“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
Romans 16:20a
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
– Romans 16:20a
Main Thought: The apostle Paul is bringing the Romans epistle to a close. He has spoken of, and magnified, the great doctrines of the grace of God, justification by faith alone, the sovereignty of God in salvation, the transforming sanctification of the Christian, and many others. As he begins to close this book, he reminds this persecuted church to remember that no matter what they are experiencing now, the peace of God and the triumph of Christ and the church is sure to them. This statement, however, is not just a statement to the believers and Church of that day, but it is a reminder to all believers of two things: 1) All believers have peace with God the Father through the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We once were sinners, enemies of God (Colossians 1:21), but In Romans 5:1, Paul tells us “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” and Ephesians 2:13 says “But now in Christ Jesus you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Paul is reminding them, and us, that we are in right standing with God the Father because of Christ’s death for us. 2) The second part of this phrase is a reminder of the promise of Genesis 3:15, which came immediately following Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. In the Garden of Eden, our Lord prophesied that the seed of the woman, speaking of Christ himself, would be bruised on his heel, speaking of His death. However, the bruising of the serpent’s head here speaks of a fatal, crushing blow. The Church is reminded that the crushing defeat of Satan is sure and he is already a defeated foe. Christ subjected himself to death so “that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). We do not fear Satan because he has already been vanquished. Listen to the words of Martin Luther’s great hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: “For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe, his craft and power are great and armed with cruel hate…the prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him, his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure…the body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever.” What great reassurance for all of us in this short verse, reaffirming to us the peace and reconciliation we have with God for all eternity, and the sure, eternal victory over Satan secured for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank God and bow the knee to our Lord today for these great promises.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19