Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Da alt håp om at Abraham skulle få en sønn, var ute, trodde han likevel på Gud. Han holdt fast i håpet og troen på det Gud hadde sagt om at han skulle bli far til mange folkeslag! Han ble ikke svak i troen og var ikke opptatt av sin egen gamle kropp, selv om han snart var 100 år. Han var heller ikke opptatt av at Sara ikke lenger var i fruktbar alder, og at hun derfor egentlig ikke kunne bli gravid. Nei, han tvilte ikke på at Gud kom til å holde det Han hadde lovet. I stedet takket og priste han Gud for det som skulle komme til å skje – og da ble troen hans enda sterkere. Han var helt overbevist om at det Gud hadde lovet, det var Han også i stand til å gjøre. Derfor så Gud på ham som en mann med et rent hjerte.
What Does This Mean?
This verse speaks about Abraham's faith in God’s promise to make him the father of many nations, even when it seemed impossible. It emphasizes that he believed with hope despite the odds against him.
Explained for Children
Imagine you want a big garden but only have tiny seeds and no soil. You believe the seeds will grow anyway because someone told you they would. That's like what Abraham did—he had faith in God’s promise, even though it seemed too good to be true!
Historical Background
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter around 57 AD from Corinth to Romans, aiming to explain how one can have righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, echoing the story of Abraham.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could involve someone believing they will get a job promotion despite not having the right qualifications. Their hope and belief in their potential, like Abraham's trust in God’s promise, might lead them to take steps that eventually fulfill this hope.
Topics
faithhopepromises of GodAbraham's faithspiritual inheritanceovercoming doubt
This verse is significant as it exemplifies trust and hope in God’s promises, teaching that faith can overcome impossibility and fulfill divine assurances.
How does Abraham's story relate to our lives today?
Abraham’s example of trusting God despite difficult circumstances shows us how faith can lead to unexpected blessings and the fulfillment of seemingly impossible dreams in our own lives.
What does 'against hope believed in hope' mean?
It means believing in something positive even when all signs point against it, showing that true faith often operates beyond what we can see or understand logically.
How do the cross-references help explain Romans 4:18?
Cross-referencing helps provide context and deeper understanding by connecting this verse with other passages in Genesis, Hebrews, Galatians, and elsewhere, showing a consistent theme of faith overcoming odds.