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FROM THE PASTOR'S STUDY

Topic: Message Outlines: Chapter 4 (Include Audio)

Romans 4:23-25 (1)

by Darrel Cline
(darrelcline biblical-thinking.org)

Chapter # 4 Paragraph # 4 Study # 1
January 3, 2006
Lincolnton, N.C.
(Download Audio)

(184)

Thesis:   The "reckoning" is "for" us so that we might begin to participate in the Life that has its roots in the forgiveness of sins and the freedom of righteousness.

Introduction:   In our last study, we considered the methodology of faith. It has to do with "giving glory to God", which means giving a legitimate answer to the question of whether God's characteristics are sufficient for the fulfillment of His words. Paul got this methodology from the record of God's challenge to Sarah in Genesis 18:14. In that text, "crunch time" had come and it was time for the beginning of the realization of the promise. And, when it is time for the fulfillment, it is time for "faith". And, when it is time for "faith", it is time to squarely face the question of the glory of God and the content of the promise.

Now, as we continue our study, we are going to look into Paul's "application" of what he has explained about Abraham. He says that it was written that Abraham was "reckoned" righteous for us. It is his point that God's actions in history are recorded so that those who read of them might be drawn into the fruition of the point of God's actions in history. There are two issues here. First, there is the issue of why God has acted in history. And, second, there is the issue of why God has recorded what He has done. The two issues are resolved by a single reality: God seeks to impart His Life to men. This evening we are going to look into this business of "application".


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This is article #185.
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