Romans 4:20 – “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promise, despite his old age and Sarah’s inability to have children. Paul emphasizes that Abraham did not doubt God, even though from a human perspective, the promise seemed impossible.

The phrase “he did not waver through unbelief” means that Abraham didn’t allow doubt to take control of his mind or heart. Even though his circumstances seemed hopeless, he refused to question whether God would keep His word.

Instead, his faith was strengthened. Rather than growing weaker over time, Abraham’s trust in God actually became stronger as he waited.

Finally, Paul says that Abraham “gave glory to God”. His faith was not just about receiving a personal blessing—his belief in God’s faithfulness was an act of worship. His life was a testimony to the greatness of God, and through his faith, he honored and glorified the Lord.

This verse teaches us that faith is not just believing in God—it is believing that He will keep His promises, no matter how long it takes or how impossible it seems.

Historical Context

Abraham lived in a time when having children was seen as essential for a family’s future. Not having a child was considered a serious misfortune, and yet Abraham and Sarah remained childless for decades.

• Genesis 12:1-3 – God first called Abraham and promised to make him into a great nation.
• Genesis 15:5-6 – God reaffirmed the promise, telling Abraham his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
• Genesis 17:17 – Abraham laughed when he heard God repeat the promise, because he was almost 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 years old.

Yet despite his initial human reaction, Abraham did not turn away from God in doubt. He continued to trust, and in Genesis 21:1-5, when he was 100 years old, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, proving that God always keeps His promises.

Paul is reminding his audience that Abraham’s faith wasn’t based on what he could see—it was based on who God is.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important truths about faith:

• Faith does not waver, even when circumstances seem impossible. Abraham chose to trust God, even when there was no earthly reason to believe.
• Faith gets stronger over time. Rather than fading, Abraham’s faith grew deeper as he waited for God’s promise.
• Faith glorifies God. When we trust God, we show the world His power and faithfulness.
• Faith is the foundation of righteousness. Abraham was counted as righteous not because of his actions, but because of his unshakable belief in God’s promise.

This verse challenges us to have a faith that stands firm, even when life is uncertain.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse emphasizes both the strength of Abraham’s faith and its effect on his relationship with God:

• “He did not waver through unbelief” – A strong statement showing that Abraham refused to give in to doubt.
• “But was strengthened in his faith” – Faith is not static; it can grow stronger as we trust God.
• “And gave glory to God” – Abraham’s faith was an act of worship, recognizing God’s power and faithfulness.

This verse contrasts wavering doubt with growing faith, showing that true belief in God’s promises leads to a life that honors Him.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
• Hebrews 11:11-12 – “By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.”
• Romans 8:24-25 – “For in this hope we were saved… But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
• James 1:6 – “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
• 2 Corinthians 1:20 – “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful encouragement to trust in God’s promises, even when life doesn’t make sense.

For today’s believer, this means:

• Don’t let circumstances shake your faith. Abraham had every reason to doubt, but he chose to trust God. We are called to do the same.
• Faith grows when we hold onto God’s promises. Instead of becoming weaker, Abraham’s faith grew stronger as he waited.
• Trusting God is an act of worship. When we rely on God, we glorify Him by showing the world that He is faithful.
• God’s promises are sure. If God has spoken something in His Word, it will happen—just as He fulfilled His promise to Abraham.

This verse challenges Christians to stand firm in faith, even when we can’t see how God will work.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights God’s faithfulness and love:

• God honors those who trust Him. Abraham’s faith pleased God, and He kept His promise.
• God’s love does not depend on circumstances. Even when things seemed hopeless, God remained faithful.
• God strengthens those who believe in Him. Abraham’s faith grew because God sustained him.

This verse shows that God loves to fulfill His promises, and He delights in the faith of His people.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Abraham’s faith in God’s promise points directly to our faith in Jesus:

• Just as Abraham trusted God’s promise of a son, we trust in God’s promise of salvation through Jesus. (John 3:16)
• Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness—our faith in Jesus makes us righteous. (Romans 5:1)
• Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. (Galatians 3:16)
• Just as Abraham believed in a miraculous birth, we believe in the miraculous resurrection of Jesus. (Romans 10:9)

Abraham’s faith foreshadows our faith in Christ, the fulfillment of God’s greatest promise.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach about having faith in difficult situations?
2. How does Abraham’s example challenge you to trust God more?
3. Are there any areas where you struggle to trust God’s promises?
4. How does faith give glory to God?
5. How does Abraham’s story point us to faith in Jesus Christ?

Romans 4:20 is a powerful reminder that faith is not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting in God’s faithfulness. Just as Abraham refused to waver, we are called to stand firm in faith, knowing that God always keeps His promises.