Genesis 15:5-6 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if you be able to number them… I. FAITH IN GOD SUPPOSES A DIVINE REVELATION. 1. We must have a revelation of a personal God. 2. That revelation must exhibit God in loving relations to man. (1) As able to protect him from all evil. (2) As a sufficient portion. II. THE ACT OF FAITH RESTS UPON A DIVINE PROMISE. 1. Faith is the present realization of some good which we hope for. 2. Without a Divine promise, faith becomes mere adventure. III. THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES IN FAITH WHICH GOD IS READY TO MEET. 1. Such difficulties are part of our trial in this present state. 2. Such difficulties need not overtask our faith. IV. FAITH IN GOD IS MAN'S ONLY RIGHTEOUSNESS. 1. Man has no righteousness of and from himself. 2. Man cannot attain righteousness by obedience to the works of the law. 3. Man can only possess righteousness by the gracious act of God. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. |
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