The Promise Is by Grace, Not Legal Performance

Romans 4:13–15 (NLT)

¹³ Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. ¹⁴ If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. ¹⁵ For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)

Message

I. The Nature of the Promise (13)

See verse 13.

¹³ Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.

“Gods promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descenants” is referring to Genesis 17:8 NLT.

⁸ And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”

God made this covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8 NLT) as well as Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4, 24) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15, Genesis 35:11-12). The blessings God promised them include:

• Countless descendants (Genesis 17:2), extreme fruitfulness (Genesis 17:6)
• God Almighty will always be their God (Genesis 17:1, 7)
• The eternal possession of the entire land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8) or the whole earth (Romans 4:13)

II. The Hypothetical Scenario (14)

See verse 14.

¹⁴ If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless.

Here, Paul argues hypothetically.

• The hypothesis is “If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law” (14^a)

The logical consequences are

• Faith is useless (14^b).
• The promise becomes meaningless (14^c).

III. Why the Law Cannot Secure the Promise (15^a)

Verse 15^a says the reason:

^15a For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it.

No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands, but the law simply shows us how sinful we are (Romans 3:20, 5:20^a).

Even if we try to obey the law (15^a2), the law reveals sin (Romans 3:20, 5:20^a) and brings judgment and punishment (15^a1).

IV. The Only Escape From Condemnation (15^b)

Finally see verse 15^b.

15^b (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)

This verse reminds us of following verses:

• James 2:13^b (NKJV, ESV, NIV)

Mercy triumphs over judgment.

• Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV).

Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

• 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)

⁸ Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

• Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

⁷ God blesses those who are merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

• Matthew 6:14–15 (NLT)

¹⁴ “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

• Hosea 6:6 (NLT)

⁶ I want you to show love (or mercy),

not offer sacrifices.

I want you to know me

more than I want burnt offerings.