33ACT 2:40ACT 2:46ROM 4:13HEB 3:12In this sermon, the Apostle Peter passionately exhorts the crowd to repent and turn away from the actions of Calvary. He warns them of the impending judgment that will fall upon a generation that crucified the Son of God. Peter compares his urgency to that of Noah, who acted out of fear and faith to save lives. The sermon highlights the religious world of the time, which had experienced a revival of religion without the true message of the cross of Christ.
God Loves Doing the Impossible & Zac Poonen
By Santosh Poonen1.2K1:13:30GEN 17:1LUK 1:37ROM 4:13ROM 4:17HEB 11:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God in hopelessly impossible situations, drawing parallels from the lives of Abraham and Sarah, highlighting how God fulfills His promises not based on our abilities but on our faith in Him. It encourages embracing God's promises with faith, even when circumstances seem hopeless, and trusting in His power to work miracles in our lives.
Debate: How the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the Usa, Canada, Australia, etc., Today (3/3)
By Greg Barrow7811:18:091CH 16:13PSA 85:10MAT 6:33ROM 4:13TIT 3:5HEB 10:222PE 3:13The sermon transcript discusses the importance of being mindful of God's covenant and the word He has commanded for a thousand generations. It emphasizes the need for regeneration and righteousness, as mentioned in Titus 3:5 and Romans 4:13. The author highlights the neglect of family leaders in teaching the doctrine of Christianity, which contributes to the divisions and corruptions in the church. The devil seeks to undermine family duties and pervert the youth, but the solemn injunctions and dying charge of Jesus Christ protect the public duties in the assemblies of the saints.
The Law of Christ - Part 1
By Charles Leiter77448:46GEN 3:15MAT 5:17ROM 4:13GAL 3:8GAL 3:13EPH 2:14HEB 8:13This sermon delves into the profound truths revealed in the Bible, emphasizing the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ. It explores the significance of Christ's sacrifice, the blessings of justification by faith, and the unity of the entire Scripture in God's eternal purpose in Christ. The message highlights the surpassing glory of the new covenant over the old, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the church.
Missions Conference - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead54759:04ConferenceMAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not using the preaching of the word of God as an excuse to disobey or neglect the needs of those around us. He highlights the need to have a burden for both the people in distant lands and the people in our immediate vicinity. The preacher also discusses the role of money in the work of God, explaining that it represents our time, talent, training, and energy, and is used to spread the gospel. He shares a story of a widow who was obedient to God's call to sell her house and build a mission station in Nigeria, demonstrating the importance of following God's guidance in our lives.
The Doctrine of Justification 1. Introduction
By A.W. Pink0Righteousness of GodJustificationJOB 25:4DAN 9:24MIC 6:6ROM 1:17ROM 3:26ROM 4:13ROM 8:1EPH 1:62TI 3:16REV 12:10A.W. Pink introduces the doctrine of justification, emphasizing its critical importance in the Christian faith and the alarming ignorance surrounding it in contemporary times. He argues that understanding justification is essential for restoring one's relationship with God, as it addresses the fundamental question of how sinners can be accepted by a holy God. Pink highlights that this doctrine is not merely theoretical but has profound implications for every believer's life, providing peace and assurance amidst guilt and sin. He stresses the need for a deep understanding of the righteousness of God, which is central to justification, and warns against the dangers of misunderstanding this vital truth. Ultimately, Pink aims to illuminate the path to divine acceptance through Christ's atoning work, encouraging believers to grasp the significance of their justification.
The Place and Work of the Holy Spirit
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthThe Holy SpiritJHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 4:13GAL 3:1GAL 3:5GAL 4:6GAL 5:16GAL 5:22GAL 5:25EPH 1:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth as outlined in the letter to the Galatians. He explains that the Holy Spirit is received through faith, not by works, and is essential for both the beginning and continuation of the Christian life. The Spirit empowers believers for service and assures them of their inheritance as children of God. Sparks encourages believers to walk and live by the Spirit, highlighting that true spiritual maturity and the fruit of the Spirit stem from this relationship. Ultimately, he asserts that all aspects of the Christian life, from initiation to service, are sustained by the Holy Spirit through faith.
The Law Done Away
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ROM 4:13ROM 6:14GAL 3:19GAL 3:22EPH 2:15Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the fundamental differences between the reign of law and the reign of grace, emphasizing that they are opposed to each other and cannot coexist. He explains that the Scriptures of the New Testament clearly teach that the law, in all its forms, is done away with in the present age under the economy of grace. Chafer delves into the threefold larger conception of the law, including the teachings of Moses, the law covenant of works, and the principle of dependence on the flesh, all of which are now set aside in the era of grace. He highlights the importance of understanding that the law has ceased, even in its widest meaning, and that believers are now under the reign of grace, not the law.
Both and Not Either Or
By Paris Reidhead0LUK 16:9JHN 3:16ACT 1:8ROM 4:13JUD 1:25Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of being witnesses for Christ both in our immediate surroundings and to the ends of the earth. He emphasizes the need to understand the difference between 'either or' and 'both and' in fulfilling the Great Commission. Reidhead shares powerful stories of individuals like Mrs. Cordican who lived out their faith by serving and witnessing in their communities, impacting lives for eternity. He challenges listeners to examine their own lives and ask if they are truly fulfilling their calling to be witnesses for Christ in all areas of their lives.
Zion, the City of God
By George Warnock0PSA 46:4EZK 36:11ROM 4:13ROM 8:17HEB 1:2HEB 11:9HEB 11:16HEB 12:22George Warnock preaches about the contrast between the cities built by fallen men, which lead to corruption and chaos, and the heavenly city prepared by God for His people. He emphasizes the importance of God's men, like Abraham, who continue to seek a city with foundations built by God. Warnock uses the analogy of a father offering his estranged sons a vast inheritance, symbolizing God's promise of a heavenly city to His people. He challenges the audience to set their sights on the heavenly Jerusalem, the true Zion, where believers become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
The Covenants
By Charles Finney0SalvationCovenantsEXO 34:28DEU 9:9JER 31:31MAT 5:17ROM 4:13ROM 8:3ROM 13:9GAL 3:8HEB 8:13HEB 9:18Charles Finney discusses 'The Covenants,' emphasizing the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as outlined in Hebrews 8:13. He explains the nature of covenants, their mutual obligations, and the significance of God's covenants with humanity, including the Adamic, Abrahamic, and Sinai covenants. Finney clarifies that while the Old Covenant is set aside in terms of salvation, its moral precepts remain binding, and the New Covenant fulfills the promises of the previous covenants by writing God's law in the hearts of believers. He urges the congregation to embrace the New Covenant and its implications for their spiritual lives.
Eagle Edom Will Come Down
By John Piper0PSA 22:28PSA 76:7OBA 1:1MAT 5:5LUK 16:15ROM 4:13GAL 3:28John Piper preaches on the book of Obadiah, the shortest Old Testament book, which delivers a prophecy against Edom and focuses on the vindication of Israel and the establishment of God's kingdom. The prophecy reveals that God's oppressed people should take courage as wrongs will be righted through judgment, and God will rule openly with His people in safety forever. The message emphasizes the consequences of pride, the deceptive nature of pride, God's abomination of pride, the principle of reaping what is sown, and the promise of escape and salvation from God's wrath through humility and trust in Him.
The Children of the Covenant, the Saviours First Care.
By Edward Payson0GEN 17:7ACT 3:25ROM 4:13GAL 3:29HEB 10:36Edward Payson delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of embracing the covenant with God, drawing parallels between the children of the covenant in the Bible and baptized individuals today. He urges believers to dedicate themselves and their children to God, highlighting the need for faith and commitment to receive the blessings of the covenant. Payson warns against delaying in accepting Christ, as it may lead to missing out on eternal salvation and the privileges of being in covenant with God.
Always Praying and Never Giving Up
By W.C. Moore0ROM 4:13W.C. Moore preaches on the importance of unwavering faith and patience in waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled, using the example of Abraham's long wait for a son as a testament to trusting in God's ability to perform what He has promised. Moore emphasizes the need for cheerful endurance and joyful expectation while waiting for God's answers, encouraging believers to persist in prayer and belief until a mighty Holy Ghost revival comes. He shares a vision of a sudden explosion symbolizing the powerful outpouring of God's Spirit that will defeat the devil and unite God's people in clear testimony and preparation for the Lord's coming.
Abraham, a Foreigner in His Own Land
By George Warnock0GEN 23:4ROM 3:22ROM 4:13GAL 3:29HEB 11:10REV 5:9George Warnock preaches about Abraham's journey of faith, highlighting how God continually enlarged his vision and led him to seek a heavenly city beyond the earthly promises. As Abraham looked beyond the physical land of Canaan, he longed for a better country, a heavenly one, where his true inheritance lay. Warnock emphasizes that through Christ, believers from all nations become the spiritual seed of Abraham, heirs according to the promise, united in faith and redeemed by the blood of Christ. He challenges Christians to embrace unity across cultures and racial backgrounds, recognizing that in God's eyes, there is no difference as all have fallen short of His glory.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world - This promise intimated that he should be the medium through whom the mercy of God should be communicated to the world, to both Jews and Gentiles; and the manner in which he was justified, be the rule and manner according to which all men should expect this blessing. Abraham is here represented as having all the world given to him as his inheritance; because in him all nations of the earth are blessed: this must therefore relate to their being all interested in the Abrahamic covenant; and every person, now that the covenant is fully explained, has the privilege of claiming justification through faith, by the blood of the Lamb, in virtue of this original grant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For the promise, &c.--This is merely an enlargement of the foregoing reasoning, applying to the law what had just been said of circumcision. that he should be the heir of the world--or, that "all the families of the earth should be blessed in him." was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law--in virtue of obedience to the law. but through the righteousness of faith--in virtue of his simple faith in the divine promises.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if they which are of the law be heirs,.... That is, if the Jews who are under the law, and are seeking for righteousness and life by the works of it, should, on the account of their obedience to it, be heirs of the grace of life and of glory, faith is made void; for if the right to the inheritance is by the works of the law, there is no room for faith; that can be of no use or service; and the promise made of none effect: if salvation is by works, it is to no purpose for God to promise, or men to believe; for the thing promised depends not upon God's promise, but upon man's obedience to the law; and if that is not perfectly observed, as it cannot possibly be, then the promise of God stands for nothing, and is in course made void. The apostle here argues from the absurdities which follow upon the doctrine of justification by works, as he does from the different effects of the law, in the following verse.