Series: God For Us Sermon Title: The Bible is Believable
Pastor Rachel Zeigler
Sermon Text: Romans 4:13-25, Hosea 6:1-6
Romans 4:13-25
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing, and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[b] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Hosea 6:1-6
1“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
2 After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
3 Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
4 “What can I do with you, Ephraim?
What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,
like the early dew that disappears.
5 Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,
I killed you with the words of my mouth—
then my judgments go forth like the sun.[a]
6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
God is for Abraham, and God is for US.
Abraham trusted in the promise and hope God offered him, even when it seemed impossible or unbelievable.
Paul gives us the example of Abraham here to give credit to his Gospel belief statement and to also teach us that when things seem unbelievable, we are to remember how God has worked in our lives, and others' lives, in the past and use that to trust and believe that He will work in our lives again!
He is faithful, and this is why He is our Hope. We trust in our Hope.
Memory Verse:
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Message Reflection Questions
Read Romans 5:8. Take two minutes to repeat this verse in prayer silently.
Read Romans 4:13-25. Abraham trusted in what he could not control or even understand. What is something in your life that you need to trust God with completely, even if you cannot see hope in the situation?
Read Hosea 6:1-6. Israel was looking for God to provide for them, but they were not truly repenting of their sins. Is there an area of your life that you are not repenting from?
God’s response to Israel is to say that their love is like a mist; without substance. Is your faith without substance? What do you need to give up control over to allow your relationship with God to be full and growing?
Have you given your life to Jesus? Have you received His Salvation that He is offering to you?
Have you been saved, but you have not fully given all of yourself over to Jesus? Do you have the head knowledge and not the heart knowledge? Have you been sanctified? Take some time to talk to Jesus and fully devote yourself to following Him.
Have you been walking with Jesus for a long time, but you feel that your walk is missing substance? Have you been expecting blessings from the Lord without fully worshipping and growing in your relationship with Him? Repent of this and allow your relationship with Him to be deepened.
If in a group, share your salvation and sanctification stories with each other. Our stories can be powerful!
What is God calling you to be or do based on this conversation?
Who do you need to share this with? Close in prayer for faith to receive the message and for grace to share the gospel with others.
Daily Readings
From June 4 — September 17, we’ll be exploring the good news that God is for us, in us and with us. Take the learning home with you and read Romans by yourself or with others. You can download the whole plan at www.stillnaz.com/pray.
As you follow the plan, consider these questions:
What does this text say God does "for" or "in" or "with" us?
What does this text invite me to be or do?
Who can I share this with?
Romans 2:1-4 2 Samuel 12:5-9 Romans 2:5-11 Psalm 62:11-12 Romans 2:12-16 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 Romans 2:17-24 Ezekiel 36:20-23 Romans 2:25-29 Ezekiel 36:24-27
NEED PRAYER?
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WANT TO JOIN A SMALL GROUP?
We’d love to connect you with a group of people exploring what it means to follow Jesus together. Find out more info at www.stillnaz.com/discipleship.