Trusting the Unchanging Promises of God
Summary
In our journey through the "Same God" series, we delve into the unwavering nature of God's character and His promises. Today, we reflect on the life of Abraham, a man called out from his homeland to embark on a journey orchestrated by God. This narrative is not merely a historical account; it is a testament to the constancy of God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Abraham's story begins with a divine encounter where God calls him to leave his country and family to go to an unknown land. God promises to make Abraham a great nation, to bless him, and through him, to bless all peoples on earth. This covenant is not based on Abraham's qualifications or abilities but solely on God's sovereign plan and purpose.
As we examine Abraham's life, we see a pattern of trust and obedience. Abraham's willingness to go as the Lord commanded, his belief in God's promises, and his acts of faith, such as refusing the plunder from a battle and not aligning with a corrupt king, highlight his reliance on God's provision. These moments underscore that Abraham knew God had all he needed, so he believed all he needed was God.
However, Abraham's journey was not without its low points. Instances of fear, doubt, and attempts to fulfill God's promises through human means, such as lying about his relationship with Sarah or fathering Ishmael through Hagar, reveal his human frailty. Yet, these shortcomings did not deter God's faithfulness. God's promises remained steadfast, independent of Abraham's actions, because they were anchored in God's faithfulness, not Abraham's performance.
The culmination of God's promise to Abraham is seen in the birth of Isaac, despite Abraham and Sarah's old age and laughter at the prospect. This miraculous event is a powerful reminder that God's ways and timing are beyond our understanding, and His promises are not constrained by human limitations.
As we consider our own lives, we are reminded that God's plans for us are not about us but about Him. The work He does in and through us is for His glory and the benefit of others. We are invited to be willing participants in God's story, to trust, partner, obey, go, and believe, just as Abraham did.
Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from today's message:
- God's promises are not dependent on our abilities or qualifications but on His faithfulness and sovereign plan. We are called to trust in His promises, knowing that He is the architect and fulfiller of all He has spoken. [43:07]
- Abraham's life teaches us that God is looking for willingness, not perfection. Our willingness to trust and obey is what God desires, and it is through our simple acts of faith that His righteousness is credited to us. [44:21]
- The story of Abraham and Sarah's long wait for a child teaches us that God's timing is perfect, even when it stretches beyond our comprehension. In the waiting, we grow in our relationship with God and learn to depend on His unchanging nature. [58:21]
- God's plans are always bigger than our immediate context. They are designed for the blessing of all people and often unfold over generations. Our role is to participate in God's grand narrative, trusting that our part, though it may seem small, has eternal significance. [40:02]
- The constancy of God in the midst of our changing circumstances is a source of comfort and strength. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we can hold fast to the truth that God remains the same, and His love and promises are unshakable. [34:16]
In conclusion, let us embrace the truth that the God who engaged with Abraham is the same God who engages with us today. His promises are sure, His plans are for our good and His glory, and His love for us is unchanging. May we respond with a heart of willingness, trusting in the Same God who has been faithful throughout history.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 12:1-3 - "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'"
2. Genesis 15:5-6 - "He took him outside and said, 'Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."
3. Genesis 18:10-14 - "Then one of them said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.' Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, 'After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?' Then the Lord said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Will I really have a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did God promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3?
2. How did Abraham respond to God's promise in Genesis 15:5-6?
3. What was Sarah's reaction to the promise of having a son in Genesis 18:10-14, and how did God respond to her reaction?
4. According to the sermon, what were some of the highlights and lowlights of Abraham's journey of faith? ([46:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose Abraham to fulfill His promises, despite Abraham's imperfections and moments of doubt? ([38:12])
2. How does Abraham's willingness to trust and obey God, despite not knowing all the details, reflect on the nature of faith? ([43:07])
3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from the way He handled Abraham and Sarah's doubts and mistakes? ([51:46])
4. How does the story of Abraham and Sarah's long wait for a child illustrate the concept of God's perfect timing? ([58:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out in faith without knowing all the details. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([43:07])
2. In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to trust God's promises? How can Abraham's story encourage you to trust more deeply? ([44:55])
3. Abraham's journey included both high points of faith and low points of doubt. How can you relate to this in your own spiritual journey? ([46:06])
4. God's promises to Abraham were not just for him but for the blessing of all people. How can you see your own life and actions as part of God's larger plan for blessing others? ([40:42])
5. Sarah laughed at God's promise because it seemed impossible. Have you ever doubted God's promises because they seemed too good to be true? How can you shift your perspective to trust in God's power? ([56:32])
6. The sermon mentioned that God's plans are often about more than today and may take time to unfold. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing in your current circumstances? ([41:19])
7. Abraham's willingness to go, trust, and obey was key to his relationship with God. What steps can you take this week to demonstrate your willingness to trust and obey God in your daily life? ([45:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Faithfulness Over Abilities
God's promises are not contingent on human qualifications but on His unwavering faithfulness. This truth liberates individuals from the pressure of self-reliance and invites them into a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan. It is a reminder that one's abilities or inabilities do not limit God's purposes; rather, they highlight the grandeur of His divine orchestration. When feeling inadequate or overwhelmed, believers can find solace in the fact that God's promises are sure and steadfast, not because of who they are, but because of who He is.
The story of Abraham serves as a powerful example of this principle. Despite his lack of qualifications and moments of doubt, God's covenant with him remained unaltered. This covenant was a demonstration of God's grace, extending beyond human effort and resting solely on divine fidelity. The fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham encourages believers today to trust not in their own strength but in the constancy of God's character and His sovereign will. [43:07]
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." - Psalm 84:11
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your own abilities to God's faithfulness in an area where you feel inadequate?
Day 2: Willingness Over Perfection
God values a willing heart more than a flawless performance. This concept is essential for believers who often feel the pressure to be perfect before they can be used by God. Abraham's life illustrates that it is not perfection that God seeks, but a readiness to trust and obey. His credited righteousness was a result of his faith, not his flawless actions. This understanding should encourage individuals to step out in faith, even when they feel unqualified, knowing that their simple acts of obedience are precious in God's sight.
The narrative of Abraham refusing the plunder and not aligning with a corrupt king shows that his trust was not in material wealth or human alliances but in God's provision. Such acts of faith, though they may seem small, are significant in the kingdom of God. Believers are called to follow Abraham's example, offering their willingness to God and trusting that He will work through their obedience for His glory. [44:21]
"And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." - Romans 4:5
Reflection: What is one step of obedience you can take today, trusting that God values your willingness over your perfection?
Day 3: Embracing God's Perfect Timing
The story of Abraham and Sarah waiting for a child teaches the importance of trusting in God's perfect timing. Their experience reminds believers that God's schedule does not always align with human expectations. The delay in the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah was not a denial but an opportunity for them to grow in faith and reliance on God. In the seasons of waiting, individuals are called to deepen their relationship with God, learning to trust in His unchanging nature and His perfect timing.
This lesson is crucial for those who are impatient or struggling to understand God's plan. The birth of Isaac was a testament to the fact that nothing is too hard for the Lord and that His promises are not constrained by human limitations. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God's timing is always perfect, even when it is beyond comprehension. [58:21]
"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: Can you identify an area in your life where you need to surrender your timeline to God and trust in His perfect timing?
Day 4: Participating in God's Grand Narrative
God's plans are not confined to individual lives but are part of a larger story that spans generations and impacts all people. Abraham's story is a prime example of how personal obedience can have far-reaching effects, blessing many beyond one's immediate context. This perspective encourages believers to see their lives as a part of God's grand narrative, where even the smallest roles have eternal significance.
Understanding that one's actions contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan can inspire a sense of purpose and responsibility. It is a call to live with intentionality, knowing that the choices made today can influence the spiritual trajectory of others. As participants in God's story, individuals are invited to trust that their contributions, though they may seem insignificant, are integral to God's overarching purpose. [40:02]
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." - Genesis 12:2
Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in God's narrative today, trusting that your actions have eternal significance?
Day 5: The Constancy of God in Change
In a world of constant change, the steadfastness of God provides a source of comfort and strength. The life of Abraham, with its highs and lows, showcases God's unchanging nature amidst fluctuating circumstances. This constancy is a bedrock for believers, allowing them to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence in God's unshakeable love and promises.
The assurance of God's immutability is a wellspring of peace, especially during turbulent times. It is a reminder that, regardless of the situation, God remains the same—faithful, loving, and true to His word. This truth empowers believers to face challenges with courage, knowing that they are anchored in the reliability of God's character. [34:16]
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." - Malachi 3:6
Reflection: How can the knowledge of God's unchanging nature provide stability in your current circumstances?
Quotes
- "God isn't looking for someone who is already qualified... What God is looking for is someone who is willing... because you've put your trust your belief in Jesus Christ." [01:05:55] (Download | )
- "God is the same today as he was yesterday... He keeps his promises and he's in it with you." [01:07:13] (Download | )
- "God's plans and Promises aren't just for Abraham they're for everyone... God's plans and promises are about more than today they will take time to come together." [41:19] (Download | )
- "Abraham knew that God had all that he needed so he believed all he needed was God." [49:27] (Download | )
- "God blesses Abraham even when Abraham acts in fear instead of trusting God... because God's plans and promises are dependent on God." [51:46] (Download | )
- "God doesn't need help keeping his promises... Things get super messy when Abraham tries to do for God what only God can do." [53:26] (Download | )
- "God's plans and promises for your life... are not about you they are not dependent on you they are about God they are dependent on God too." [01:02:10] (Download | )
- "God is looking for someone who is willing... someone who will trust, someone who will partner, someone who will obey, who will go, someone who will believe." [44:21] (Download | )
- "God's promises and plans are for everyone not just us individually... God's plans and God's promises are about more than today if they take time." [44:55] (Download | )
- "God's plans and Promises aren't dependent on us... God's plans and promises are dependent on him." [54:02] (Download | )
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