Embracing God's Promises: Faith, Intercession, and Transformation
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound narrative of Abraham's encounter with God and the subsequent intercession for Sodom, as well as the promises of God that are both personal and prescriptive. We delved into Genesis 18, where we find Abraham in a moment of divine visitation. On a hot summer afternoon, Abraham sees three men near his tent. Recognizing the sacredness of these visitors—one being God Himself and the others angels—Abraham exemplifies extraordinary hospitality. He rushes to prepare a lavish meal, far beyond the common customs of his time, indicating his recognition of their significance.
As the story unfolds, God reaffirms His promise to Abraham that Sarah will bear a son. Sarah, overhearing this, laughs in disbelief due to her advanced age. Yet, God's response is clear: nothing is too difficult for Him. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, regardless of human doubt or the seeming impossibility of circumstances.
The sermon then transitions to a poignant reflection on the nature of God's promises. We are reminded that the Bible is replete with promises that are not just for specific individuals at particular times, but also prescriptive promises meant for all believers. These promises are like a prescription for our sin-sick souls, offering healing through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
We also examined Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom. Abraham, knowing his nephew Lot resides there, engages in a daring conversation with God, negotiating the fate of the city. This passage reveals God's patience and justice, as well as the theological question of whether God changes His mind. We concluded that God, in His omniscience, knew the outcome but engaged with Abraham to reveal His character and the gravity of Sodom's wickedness.
In conclusion, we are called to embrace and live by the promises of God, trusting in His perfect plan and timing. We must not be like Crowfoot, who never utilized the train ticket he was given, symbolizing believers who fail to live out the promises they know. Instead, we should actively trust and rely on God's promises, allowing them to transform our lives and guide us through every circumstance.
Key Takeaways:
- God's promises are not just words to be admired or posted on social media; they are truths to be lived out daily. When we face irritation, anger, or mistreatment, clinging to God's promises can guide us to a place of peace and right response. [14:14]
- Abraham's interaction with God over Sodom's fate teaches us about the nature of intercessory prayer. It shows that God welcomes our petitions and that through prayer, we can engage with God's heart of justice and mercy. [20:42]
- The story of Sarah's laughter and God's response is a testament to the fact that God's plans are not limited by human limitations or skepticism. His power transcends our understanding, and His promises are sure, regardless of our circumstances. [07:35]
- The concept of God not changing His mind, as seen in the negotiation over Sodom, is crucial to understanding His character. God is perfect, and His plans are complete from the outset. Our interactions with Him do not alter His perfection but reveal His patience and the depth of His justice. [22:03]
- The sermon challenges us to examine our lives: Are we on the fence, wavering between commitment to God and the world? We must decide to fully embrace God's promises, stepping off the fence and into a life marked by the fruit of a genuine relationship with Him. [28:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 18:1-33 - The story of Abraham's encounter with God and his intercession for Sodom.
2. 2 Samuel 22:31 - "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."
3. 2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Abraham take to show hospitality to the three visitors? ([04:35])
2. How did Sarah react when she overheard God's promise about having a child, and what was God's response? ([07:05])
3. What was Abraham's main concern when he interceded for Sodom, and how did God respond to his questions? ([17:05])
4. What does the story of Crowfoot symbolize in relation to God's promises? ([12:57])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Abraham's hospitality significant in the context of his recognition of the visitors' importance? ([05:50])
2. How does Sarah's laughter and subsequent denial reflect human skepticism towards God's promises? ([07:35])
3. What does Abraham's negotiation with God reveal about God's character and His willingness to engage with human concerns? ([20:42])
4. How does the concept of prescriptive promises apply to modern believers, and what are some examples given in the sermon? ([09:32])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's promises due to your circumstances. How can Sarah's story encourage you to trust in God's timing and power? ([07:35])
2. Abraham showed extraordinary hospitality to the three visitors. How can you practice hospitality in your daily life, especially towards those who may seem insignificant? ([05:50])
3. Abraham interceded boldly for Sodom. Is there someone or a situation in your life that you need to intercede for more fervently? How can you start doing that this week? ([20:42])
4. The sermon mentioned that God's promises are like a prescription for our sin-sick souls. What specific promise from the Bible can you hold onto this week to help you through a challenging situation? ([09:32])
5. The story of Crowfoot was used to illustrate how believers often fail to utilize God's promises. Identify one promise of God that you have not fully embraced and discuss how you can start living it out. ([12:57])
6. The sermon challenges us to get off the fence and fully commit to God. Are there areas in your life where you are wavering in your commitment? What steps can you take to fully embrace God's promises and live a life marked by a genuine relationship with Him? ([28:01])
7. How can you remind yourself daily of God's promises? Consider starting a journal or another method to keep these promises at the forefront of your mind. ([10:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Living God's Promises Actively
In a world filled with uncertainty and strife, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the challenges we face daily. However, as believers, we are called to hold fast to the promises of God, not merely as distant concepts but as active truths that shape our lives. When irritation, anger, or mistreatment arises, it is the promises of God that can anchor us to a place of peace and guide us to respond rightly. These promises are not just words to be admired; they are the very truths that should govern our actions and reactions. By living out these promises, we demonstrate our trust in God's faithfulness and His sovereign control over our lives. [14:14]
"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." - 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to actively trust in today, and how can you demonstrate that trust in a practical way?
Day 2: The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Abraham's bold intercession for Sodom is a profound example of the power of prayer and the nature of our relationship with God. It shows that God is not distant or unapproachable; rather, He welcomes our petitions and desires for us to engage with His heart. Through intercessory prayer, we align ourselves with God's will, seeking His justice and mercy for others. This act of standing in the gap for those in need is not only a privilege but also a responsibility that can have far-reaching effects. As we pray for others, we become conduits of God's grace and agents of His transformative power in the world. [20:42]
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people," - 1 Timothy 2:1
Reflection: Who in your life needs intercessory prayer today, and how can you commit to bringing their needs before God?
Day 3: Embracing God's Limitless Power
The story of Sarah's laughter at the promise of a son in her old age is a powerful reminder that God's plans are not constrained by human limitations or skepticism. His power and purposes go far beyond our understanding. When God declares something, it will come to pass, regardless of how impossible it may seem from our perspective. This truth should fill us with hope and confidence, knowing that the promises He has made to us are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. Our role is to trust and not to doubt, for with God, all things are possible. [07:35]
"Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son." - Genesis 18:14
Reflection: What aspect of your life have you considered too difficult for God to handle, and how can you begin to trust in His power to work in that situation?
Day 4: Understanding God's Unchanging Nature
The negotiation over Sodom between Abraham and God reveals a crucial aspect of God's character: His unchanging nature. While it may appear that Abraham's intercession could change God's mind, it is more about God revealing His patience and the depth of His justice. God's plans are perfect from the outset, and our interactions with Him do not alter His perfection but rather demonstrate His willingness to engage with us. This understanding of God's character should lead us to a deeper trust in Him, knowing that He is consistent, just, and always true to His word. [22:03]
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." - Malachi 3:6
Reflection: How does understanding God's unchanging nature affect the way you approach Him in prayer and in times of decision-making?
Day 5: Commitment to God's Promises
The challenge before us is to examine our lives and our level of commitment to God. Are we fully embracing His promises, or are we hesitating, caught between a life of faith and the allure of the world? To truly experience the fruit of a relationship with God, we must step off the fence and commit wholeheartedly to His promises. This means not only believing in them but also allowing them to shape our daily lives, our decisions, and our interactions with others. It is in this full embrace that we find the strength to live out our faith authentically and powerfully. [28:01]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23
Reflection: What does fully embracing God's promises look like in your life, and what is one step you can take today to move closer to that commitment?
Quotes
- "God's promises are true and when God makes a promise to you, God always keeps his promises, always. He's a promise keeper." [14:14](Download | )
- "God is a God of promises, God is a God of abundant promises, and those promises will bring you true freedom in your life if you accept those promises, if you believe those promises." [26:26](Download | )
- "Satan owns the fence. So if you're on the fence or on this side of the fence, things aren't going to be good... if you're on this side of the fence, you belong to God, then you will show that you belong to God by the way that you live." [28:01](Download | )
- "The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost." [28:37](Download | )
- "I think a lot of Christians do that, they may know the promises, they may have memorized some of the promises... but they live their life in such a way that they don't even know if it's true." [12:57](Download | )
- "God doesn't just give us promises, he keeps his promises. And if we begin to accept those promises and live knowing those promises are true, I think things would change for us." [14:14](Download | )
- "God knew from the very beginning there wasn't 10 good people in Sodom. He didn't change his mind... God can answer these questions easily... God already knew there weren't 10 righteous people in Sodom." [23:19](Download | )
- "God is perfect, you can't improve on perfection... God's ways are perfect, his plan is always perfect... You'll never fully understand God but if you could, wouldn't that kind of make you equal with him?" [24:00](Download | )
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