Unwavering Promises: God's Certainty in Adversity

 

Summary

In reflecting on the promises of God, we are reminded of their profound significance and unwavering certainty. The Apostle Paul, despite facing misrepresentation and slander from the Corinthians, used this adversity to highlight the steadfastness of God's promises. This incident serves as a testament to how God can turn negative situations into opportunities for revealing deeper truths. The promises of God, unlike those of humans, are unchangeable and are always fulfilled to His glory and our benefit. They are not mere words but are deeply rooted in His divine nature, reflecting His truthfulness, immutability, and power.

The dignity of God's promises is unparalleled. They are not to be doubted or taken lightly, as doing so would insult the very nature of God. These promises act as a bridge between God's eternal purposes and their fulfillment, offering us comfort and assurance. They are a manifestation of His everlasting purposes, akin to the Incarnate God who walked among us. The truth of God is irrevocably bound to His promises, and His character for truthfulness would be compromised if they were not kept. However, it is impossible for God to change or fail, ensuring that His promises are as certain as accomplished facts.

The range of God's promises is vast, encompassing every aspect of life and eternity. They are found throughout the scriptures, from the beginning of human history to the end of Revelation. These promises are like stepping stones across the stream of time, guiding us from earth to heaven. They cover all conditions and situations, offering hope and assurance to every believer. The stability of these promises is rooted in Christ, who embodies them. In Him, they are affirmed and fulfilled, providing a firm foundation for our faith.

Ultimately, the promises of God are to His glory. They surpass any promises made by false gods or religions, offering a depth and richness that is unmatched. God's glory is magnified through the fulfillment of His promises, and we, as recipients of His mercy and grace, play a crucial role in this divine narrative. Our weaknesses and needs become opportunities for God to display His power and love, bringing glory to His name through our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Promises Amidst Adversity: Even in the face of slander and misrepresentation, God's promises remain steadfast. Adversity can be transformed into an opportunity to reveal the depth and certainty of His promises, reminding us that His word is unchangeable and always fulfilled for His glory and our benefit. [01:18]

2. The Dignity of God's Promises: The promises of God are not to be doubted or taken lightly. They are a reflection of His divine nature, truthfulness, and immutability. Doubting these promises is akin to questioning God's very character, which is an affront to His dignity. [08:08]

3. The Range of God's Promises: God's promises span the entirety of scripture, offering guidance and assurance for every aspect of life and eternity. They are like stepping stones across time, leading us from earth to heaven, and are applicable to all conditions and situations. [15:23]

4. The Stability of Promises in Christ: The promises of God find their stability in Christ, who embodies them. In Him, they are affirmed and fulfilled, providing a firm foundation for our faith. Christ's role as God's witness and representative ensures the certainty of these promises. [21:11]

5. Promises to God's Glory: The fulfillment of God's promises brings glory to His name. Our weaknesses and needs become opportunities for God to display His power and love, highlighting the richness and depth of His promises compared to those of false gods or religions. [28:04]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:19] - Introduction to the Promises
[01:18] - Adversity and Divine Revelation
[04:23] - The Dignity of God's Promises
[08:08] - The Position and Purpose of Promises
[10:39] - The Truth and Immutability of God
[15:23] - The Range of God's Promises
[20:53] - Stability in Christ
[23:27] - Christ as God's Witness
[26:07] - The Role of Jesus in Fulfillment
[28:04] - Promises to God's Glory
[30:24] - The Glory of God Through Us
[32:15] - Our Role in God's Promises
[34:32] - Invitation to Embrace God's Promises
[34:50] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Promises of God

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 1:20

Observation Questions:
1. What was the Apostle Paul's response to the misrepresentation and slander he faced from the Corinthians? How did he use this situation to highlight the steadfastness of God's promises? [01:18]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of God's promises compared to human promises? [05:28]
3. What role does Christ play in the stability and fulfillment of God's promises according to the sermon? [21:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the adversity faced by Paul serve as an opportunity to reveal the depth and certainty of God's promises? [01:18]
2. In what ways does doubting God's promises equate to questioning His character, as discussed in the sermon? [08:08]
3. How does the sermon explain the connection between God's promises and His glory? What implications does this have for believers? [28:04]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How did you see God's promises at work in that situation? How can you apply this understanding to current challenges? [01:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes the dignity of God's promises. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith? [08:08]
3. Consider the range of God's promises as described in the sermon. Which promise do you find most relevant to your current life situation, and why? [15:23]
4. How does understanding the stability of God's promises in Christ impact your faith journey? What changes might you make in your spiritual practices to reflect this understanding? [21:11]
5. The sermon highlights that God's promises bring glory to His name. How can you actively participate in bringing glory to God through your actions and decisions this week? [28:04]
6. Think about a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust God's promises. What steps can you take to address this struggle and grow in faith? [05:28]
7. How can you use the knowledge of God's promises to encourage and support others in your community who may be facing difficulties? [33:07]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Promises Amidst Adversity
In times of adversity, God's promises remain unwavering and steadfast. The Apostle Paul faced slander and misrepresentation from the Corinthians, yet he used this as an opportunity to highlight the certainty of God's promises. This serves as a reminder that even in difficult situations, God's word is unchangeable and always fulfilled for His glory and our benefit. Adversity can be transformed into a moment of divine revelation, where the depth and certainty of God's promises are made evident. Trusting in these promises allows us to see beyond our current struggles and recognize the greater purpose God has for us. [01:18]

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 of a recent challenge you faced. How can you see God's promises at work in that situation, and how might He be using it to reveal a deeper truth to you today?


Day 2: The Dignity of God's Promises
The promises of God are a reflection of His divine nature, truthfulness, and immutability. They are not to be doubted or taken lightly, as doing so would question God's very character. The dignity of these promises is unparalleled, and they act as a bridge between God's eternal purposes and their fulfillment. Doubting these promises is akin to questioning God's character, which is an affront to His dignity. Embracing the certainty of God's promises allows us to experience the comfort and assurance they offer, knowing that they are deeply rooted in His divine nature. [08:08]

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: Consider a promise from God that you have doubted. What steps can you take today to reaffirm your trust in His unchanging nature and truthfulness?


Day 3: The Range of God's Promises
God's promises span the entirety of scripture, offering guidance and assurance for every aspect of life and eternity. They are like stepping stones across time, leading us from earth to heaven, and are applicable to all conditions and situations. These promises provide hope and assurance to every believer, covering all aspects of life and eternity. By understanding the vast range of God's promises, we can find guidance and comfort in every situation, knowing that His word is a firm foundation for our faith. [15:23]

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: Identify a specific area of your life where you need guidance. How can you seek out and apply God's promises to that situation today?


Day 4: The Stability of Promises in Christ
The promises of God find their stability in Christ, who embodies them. In Him, they are affirmed and fulfilled, providing a firm foundation for our faith. Christ's role as God's witness and representative ensures the certainty of these promises. By placing our trust in Christ, we can be confident that God's promises are as certain as accomplished facts. This stability in Christ offers us a secure foundation for our faith, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. [21:11]

Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you need stability. How can you anchor your faith in Christ today to find the assurance you seek?


Day 5: Promises to God's Glory
The fulfillment of God's promises brings glory to His name. Our weaknesses and needs become opportunities for God to display His power and love, highlighting the richness and depth of His promises compared to those of false gods or religions. As recipients of His mercy and grace, we play a crucial role in this divine narrative. By embracing our weaknesses and allowing God to work through us, we can bring glory to His name and experience the fullness of His promises in our lives. [28:04]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: Identify a weakness or need in your life. How can you invite God to display His power and love through it, bringing glory to His name today?

Quotes


for all the promises of God in him are yay and in him are men unto the glory of God by Us 2 Corinthians 1: 20 all the promises a sermon delivered by CH Spurgeon on Thursday evening August the 31st 1882 as a result of a very simple incident a Sublime truth may be proclaimed it was so in the instance referred to in this chapter these Corinthians had misrepresented the Apostle Paul and spoken ill of him he might have ignored their unkindness and said nothing about it but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit he was led to act otherwise and while defending his own character for consistency to vindicate also the consistency and truthfulness of God [00:00:04]

we might never have had this precious verse if Paul had not been so ill treated by these men of Corinth they did him great wrong and caused him much sorrow of heart for a man who was so sincere and upright could not but be sorely vexed by their unjust suspicions and misrepresentations yet you see how the evil was overruled by God for good and through their unsaver gossip and slander this sweet sentence was pressed out of Paul for all the promises of God in Christ Jesus are yay and in Christ amen unto the glory of God by us [00:01:01]

there are many things which at first we may regret but for which we are afterwards exceedingly grateful I have felt half inclined to thank the Pharisee and scribes for some of their cruel attacks upon our blessed Lord himself for in answering them he has given us lessons which we now highly prize perhaps we might never have had those three wonderful Parables of the lost sheep the Lost Silver and the lost son if those cavers had not spoken evil of him because all the publicans and sinners Drew near unto him to hear him [00:02:02]

the first thing I notice in the text is the Dignity of the promises notice the apostle 's words for all the promises of God in him are yay these promises were all made according to the purpose of his own will we sometimes read or hear or speak of the promises written in God's word but do not give them as much credit as if they were the promises of a friend or of our father or our brother if we valued them more we should believe them better [00:04:23]

we have many Proverbs to remind us what Paul and frail things the promises of men are but those of which Paul writes are the promises of God men often changed their minds even the Apostle did that and therefore he was wise to try to take the thoughts of those to whom he was writing off from the promises even of an apostle which were liable to change and which might very properly not be carried out because of altered circumstances and lead them away to the promis of God which are unfailing and unchangeable and are always fulfilled to his glory and to our prophit [00:05:00]

we little know what solemn things we are trifling with when we say that we cannot believe a certain promise what has it come to this that God's own children cannot believe him is it so that we who say that we love him because he first loved us yet add to that declaration but there are some of his promises which we cannot believe I am afraid that we talk far too flippantly about our unbelief and that we seek to shelter one another in it instead of whipping ourselves out of it [00:05:39]

the truth of God is irrevocably bound up with his promise if a man says such a thing shall be done he ought to do it if it is in his power we have no right to break promises that we have made we feel that if we do men will learn to distrust us and soon we will care nothing at all for our promises but beloved and we speak with the utmost reverent concerning the most high his character for truthfulness would be lost if his promises were not kept [00:11:02]

we Rejoice that as a matter of fact this is a thing which can never happen all things except this are possible with God but it is not possible for him to be God and yet to fail in the fulfillment of his promises the two ideas will not run together at all if he is God he must be true to his truth and he will be so when I read a promise in his word I read something which is as certain as a fact already accomplished [00:11:51]

the range of the promises for Paul here speaks of all the promises of God there is a prospect for you all the promises there are very many of them and they are found both in the Old and New Testaments there was one given at the gate of the Garden of Eden very near the commencement of human history there is another riot at the end of the Revelation surely I come quickly the Bible is a book of precious promises all the way we have to travel they seem to be like a series of Stepping Stones across the stream of time [00:15:23]

all the promises the Old Testament ones as well as those in the New Testament are sure and steadfast the conditional promise is if we believe and if we repent God will certainly fulfill and the unconditional ones the promises of the Everlasting Covenant in which he pledges himself to give men repentance and to give them new hearts and right Spirits he will keep them too God will fulfill all temporal promises bread shall be given you and water shall be assured unto you if you are the Lord's children [00:16:05]

the promises of God are very firm for first they are settled on an everlasting basis for they are promises in Christ as I look at the text I can see two words leaping up out of it and as I look at it again I see the same two words leaping up again in him all the promises of God in him are yay and in him amen there is a great thought which I cannot fully open up to you now you must lie awake tonight and think over it and pray over it all the promises of God in him [00:21:11]

the promises of God are his glory there is no pretended God that has ever been supposed to make promises like those of our God turn to the Quran and see what Muhammad has promised ah me what a beggarly array of promises does he set before his followers turn to Brahma and Buddha and read all the so-called sacred books written by their priests and see what their gods are said to have promised you can put the essence of it all into an eggshell and not see it even then but our God has promised more than Heaven and Earth can hold [00:28:04]

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Transcript
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