Assurance in God's Promises: Trusting His Covenant
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship and delve into the Word of God, focusing on Genesis 15:7-21. We began by lifting up our community in prayer, asking for healing, comfort, and guidance for those in need. We also prayed for our church partners in Denora, PA, and Honduras, and for the individuals on our "Who's Your One?" cross, asking God to prepare their hearts for gospel conversations.
Our main passage today centers on God's covenant with Abram, emphasizing the assurance and certainty of God's promises. Abram, despite his faith, struggled with doubt and sought confirmation from God. God responded not with reprimand but with a powerful covenant, symbolized by the cutting of animals and the passing of a smoking firepot and flaming torch between the pieces. This act was a profound assurance that God's promises would be fulfilled by His power alone, not by human effort.
We explored three key points:
1. Assurance is the result of Jesus' work: Just as God initiated and sustained His covenant with Abram, our assurance of salvation rests solely on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Our faith and righteousness are gifts from God, not products of our own efforts.
2. Assurance is reserved for believers: True assurance comes from a submissive and obedient heart. God provides assurance to those who have put their trust in Him, not to skeptics. Abram's obedience, even in his doubt, exemplifies the faith required to receive God's promises.
3. Assurance is confirmed by God's word: God's promises are certain and unchanging. He wants His children to have utmost confidence in His word. The covenant with Abram, marked by the symbolic act of passing through the animal pieces, underscores the reliability of God's promises.
In conclusion, we are reminded that our assurance and confidence in God's promises are rooted in His unchanging nature and the finished work of Christ. As believers, we are called to trust in God's word and live in the certainty of His promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. Assurance is Rooted in Jesus' Work: Our assurance of salvation is not based on our performance but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Just as God initiated and sustained His covenant with Abram, He has done the same for us through Jesus. This means our faith and righteousness are gifts from God, not products of our own efforts. [30:53]
2. Believers Receive Assurance: True assurance comes from a submissive and obedient heart. God provides assurance to those who have put their trust in Him, not to skeptics. Abram's obedience, even in his doubt, exemplifies the faith required to receive God's promises. This teaches us that assurance is reserved for those who have repented and believed in Jesus. [45:32]
3. God's Promises are Certain: God's promises are unchanging and reliable. He wants His children to have utmost confidence in His word. The covenant with Abram, marked by the symbolic act of passing through the animal pieces, underscores the certainty of God's promises. This reminds us that our assurance is based on God's unchanging nature. [49:04]
4. Faith Amidst Doubt: Abram's story shows that even strong believers can struggle with doubt. However, God responds to our doubts with patience and assurance, not reprimand. This teaches us that it's okay to bring our fears and anxieties to God, trusting that He will provide the assurance we need. [35:57]
5. God's Assurance Transforms Us: As we grow in our assurance of God's promises, it transforms our lives. We become more confident in our faith and more willing to act in obedience. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's word and His faithfulness to His promises. [42:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:28] - Prayer Requests and Community Updates
[12:08] - Praying for Partner Churches
[13:00] - God's Power in Our Lives
[14:00] - Praying for Healing and Comfort
[15:12] - Partnering with Churches in Denora and Honduras
[16:22] - Preparing for Worship
[17:13] - Upcoming Wednesday Night Services
[24:15] - Introduction to Genesis 15:7-21
[25:01] - Questioning Assurance of Salvation
[25:46] - Rooting Faith in Jesus
[26:55] - God's Desire for Our Confidence
[28:01] - God's Covenant with Abram
[30:11] - Reading Genesis 15:7-21
[30:53] - Assurance is the Result of Jesus' Work
[35:57] - Faith Amidst Doubt
[42:40] - Assurance Transforms Believers
[45:32] - Assurance Reserved for Believers
[49:04] - God's Promises are Certain
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Genesis 15:7-21
### Observation Questions
1. What specific question did Abram ask God in Genesis 15:8, and how did God respond to it? [28:38]
2. Describe the symbolic act that God used to confirm His covenant with Abram. What items were involved, and what did Abram see in his vision? [28:38]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three key points about assurance that were highlighted from the passage? [30:53]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of God passing through the animal pieces in Genesis 15:17 symbolize His commitment to His promises? [28:38]
2. In what ways does Abram's struggle with doubt and his request for assurance reflect common human experiences of faith and doubt? [35:57]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between assurance and the finished work of Jesus Christ? [30:53]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with doubt in your faith. How did you seek assurance from God, and what was the outcome? [35:57]
2. The sermon emphasized that assurance is rooted in Jesus' work, not our own efforts. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with God? [30:53]
3. Abram's obedience, even in his doubt, was highlighted as a key aspect of receiving God's promises. How can you practice obedience in areas of your life where you currently have doubts? [45:10]
4. The sermon mentioned that God's promises are certain and unchanging. How can you remind yourself of this truth when facing challenging situations? [49:04]
5. Discuss a specific promise from God's Word that you hold onto for assurance. How does this promise influence your actions and decisions? [49:04]
6. The sermon pointed out that God wants believers to have utmost confidence in His promises. What practical steps can you take to grow in your confidence in God's Word? [49:30]
7. How can you support and encourage someone in your small group who is currently struggling with doubt or seeking assurance in their faith? [35:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance Rooted in Jesus' Work
Our assurance of salvation is not based on our performance but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Just as God initiated and sustained His covenant with Abram, He has done the same for us through Jesus. This means our faith and righteousness are gifts from God, not products of our own efforts. When we understand that our salvation is secured by Jesus' sacrifice, we can rest in the certainty of God's promises. This assurance is a profound gift that transforms our relationship with God, allowing us to live in confidence and peace.
In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abram, symbolized by the cutting of animals and the passing of a smoking firepot and flaming torch between the pieces. This act was a profound assurance that God's promises would be fulfilled by His power alone, not by human effort. Similarly, our assurance of salvation is rooted in the finished work of Christ, who has done everything necessary for our redemption. [30:53]
Hebrews 10:14 (ESV): "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: Think about a time when you doubted your salvation. How does understanding that your assurance is rooted in Jesus' work change your perspective? Can you rest in this truth today?
Day 2: Believers Receive Assurance
True assurance comes from a submissive and obedient heart. God provides assurance to those who have put their trust in Him, not to skeptics. Abram's obedience, even in his doubt, exemplifies the faith required to receive God's promises. This teaches us that assurance is reserved for those who have repented and believed in Jesus. When we submit to God and trust in His promises, we experience the peace and confidence that come from knowing we are secure in His hands.
Abram's story shows that even strong believers can struggle with doubt. However, God responds to our doubts with patience and assurance, not reprimand. This teaches us that it's okay to bring our fears and anxieties to God, trusting that He will provide the assurance we need. As we grow in our faith and obedience, we will find that God's promises become more real and certain in our lives. [45:32]
James 1:6-7 (ESV): "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to trust God fully. How can you take a step of obedience today to grow in your assurance of His promises?
Day 3: God's Promises are Certain
God's promises are unchanging and reliable. He wants His children to have utmost confidence in His word. The covenant with Abram, marked by the symbolic act of passing through the animal pieces, underscores the certainty of God's promises. This reminds us that our assurance is based on God's unchanging nature. When we understand that God's promises are certain, we can live with confidence and hope, knowing that He will fulfill what He has spoken.
In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abram, symbolized by the cutting of animals and the passing of a smoking firepot and flaming torch between the pieces. This act was a profound assurance that God's promises would be fulfilled by His power alone, not by human effort. Similarly, our assurance of salvation is rooted in the finished work of Christ, who has done everything necessary for our redemption. [49:04]
Numbers 23:19 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
Reflection: Think of a promise from God’s Word that you find difficult to believe. How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises?
Day 4: Faith Amidst Doubt
Abram's story shows that even strong believers can struggle with doubt. However, God responds to our doubts with patience and assurance, not reprimand. This teaches us that it's okay to bring our fears and anxieties to God, trusting that He will provide the assurance we need. When we bring our doubts to God, we open ourselves to His comforting presence and the reassurance that He is in control. This process strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him.
In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abram, symbolized by the cutting of animals and the passing of a smoking firepot and flaming torch between the pieces. This act was a profound assurance that God's promises would be fulfilled by His power alone, not by human effort. Similarly, our assurance of salvation is rooted in the finished work of Christ, who has done everything necessary for our redemption. [35:57]
Psalm 94:19 (ESV): "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."
Reflection: Identify a specific doubt or fear you have about your faith. How can you bring this to God in prayer today, trusting Him to provide the assurance you need?
Day 5: God's Assurance Transforms Us
As we grow in our assurance of God's promises, it transforms our lives. We become more confident in our faith and more willing to act in obedience. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's word and His faithfulness to His promises. When we live in the certainty of God's promises, we are empowered to step out in faith, knowing that He is with us and will guide us every step of the way.
In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abram, symbolized by the cutting of animals and the passing of a smoking firepot and flaming torch between the pieces. This act was a profound assurance that God's promises would be fulfilled by His power alone, not by human effort. Similarly, our assurance of salvation is rooted in the finished work of Christ, who has done everything necessary for our redemption. [42:40]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: Think about how God's assurance has transformed your life. What is one area where you can step out in faith and obedience today, trusting in His promises?
Quotes
1. "Listen, while we were in Honduras a couple of weeks ago, the main question, we asked people as we went door to door, it was, what would happen to you if you were to die today? I mean, we asked that question at just about every single house we visited. And listen, for me and my team, we always ask that question after we asked if that person knew who Jesus was or not." [24:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Hopefully, your faith, it's rooted in the person and work of Jesus, and you have no doubt in your mind that you're going to be wherever Jesus is because of everything that he's accomplished for you, right? I mean, I hope that's your answer, but maybe you're sitting there and you're thinking and you don't know. You have no idea. You're thinking about that question. And there's really no certainty in your faith." [25:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God wants us to have confidence that what he promises, it will come to pass by his own power. That's exactly what we see here with Abram, what he's promised Abram. He wants Abram to know that it will happen. It's going to happen, Abram. Calm down. Have assurance. It's going to happen in spite of you. It's going to happen because of who I am." [28:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our assurance of salvation, it doesn't depend on our shaky performance. It depends on God's sure promise of what he's actually already done. Listen, just think about it. If our salvation, if it rested on our choice of God or if it rested on our actions, how could we ever be sure of what it is that he says or what it is his word says that it would actually happen?" [41:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Dear Christian, listen to the word of God. Our assurance, it rests on God's sovereign choice of us and on his finished work through Christ. We can be assured that he who began a good work in us will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. That's Philippians 1, 6. And listen, we can be sure, especially as we see this constant doubt of Abram here through his life, that God wants us to be confident in his promises." [42:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Unbelief isn't a condition which we're helpless to remedy. Unbelief, it's a sin. We choose to not believe because ultimately, we don't want to turn from our own rebellion against God. We don't want to lose control. We don't want to be told what it is we have to believe. But guys, the Bible shows us that if we just submit to him as our sovereign Lord, God will give us the assurance we need to keep on believing, even though we may never realize God's promises in our lifetime, just like Abram." [47:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God wants his children to have the utmost confidence in his promises. He's going to take them. He's going to take care of us no matter what we do, no matter what we choose. We're his will always be his. And he wants us to know that as believers, people who've been drawn by the Holy Spirit, people who've repented and believed in the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior. We're now people that belong to God." [49:30] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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