The fruit of faith - Genesis 21

Intro: Big questions

 

• The promised child brings laughter (v1-7)

“Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised”

This is always how God acts;

• As he had said

 

• What he had promised

 

Abraham and Sarah always should have fully stood on the promises of God

 

With our eyes on the cross of Christ we must stand on the promises of God

• Are we people of gratitude and joy
• Should we not be laughing more?

 

• The promised line brings opposition and division (v8-21)

“Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking.”

• The promised child brings opposition

 

 

• A promised people brings division

 

 

The gospel is both the aroma of life and the aroma of death. Don’t be surprised.

 

• The promising God offers acceptance (v22-34)

“At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, ‘God is with you in everything you do.’”

 

• God is with you in everything you do
• Pray for the neighbours around us to see this in us
• We want to offer God’s acceptance to the world

 

 

Application: Hearts, lives and mouths

 

Questions to think more about:   What would your answer be if you were asked “Why is the world the way it is?” How has Genesis 21 helped you with this? Read verses 1-7. Why is verse 1 such an incredible verse to learn? How should God’s faithfulness help us to be filled with joy? Read verses 8-21, why did Ishmael mock Isaac? How does this help us to accept opposition and persecution for simply belonging to Jesus? In verses 22-34, why does Abimelek make a treaty with Abraham? How does this point to the worldwide blessing that the gospel brings?

Memory verse: Genesis 21v1 “Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised.”

My own questions for later: