Romans 4:16
Verse
Context
Abraham Receives the Promise
15because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace - On this account the promise is mercifully grounded, not on obedience to a law, but on the infinite goodness of God: and thus the promise is sure to all the seed - to all, both Jews and Gentiles, who, believing in Christ Jesus, have a right to all the blessings contained in the Abrahamic covenant. All the seed necessarily comprehends all mankind. Of the Gentiles there can be no doubt, for the promise was given to Abraham while he was a Gentile; and the salvation of the Jews may be inferred, because they all sprang from him after he became an heir of the righteousness or justification which is received by faith; for he is the father of us all, both Jews and Gentiles. Dr. Taylor has an excellent note on this verse. "Here," says he, "it should be well observed that faith and grace do mutually and necessarily infer each other. For the grace and favor of God, in its own nature, requires faith in us; and faith on our part, in its own nature, supposes the grace or favor of God. If any blessing is the gift of God, in order to influence our temper and behavior, then, in the very nature of things, it is necessary that we be sensible of this blessing, and persuaded of the grace of God that bestows it; otherwise it is not possible we should improve it. On the other hand, if faith in the goodness of God, with regard to any blessing, is the principle of our religious hopes and action, then it follows that the blessing is not due in strict justice, nor on the foot of law, but that it is the free gift of Divine goodness. If the promise to Abraham and his seed be of faith on their part, then it is of grace on the part of God. And it is of faith, that it might be by grace: grace, being the mere good will of the donor, is free and open to all whom he chooses to make the objects of it: and the Divine wisdom appointed faith to be the condition of the promise; because faith is, on our part, the most simple principle, bearing an exact correspondence to grace, and reaching as far as that can extend; that so the happy effects of the promise might extend far and wide, take in the largest compass, and be confined to no condition, but what is merely necessary in the nature of things."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore, &c.--A general summary: "Thus justification is by faith, in order that its purely gracious character may be seen, and that all who follow in the steps of Abraham's faith--whether of his natural seed or no--may be assured of the like justification with the parent believer."
John Gill Bible Commentary
As it is written I have made thee a father of many nations,.... The passage referred to, is in Gen 17:4; which proves him to be a father not of the Jews only, since they cannot be called "many nations", but of the Gentiles also; and which must be understood in a spiritual sense, for Abraham was the father of them, before him whom he believed, even God; that is, he was so, either in the sight of God, who sees not as man sees; in his account, he was the father of many nations, long before he really in fact was; or "over against" or "like unto him", as the word may signify: as God was the Father of many nations, so was Abraham, though not in such a sense as he is; and as God is the Father of us all that believe, so was Abraham; there is some little likeness and resemblance in this between them, though not sameness. The object of his faith is described as he, who quickeneth the dead: meaning either the dead body of Abraham and Sarah's womb; or Isaac, who was given up for dead; or the Gentiles, who were dead in trespasses and sins; or rather the dead bodies of men at the last day, a work which none but the almighty God can effect; the consideration of which is sufficient to engage faith in the promises of God, and a dependence on him for the fulfilment or them: and who stands further described as he, who calleth those things which be not, as though they were; so he called Abraham the father of many nations, when he was not in fact, as if he really was; and the Gentiles his seed and offspring, before they were; and when he comes effectually to call them by his grace, they are represented as "things which are not", whom he called, "to bring to nought things that are", Co1 1:28; they were not his people, nor his children, and he called them so, and by his grace made them so, and made them appear to be so; for as in creation so in regeneration, God calls and brings that into being which before was not: and the phrase seems to be an allusion to the creation of all things out of nothing; and it is a Rabbinical one, for so the Jews speaking of the creation say (s). "Nya la arwq, "he calls to that which is not", and it is excluded; (i.e. all things are excluded out of it, as a chicken out of an egg;) and to that which is, and it is established, and to the world, and it is stretched out.'' (s) R. Solomon ben Gabirol in Cether Malcuth apud L. Capell. in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:16 whether or not we live according to the law of Moses (literally not only those who are of the law): The Jews were of the law in that their covenant with God included the law of Moses and they were to live according to it.
Romans 4:16
Abraham Receives the Promise
15because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression.16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You Tired of Being God?
By Carter Conlon3.0K50:38ROM 4:16EPH 2:4This sermon challenges the listeners to stop trying to be God in their lives and instead surrender to God's promises and grace. It emphasizes the exhaustion and futility of attempting to control one's own destiny and the need to trust in God's supernatural power to transform and bless. The message highlights the transition from the Old Covenant of works to the New Covenant of faith in Christ, where believers are called to accept their righteousness in Christ and live in the victory provided by the cross.
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks2.7K57:04AdversityGEN 2:9MRK 2:22JHN 10:10ROM 4:16ROM 6:41JN 5:11REV 22:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of inequality and excess in society. He highlights how the surplus of resources is often withheld from the poor in order to maintain a market. The preacher also criticizes the culture of gratification and materialism, using Hollywood as an example. He then turns to the letter to the Romans, specifically chapter 4, and emphasizes the importance of faith and the power of God to give life to the dead. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the need for true spiritual life and establishment, rather than relying on external factors or knowledge alone.
Faith
By Don McClure2.1K48:59God's PromisesFaithROM 4:16Don McClure emphasizes the significance of faith through the story of Abraham in Romans chapter 4, illustrating how Abraham's belief in God's promises, despite his past and present circumstances, serves as a model for all believers. He explains that just as Abraham had to confront his own deadness and hopelessness, so must we recognize our limitations and trust in God's power to transform our lives. McClure encourages the congregation to understand that God's promises are available to everyone who believes, and that faith is the key to experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. He concludes by reminding us that God desires to take us aside and reveal the potential He has for each of us, urging us to believe in His ability to bring hope and life from our dead situations.
The Super Abounding Grace of God
By Conrad Mbewe1.9K1:07:40MAT 21:33ROM 3:24ROM 4:16ROM 5:2ROM 5:15ROM 5:18In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the generous donation of recording equipment by a family. He then reads from Romans chapter 5, focusing on verses 18-19. The speaker emphasizes the concept of grace and how it is introduced by Paul in the Bible. He explains that grace cannot be fully appreciated without understanding the depth of our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God's grace is not simply a matter of forgiveness, but also a transformation of our hearts.
The Righteousness of Faith - Part 4
By Roy Hession1.1K51:44Righteousness Of FaithPSA 32:1ROM 3:25ROM 4:3ROM 4:16ROM 4:24In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing a verse from chapter 3, verse 25, which talks about God setting forth Jesus as a propitiation through faith in his blood. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning of this verse. They explain that the devil accuses believers using the law of God, but God declares the wrong to the wrong person. The speaker uses the analogy of a debtor and a surety to illustrate how Jesus took our place and paid our debts. They emphasize that through faith in Jesus, believers are set free from the law and no longer have to fight on their own.
The Cross
By Dick Hussey96049:31MAT 6:33MAT 27:46LUK 23:34LUK 23:43JHN 19:26ROM 4:11ROM 4:16GAL 3:7COL 2:23HEB 7:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the final moments of Jesus on the cross. He emphasizes the brevity of Jesus' spoken words, lasting less than a minute, but the profound impact they had on others. The preacher then moves on to discuss the significance of the silence of the cross, highlighting the sacrifice and agony Jesus endured. He also mentions the importance of the day of Pentecost and the sending of the Holy Spirit as a sign of victory and blessing. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of silence and sacrifice, using the example of Abraham's obedience and Jesus' own words on the cross.
How God Gets Men Lost Saved
By Rolfe Barnard90343:00SalvationGEN 15:5MAT 6:33MRK 5:34LUK 19:10JHN 5:21ROM 4:16GAL 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate lostness of humanity and the need for God's intervention to save them. He explains that humans cannot save themselves and that God uses human means to bring people face to face with their lostness. The preacher also highlights the importance of recognizing one's lostness and crying out for mercy. He emphasizes that salvation is not guaranteed and that God has the right to give or withhold faith. The sermon references various Bible verses, including John 5, to support these teachings.
The Final Word Before the Lord Returns
By Carter Conlon64852:39MAL 3:6MAL 4:2MAL 4:5ROM 4:16ROM 4:20This sermon from the book of Malachi emphasizes the importance of turning our hearts back to God, focusing on the need for genuine sacrifice, discernment, and a deep reverence for the Lord. It highlights the call to present our lives as living sacrifices, to seek God's will above all else, and to trust in His power to transform us. The message urges believers to have a heavenly perspective, to live in faith and obedience, and to be vessels of God's love and truth in a world in need of His light.
The Power of God
By Paris Reidhead0PrayerFaithROM 4:16Paris Reidhead emphasizes the power of God through the faith of Abraham, illustrating how true faith acknowledges difficulties yet remains unwavering in belief. He explains that Abraham did not ignore his circumstances but chose to trust in God's promises, demonstrating that faith is rooted in the assurance of God's ability to fulfill His word. Reidhead encourages believers to seek God's specific promises for their lives and to engage in prayer that aligns with His will, highlighting the importance of understanding God's past faithfulness as a foundation for future trust. He reminds the congregation that the journey of faith is often fraught with challenges, but perseverance in prayer and faith leads to spiritual growth and fulfillment of God's promises.
Credited to Our Account
By David Wilkerson0Imputed RighteousnessFaith and GraceROM 3:22ROM 4:6ROM 4:16ROM 4:20ROM 10:10David Wilkerson emphasizes that true justification and acceptance before God come solely through Christ's perfect righteousness, which is imputed to believers through faith. He explains that this righteousness is not earned by works but credited to our account by God, as illustrated in the lives of David and Abraham. Wilkerson highlights that understanding this imputation leads to a blessed and peaceful life, as it is through faith alone that we receive this gift. He reassures that our standing before God is based on Christ's accomplishments, not our own, and that this perfect righteousness is available to all who believe.
Faith (Abraham Was "Fully Persuaded")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0FaithTrust in God's PromisesROM 4:16Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the unwavering faith of Abraham, who was 'fully persuaded' that God would fulfill His promises despite overwhelming doubts and challenges. He illustrates that true faith is not based on feelings or circumstances but on the certainty of God's word, which has the power to create and transform. Waldvogel encourages believers to meditate on God's promises and to remain steadfast in faith, as it is through faith that we please God and experience His miraculous works. He highlights that faith is essential for salvation and that it empowers us to overcome trials and tribulations. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep trust in God's ability to perform what He has promised.
Give Me All Your Tomorrows
By David Wilkerson0Surrendering to GodFaithGEN 12:1GEN 15:6PSA 37:5PRO 3:5ISA 58:11JER 29:11MAT 6:34ROM 4:16GAL 3:29HEB 11:8David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound faith of Abraham, who responded to God's call to leave everything behind and embark on an unknown journey. God instructed Abraham to surrender his future, promising guidance and blessings in return for his obedience. This call to 'give me all your tomorrows' reflects God's desire for us to trust Him with our lives, just as Abraham did, despite his age and the uncertainties he faced. Wilkerson highlights that Abraham serves as a model for all believers, illustrating the importance of faith and commitment to God's promises. Ultimately, those who believe in Christ are considered children of Abraham, sharing in the righteousness that comes from trusting in God.
Faith in Relation to Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0FaithDivine LifeROM 4:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound relationship between faith and life, illustrating how faith leads to spiritual enlargement, establishment, and ultimately, a deeper experience of life in Christ. He explains that true enlargement and stability in our spiritual journey come through the testing of faith, which deepens our roots in Christ and allows us to experience the fullness of God's life. Sparks highlights that the essence of life is not merely existence but a vibrant, divine life that is fresh, productive, inexhaustible, and incorruptible, contrasting it with the false life that leads to dissatisfaction. He concludes by affirming that faith is the key to accessing this divine life, especially during trials, which serve to strengthen and deepen our faith.
Beware of Judaizing
By Ignatius of Antioch0PSA 103:10ROM 4:16GAL 3:28EPH 4:22Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's kindness and grace, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling as Christians. He highlights the need to let go of old sinful ways and embrace the new life of grace found in Christ, warning against holding onto outdated practices like Judaism. Ignatius stresses the unity in Christ, where believers from all nations are gathered unto God, becoming children of Abraham through faith in Jesus.
Epistle 293
By George Fox0ISA 9:6JHN 1:3ROM 4:16ROM 8:6PHP 1:27COL 1:10COL 3:10HEB 1:3JAS 1:27REV 19:14George Fox preaches about the importance of walking in the truth and power of godliness, being renewed into the heavenly image of God, and growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need for believers to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, filled with grace, love, and peaceable truth, and to be spiritually minded rather than carnally minded. Fox encourages faithful family meetings, urging diligence in duty to God and others, and promoting peace and unity among believers as disciples of Christ.
The Method of Salvation Through Jesus Christ
By Samuel Davies0ISA 53:1MAT 11:21LUK 24:47JHN 3:16ROM 4:161CO 6:9REV 22:17Samuel Davies preaches about the method of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Christ for eternal life. He passionately urges his audience to believe in Jesus as the only Savior, highlighting the love of God displayed in sending His Son for the salvation of sinners. Davies addresses the objections to faith, encourages active participation in seeking salvation, and warns of the dire consequences of rejecting the gospel. He concludes by solemnly calling for a decision to accept or reject the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Jesus, and His Salvation
By Thomas Bradbury0PSA 51:5MAT 1:21JHN 1:14JHN 6:37ROM 4:16GAL 4:41TI 1:151TI 3:16HEB 7:25REV 7:10Thomas Bradbury preaches on the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew, highlighting the significance of Emmanuel, God with us, and the intentional inclusion of sinful individuals in His lineage to showcase God's sovereign grace. He delves into the announcement of Jesus' birth to Joseph, emphasizing the certainty and glory of Jesus' mission to save His people from their sins. Bradbury breaks down the profound meaning behind each word in the statement 'He shall save His people from their sins,' exploring the glorious person of Jesus, the certainty of His saving work, the fact of salvation, the possession of His people, the inheritance of His chosen ones, the distance from sin, the awful reality of sins, and the deliverance from sins through Jesus' intercession.
What Is the Fruit That Befits Repentance?
By John Piper0MIC 6:8LUK 3:8LUK 12:34ROM 4:16GAL 3:7HEB 13:51JN 2:3John Piper preaches on the importance of repentance and relying solely on God's mercy for salvation, emphasizing that human distinctives like race or works do not guarantee salvation, but only faith in God's grace. He highlights how repentance leads to a transformed lifestyle, as seen in Luke 3:10-20, where John the Baptist instructs the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers on living in a way that befits repentance. John's exhortations focus on sharing with the needy, being content, and avoiding exploitation, showcasing the fruits of genuine repentance and reliance on God's mercy.
Once More on God's Promises and God's Law
By Bob Hoekstra0JHN 11:25ROM 4:16ROM 8:30Bob Hoekstra preaches on the certainty of God's promises, emphasizing that grace and faith are the foundation of our assurance. Through faith, we access the heavenly resource of grace, making God's promises sure to all who believe, regardless of their background. Abraham, the father of many nations, exemplified this relationship with God's promises, becoming a spiritual leader for all believers. The attributes of God, who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence, further strengthen our confidence in His promises, assuring us of their fulfillment despite challenges and circumstances.
Watch Well Thy Faith
By Charles E. Cowman0MAT 21:22MRK 9:23LUK 22:32ROM 4:16EPH 6:16HEB 10:39HEB 11:6JAS 1:61JN 5:4Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the vital importance of faith in obtaining blessings from God, likening it to a telegraphic wire connecting earth to Heaven through which God's messages of love swiftly flow. Without faith, communication with God is hindered, making it essential for overcoming troubles and receiving divine help. Faith links believers with the power of God, enabling them to triumph over enemies and receive God's attributes for defense. The sermon underscores the necessity of guarding and nurturing one's faith, as all things are possible to those who believe.
"Seed for the Sower"
By George Warnock0ROM 4:162CO 1:7HEB 2:2HEB 3:14HEB 6:192PE 1:102PE 1:19JUD 1:1REV 17:14The preacher delves into the concept of 'bebaios,' describing it as something fixed, stable, and reliable, unwavering and persistent, known with certainty, and valid over time. This term signifies a sense of certainty and trustworthiness, akin to being firm, steadfast, and unalterable. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a firm foundation in faith, highlighting how the promises of God, shared sufferings, and the Word of God are all 'bebaios' and can be relied upon. It stresses the need for believers to hold fast to their assurance, build their hope on Christ, and diligently confirm their calling and election through a holy life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace - On this account the promise is mercifully grounded, not on obedience to a law, but on the infinite goodness of God: and thus the promise is sure to all the seed - to all, both Jews and Gentiles, who, believing in Christ Jesus, have a right to all the blessings contained in the Abrahamic covenant. All the seed necessarily comprehends all mankind. Of the Gentiles there can be no doubt, for the promise was given to Abraham while he was a Gentile; and the salvation of the Jews may be inferred, because they all sprang from him after he became an heir of the righteousness or justification which is received by faith; for he is the father of us all, both Jews and Gentiles. Dr. Taylor has an excellent note on this verse. "Here," says he, "it should be well observed that faith and grace do mutually and necessarily infer each other. For the grace and favor of God, in its own nature, requires faith in us; and faith on our part, in its own nature, supposes the grace or favor of God. If any blessing is the gift of God, in order to influence our temper and behavior, then, in the very nature of things, it is necessary that we be sensible of this blessing, and persuaded of the grace of God that bestows it; otherwise it is not possible we should improve it. On the other hand, if faith in the goodness of God, with regard to any blessing, is the principle of our religious hopes and action, then it follows that the blessing is not due in strict justice, nor on the foot of law, but that it is the free gift of Divine goodness. If the promise to Abraham and his seed be of faith on their part, then it is of grace on the part of God. And it is of faith, that it might be by grace: grace, being the mere good will of the donor, is free and open to all whom he chooses to make the objects of it: and the Divine wisdom appointed faith to be the condition of the promise; because faith is, on our part, the most simple principle, bearing an exact correspondence to grace, and reaching as far as that can extend; that so the happy effects of the promise might extend far and wide, take in the largest compass, and be confined to no condition, but what is merely necessary in the nature of things."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore, &c.--A general summary: "Thus justification is by faith, in order that its purely gracious character may be seen, and that all who follow in the steps of Abraham's faith--whether of his natural seed or no--may be assured of the like justification with the parent believer."
John Gill Bible Commentary
As it is written I have made thee a father of many nations,.... The passage referred to, is in Gen 17:4; which proves him to be a father not of the Jews only, since they cannot be called "many nations", but of the Gentiles also; and which must be understood in a spiritual sense, for Abraham was the father of them, before him whom he believed, even God; that is, he was so, either in the sight of God, who sees not as man sees; in his account, he was the father of many nations, long before he really in fact was; or "over against" or "like unto him", as the word may signify: as God was the Father of many nations, so was Abraham, though not in such a sense as he is; and as God is the Father of us all that believe, so was Abraham; there is some little likeness and resemblance in this between them, though not sameness. The object of his faith is described as he, who quickeneth the dead: meaning either the dead body of Abraham and Sarah's womb; or Isaac, who was given up for dead; or the Gentiles, who were dead in trespasses and sins; or rather the dead bodies of men at the last day, a work which none but the almighty God can effect; the consideration of which is sufficient to engage faith in the promises of God, and a dependence on him for the fulfilment or them: and who stands further described as he, who calleth those things which be not, as though they were; so he called Abraham the father of many nations, when he was not in fact, as if he really was; and the Gentiles his seed and offspring, before they were; and when he comes effectually to call them by his grace, they are represented as "things which are not", whom he called, "to bring to nought things that are", Co1 1:28; they were not his people, nor his children, and he called them so, and by his grace made them so, and made them appear to be so; for as in creation so in regeneration, God calls and brings that into being which before was not: and the phrase seems to be an allusion to the creation of all things out of nothing; and it is a Rabbinical one, for so the Jews speaking of the creation say (s). "Nya la arwq, "he calls to that which is not", and it is excluded; (i.e. all things are excluded out of it, as a chicken out of an egg;) and to that which is, and it is established, and to the world, and it is stretched out.'' (s) R. Solomon ben Gabirol in Cether Malcuth apud L. Capell. in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:16 whether or not we live according to the law of Moses (literally not only those who are of the law): The Jews were of the law in that their covenant with God included the law of Moses and they were to live according to it.