Faith That Pleases God

Text: “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6, NIV)

Introduction:

Genesis 15:6 is one of the most profound verses in Scripture. It highlights the foundation of salvation—faith. Abram’s belief in God’s promise became the basis for his righteousness, setting the precedent for how we are justified before God today. Let’s explore this verse and learn what it means to have a faith that pleases God.

1. The Context of Abram’s Faith

At this point in Abram’s journey, God had already called him out of his homeland and promised to make him a great nation (Genesis 12). Yet Abram remained childless, and God’s promises seemed distant and unlikely. In Genesis 15, God reassures Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky.

Despite the impossibility of the situation, Abram believed God.

• Lesson: Faith often requires trusting God even when circumstances seem hopeless. True faith looks beyond what we can see.

Application: What situation in your life feels uncertain or impossible? Like Abram, choose to trust in God’s promises.

2. The Nature of Abram’s Faith

“Abram believed the Lord…”

Notice that Abram didn’t just believe in God’s existence—he believed God’s word. Faith involves taking God at His word and trusting that He will do what He has promised.

• Lesson: Faith is not based on feelings or circumstances but on the unchanging character of God and His promises.

Application: Are you standing on God’s promises? Spend time in His Word and let your faith grow as you meditate on His truth.

3. Righteousness by Faith

”…and He credited it to him as righteousness.”

Abram was declared righteous not because of his works or moral perfection but because of his faith. This principle is reiterated throughout the New Testament:

• Romans 4:3: “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’”

• Galatians 3:7: “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”

• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

• Lesson: Righteousness is a gift from God, received by faith, not something we earn by our good deeds.

Application: Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise? Trusting in Him is the only way to be made right with God.

4. The Fulfillment in Christ

Abram’s faith pointed forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. God promised Abram a descendant who would bless all nations (Genesis 12:3). That ultimate descendant is Jesus (Galatians 3:16). Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we receive righteousness by faith.

• Lesson: Just as Abram was credited with righteousness through faith, we are justified by faith in Christ.

Application: If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, today is the day to believe and receive His righteousness.

Conclusion:

Genesis 15:6 teaches us that faith is the key to righteousness and a life pleasing to God. Abram’s example reminds us to trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Call to Action:

Are you living by faith today? Trust in God’s promises and, most importantly, trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Abram’s faith. Help us to trust in Your promises and walk by faith, not by sight. Thank You for the righteousness we receive through Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.