Trusting God's Timing: Abram's Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Genesis 15:1-6, focusing on the promises God made to Abram and how they relate to our lives. We began by acknowledging the common human experience of impatience when waiting on God’s promises. Abram, despite being given a monumental promise by God—that he would father a great nation and that through him, a Redeemer would come—struggled with doubt and impatience. This led him to try to rationalize and fulfill God's promise through his own means, suggesting that his servant Eliezer might be his heir. However, God reaffirmed His promise, emphasizing that it would be fulfilled on His terms, not Abram's.
We explored two key principles about God's promises. First, God's promises are fulfilled on His terms, not ours. Abram's attempt to rationalize God's promise through his servant Eliezer was met with God's firm reminder that the promise would be fulfilled through Abram's own son, despite the seeming impossibility due to Abram and Sarai's old age. This teaches us that we must trust God's timing and methods, even when they seem impossible or irrational to us.
Second, God's promises are fulfilled through our faith in Him. Abram's journey reached a pivotal moment when he finally believed God's promise, and it was counted to him as righteousness. This belief wasn't just an acknowledgment but a deep, faith-filled trust in God's plan, which is a model for us. Our faith in God's promises, especially the promise of a Redeemer, is crucial for experiencing His righteousness and blessings.
We concluded by applying these principles to our lives, emphasizing the need to stop trying to fulfill God's promises through our own efforts and to trust in His timing and methods. Whether it's in our marriages, finances, parenting, or personal struggles, we must let go and let God take control. Ultimately, all of this centers on making Jesus the Lord of our lives, trusting that He is the source of all blessings and promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Promises on His Terms: God's promises are fulfilled on His terms, not ours. Abram's attempt to rationalize God's promise through his servant Eliezer was met with God's firm reminder that the promise would be fulfilled through Abram's own son. This teaches us to trust God's timing and methods, even when they seem impossible or irrational to us. [07:32]
2. Faith in God’s Promises: God's promises are fulfilled through our faith in Him. Abram's journey reached a pivotal moment when he finally believed God's promise, and it was counted to him as righteousness. This belief wasn't just an acknowledgment but a deep, faith-filled trust in God's plan, which is a model for us. [16:56]
3. Trusting God in All Areas: We must stop trying to fulfill God's promises through our own efforts and trust in His timing and methods. Whether it's in our marriages, finances, parenting, or personal struggles, we must let go and let God take control. [25:28]
4. The Importance of Knowing God’s Promises: Many of us may not fully understand or know the promises God has for us because we haven't been exposed to His Word. It's crucial to read and understand the Bible to know the promises God wants to fulfill in our lives. [26:53]
5. Making Jesus Lord of Our Lives: All of this centers on making Jesus the Lord of our lives. We must come to a point where we have a light bulb experience, understanding that everything in this life is about Him. God wants to give us blessings beyond our wildest dreams, but it requires us to surrender our lives to Jesus. [40:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to Genesis and the Patriarchs
[01:45] - The Promise to Abram
[02:41] - Struggles with Impatience
[04:15] - God’s Faithfulness vs. Our Impatience
[05:36] - Reaffirming God’s Promise
[07:32] - Principle 1: God’s Promises on His Terms
[09:52] - Rationalizing God’s Promises
[12:44] - Trusting God with Finances
[16:56] - Principle 2: Faith in God’s Promises
[18:19] - Abram’s Salvation Moment
[21:21] - Connecting to the New Testament
[25:28] - Application: Trusting God in All Areas
[26:53] - Knowing God’s Promises
[29:04] - Parenting and God’s Promises
[32:35] - The Importance of Sabbath
[37:04] - True Success for Our Children
[40:42] - Making Jesus Lord of Our Lives
[45:26] - Jesus: The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
[47:01] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Genesis 15:1-6
### Observation Questions
1. What was the promise that God made to Abram in Genesis 15:1-6?
2. How did Abram initially respond to God's reaffirmation of the promise? ([06:16])
3. What was God's response to Abram's suggestion that Eliezer might be his heir? ([06:54])
4. What was counted to Abram as righteousness, and why was this significant? ([16:56])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Abram struggled with impatience and doubt regarding God's promise? ([02:41])
2. How does Abram's attempt to rationalize God's promise through Eliezer reflect our own tendencies to take control of situations? ([08:23])
3. What does it mean that Abram's belief was "counted to him as righteousness"? How does this concept apply to our faith today? ([18:19])
4. How can understanding God's timing and methods help us in our personal struggles, such as in marriage, finances, or parenting? ([25:28])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were impatient waiting for God to fulfill a promise. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently? ([02:41])
2. In what areas of your life are you currently trying to fulfill God's promises through your own efforts? How can you begin to trust in His timing and methods instead? ([08:23])
3. Abram's belief was counted as righteousness. How can you cultivate a deeper, faith-filled trust in God's promises in your daily life? ([16:56])
4. Are there specific promises from God that you are not fully aware of because you haven't been exposed to His Word? What steps can you take to better understand and know these promises? ([26:53])
5. How can you make Jesus the Lord of your life in a more profound way, especially in areas where you struggle to let go and let God take control? ([40:42])
6. Think about a personal struggle you are facing right now. How can you apply the principle of trusting God's timing and methods to this situation? ([25:28])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to stop trying to fulfill God's promises through your own efforts. What practical steps can you take this week to surrender this area to God? ([25:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Timing and Methods
God’s promises are fulfilled on His terms, not ours. Abram's attempt to rationalize God's promise through his servant Eliezer was met with God's firm reminder that the promise would be fulfilled through Abram's own son. This teaches us to trust God's timing and methods, even when they seem impossible or irrational to us. Often, we find ourselves trying to take control of situations, thinking we know the best way to achieve the outcomes we desire. However, God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
When we try to fulfill God's promises through our own efforts, we may end up complicating things or even delaying the blessings He has in store for us. It is essential to remember that God's promises are not dependent on our abilities but on His faithfulness. Trusting in His timing and methods requires patience and faith, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. [07:32]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to trust God's timing and methods? How can you surrender this area to Him today?
Day 2: Deep, Faith-Filled Trust in God's Plan
God's promises are fulfilled through our faith in Him. Abram's journey reached a pivotal moment when he finally believed God's promise, and it was counted to him as righteousness. This belief wasn't just an acknowledgment but a deep, faith-filled trust in God's plan, which is a model for us. Our faith in God's promises, especially the promise of a Redeemer, is crucial for experiencing His righteousness and blessings.
Faith is more than just intellectual agreement; it is a deep-seated trust that God will do what He has promised, even when circumstances seem to contradict His word. Abram's faith was not perfect, but it was genuine, and it was this faith that God honored. We are called to have the same kind of faith, trusting that God is faithful and that His promises are true. [16:56]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you find difficult to believe? How can you deepen your trust in His plan for you today?
Day 3: Letting Go and Letting God Take Control
We must stop trying to fulfill God's promises through our own efforts and trust in His timing and methods. Whether it's in our marriages, finances, parenting, or personal struggles, we must let go and let God take control. Trying to control every aspect of our lives can lead to stress, anxiety, and frustration. Instead, we are called to surrender our worries and burdens to God, trusting that He will provide and guide us.
Letting go and letting God take control means acknowledging that we are not in charge and that we need His wisdom and strength. It involves daily surrender and a willingness to follow His lead, even when it goes against our natural inclinations. By doing so, we open ourselves up to experiencing His peace and provision in every area of our lives. [25:28]
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are trying to maintain control? How can you practice letting go and trusting God with it today?
Day 4: Knowing God's Promises Through His Word
Many of us may not fully understand or know the promises God has for us because we haven't been exposed to His Word. It's crucial to read and understand the Bible to know the promises God wants to fulfill in our lives. The Bible is filled with God's promises, and it is through reading and meditating on His Word that we come to know and claim these promises for ourselves.
Spending time in God's Word helps us to understand His character, His will, and His promises. It equips us with the knowledge and faith needed to trust Him fully. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can discover the specific promises God has for us and stand firm in our faith, even in challenging times. [26:53]
Joshua 1:8 (ESV): "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in God's Word into your daily routine? What specific promise from the Bible can you meditate on this week?
Day 5: Making Jesus the Lord of Our Lives
All of this centers on making Jesus the Lord of our lives. We must come to a point where we have a light bulb experience, understanding that everything in this life is about Him. God wants to give us blessings beyond our wildest dreams, but it requires us to surrender our lives to Jesus. Making Jesus the Lord of our lives means putting Him first in everything and allowing Him to guide and direct our paths.
When we make Jesus the Lord of our lives, we acknowledge that He is the source of all blessings and promises. It involves a daily commitment to follow Him, seek His will, and trust in His provision. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves up to experiencing the fullness of His blessings. [40:42]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What does making Jesus the Lord of your life look like in your daily habits and decisions? How can you prioritize Him in your life today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Have you ever gotten impatient waiting on God? Anybody ever been there? Like, if we're just really honest this morning, like, there's maybe a promise God gave us, or there's something we feel like God said He's going to do in our life, or... There's something we want Him to do in our life, but we find ourselves getting impatient, waiting on God to do what we think He said He was going to do, or His Word says He's going to do." [01:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Let's just step back for a moment, and let's just acknowledge that we serve a God that keeps his promises. Amen? So, what that tells us from the beginning, before we even get into the passage this morning, what that tells us is that what Abram... What Abram is facing isn't a God problem, it's an Abraham problem. Because God always keeps his promises." [04:15] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's promises are fulfilled on his terms, not ours. You like that? Well, it's true. God's promises are fulfilled on his terms and not ours. And we see this almost from the beginning in this passage as God reaffirms the promise that he's made to Abram. And how many of you thankful that God reaffirms promises?" [07:32] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If somebody makes you a promise whose job is it to fulfill it? It's their job, right? Like if your spouse says to you I will do the dishes I promise by the end of the day now whose job is to do the dishes but your spouse's job right like you can you can be free of the dishes you can be free of the dishes you can be free of the dishes you can be free of the dishes now you can walk into the rest of your day and know when I come home tonight there is going to be an empty sink." [15:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want God to work in your life really simple you have to stop doing it your way we see this with Abram it's not until he finally stops trying to do it his way that God is able to work in his way isn't that true we're going to see that as we move further into Genesis he's going to have a son guys she's going to birth a son at 90 years old it's a it's a miracle it's going to happen couldn't happen though until Abram came to this point where he takes his hands off of it." [25:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And the first thing that Abram says after God reaffirms, the promise is, but God, that can't happen. And he begins to rationalize his own solution for the promise. He's like, you know, the only thing that makes sense to me, God, is that it would come through my servant, Eliezer. That's the only thing that makes sense. That's the only thing. That's the only way it could happen. Why would he think that? Because while we're not told yet, at this point in time, Abram is 90 years old and his wife, Sarah, is 80." [08:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And isn't that exactly what we do when it comes to the promises of God? Instead of trusting God for his way, his timing, we begin to try to rationalize our own way, our own timing, our own solution to help God fulfill his promise. And we do it all the time, don't we? For example, maybe you're a teenager or a single adult this morning. I see my three boys up front here. And you know what I believe about my boys? That I believe that there's a special someone for each of them." [09:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And here's the problem in our culture today. Our culture has convinced parents that if your child is not a part of some activity seven days a week, 24-7, 365 days, that they're going to miss out on something. And as a result of that, they're not going to be successful. And the real problem for me is that thinking has crept into the church. Reminded that last Sunday. And please hear me by saying this. I don't think if your kids are doing weekend sports and you're gone here and there that you don't care about your child's spiritual development." [31:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Here's my challenge to parents. Here's what I'm going to propose to you, that the world has told you a lie. And the lie is that your kids have to be busy seven days a week and in some kind of activity, seven days a week in order for them to be successful in this life. And I'm here to tell you this morning, that promise is not true. That promise is not true. That will not bring, they might be successful, but that will not bring the kind of success that you should truly want for your child." [37:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And for you and I, we come back. Listen, the last couple of weeks I've had to do that. I'm just being, I'm being transparent with you. Like I've seen my son have more faith than me. That's humbling. When you realize, man, I thought I was functioning at this level, but I'm at this level. Why am I at this level? What, what's keeping me from trusting God in the way I need to trust him? And you can, sometimes you got to step back and ask yourself that question and say, God, what is it that needs to change here?" [44:38] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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