Intro
Just as Paul spent the large portion of the first few chapters illustrating the problem with humanity and destroyingthe arguments that being made right before God could be obtained through adhering to the Law, relying on our own morality, and upholding a certain standard of ethics; he is now going to spend a significant amount of time, not only declaring that we are justified solely through faith alone, but what the results and implications of this new faith will be to the person who exercise that faith in Jesus.

A Model of Faith
Paul continues to bring lean into the life and faith of Abraham, the original father of the Israelite people. Paul unpacks the nature of faith, the promise of God, and the righteousness that comes through belief, not works.

Abraham’s exercise of faith and Paul’s declaration of his righteousness, as a result of his faith, is foundational and paradigm-shifting for the rest of the world, particularly the Jewish (religious) members of this community.

Paul begins by reminding us that the promise given to Abraham did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. This promise was not an earned right or privilege; it was a gift of grace freely given him by God. Paul emphasizes that if the promise depended on upholding the law, then it would be considered null and void. Then he gives the reason why.

The laws set forth by God, or by any authority, simply establish a set of rules and guidelines for others to abide by. Since God’s laws and ways are perfect, it only reveals our inability to consistently and rightly live within the bounds God given for us to follow, which then leads to the wrath which is due our disobedience.

Paul describes Abraham’s faith as unwavering trust in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not exist. Abraham believed God’s promise that he would become the father of many nations, even when it seemed impossible.
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This kind of faith is not blind optimism, only for those with a weak mind and will, or a crutch for those needing something to hold onto. It is confidence in the character and power of God.
The writer of Hebrews describes this type of faith in this way.

Abraham’s faith was rooted in the certainty that God is faithful to His promises. When circumstances seem less than ideal, when the promises of God feel distant, true faith is displayed, not in our ability to understand or control the situation, but in the God who is sovereign and good.

Solomon
Primary writer of the book of Proverbs, was also known for:

-the wisest man the world had ever known

-one of the wealthiest men in history

-diplomatic leader who brokered peace and trade across the known world

-building one of the greatest structures of modern architecture

-philosophical and profoundly rich writings on poetry and literature, displaying a deep understanding of human nature.

Faith, at least for Solomon, was not a crutch that he needed to lean on. It was not from a weak mind or will. He chose to exercise that faith on something, someone, he acknowledged was greater than himself.

And for all of Solomon’s strengths, he, like all the others, was flawed. Even with all his attributes and accolades, Solomon knew that his own ability and works were not enough; that he had to transfer trust over from himself to the Lord. Which is why he wrote that faith is leaning, in all your ways, on the God you cannot see, but in who you can fully trust.

Deepening Faith in God’s Promises

-left his homeland

-believed [even in struggle] that God would bring a son

-he was circumcised, at 99 years old

-willing to sacrifice the one son that God had promised to give him

Ultimately, he trusted God, which is evidence that his faith, though it struggled at times, grew stronger throughout the course of his life. Over time, he learned to focus, not on his circumstances, but on the character and faithfulness of God who proved Himself true over and over again.

Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Paul says that Abraham’s life was not simply the story of faith of one man, but a model and example of faith for all mankind. The promise of things unseen. The faith to believe. In the God who always comes through.

Faith, For The Rest of Us
For us, that faith is found in the person and resurrection of Jesus, who was and is the ultimate demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness. It is the foundation of our hope and the assurance that God will fulfill all His promises.

Just as God brought life to Abraham (physically and spiritually) through faith, He brings new life to us through the Holy Spirit, transforming us into the image of Christ. The same power is at work in those who believe.

Just as Abraham was called to exercise trust in things he could not see, we, too, are called to this same faith.