Sarah: God's Protrait of Faithfulness and Obedience

Introduction

Pre-Introduction

Acknowledge special music

Main-Introduction

ATTENTION GRABBER

A Story About Faith – The Blind Kind

A few weeks ago in my message on Biblical faith, I gave this analogy of blind faith versus Biblical faith.

So “blind faith” is like chucking a coin into fountain. But biblical faith is more like tracking a package.

Taken from an illustration given by Mikel Del Rosario, M.A., Th.M. (2023) A Story About Faith - How to Illustrate Biblical Faith - Dr. Mikel Del Rosario | Apologetics Guy℠. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://apologeticsguy.com/2012/05/story-about-faith-illustration/

As I was preparing for this morning’s message, my mind went back to that statement. Often when we think of faith and we think of people of faith, one of the first people who comes to mind is Abraham and for some obviously good reasons. Abraham was indeed a man of tremendous faith. Yet, we often overlook his wife, Sarah. This morning, as our attention is on mothers being it is “Mother’s Day,” I want to spend a few moments considering Sarah. Sarah, just as much as Abraham, is a portrait of Biblical faith. She is more than just a portrait of faith for she is also a portrait of obedience.

NEED

We need women and men who will live lives of faith and obedience as Abraham and Sarah did. Since the focus is on women today, we need spiritually strong women. Women who live by faith understanding that such strength comes only through God. However, we also need women who radiate with inner grace. We need women today whose beauty is much deeper than skin. This world needs women who demonstrate the importance of Biblical obedience. There is lot of confusion about truth today. Much of that confusion exists with women who have usurped God’s natural design for them. As result, our society is filled with women who are not living God’s way and causing further chaos.

THEME

Believers who demonstrate confidence in the testimony of God are believers who will experience phenomenal spiritual strength. Additionally, all who obey God’s word will radiate an inner grace to everyone around them.

PURPOSE

This morning, I aim to demonstrate how God uses our faith and our obedience. He rewards those who believe and obey with spiritual strength and adorns them with His grace.

Sub-Introduction

Sarah is an example of both faith and obedience. Abraham’s story is told repeatedly. Oddly enough, we often see Sarah as a secondary character in Abraham’s story. But, I am here to tell you that Sarah was far from a secondary character. In fact, God sees all marriages as one flesh. Thus, Abraham’s story is Sarah’s story as well. You cannot separate the two. They are one flesh. So, this morning, I want to focus on Sarah. I want us to see that she is a...

A Portrait of How Biblical Faith Results in Phenomenal Spiritual Strength

VALIDATE

There is no doubt that Sarah was a great person of faith. We often talk about Abraham’s great faith. Yet, somehow we manage to overlook the faith of Sarah. In fact, when you read Hebrews 11 which is the great book of faith, we find Sarah’s faith noted along with Abraham’s. She, like Abraham, was a portrait of faith.

Hebrews 11:11–12 KJV 1900

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

It was not that long ago that we defined Biblical faith.

Biblical faith is demonstrative and pragmatic confidence in the testimony of God which results in obedient actions. Biblical faith includes belief, confidence, and obedience.

We see all three in Sarah’s life especially as noted in Hebrews 11. The Holy Spirit notes that she recieved “strength to conceive seed.” Her faith in the promises of God resulted in God granting her the needed strength to bear the child of promise when she was well past child bearing years. Stop and think about it for a moment. She became pregnant and carried a child full term when she was in her nineties. What an accomplishment! Yet, she did it not by her own strength for it was God who worked in her to both will and do of His own good pleasure.

However, we all know that Sarah was not always a great person of faith. Early on she did not have believe God’s promises in the same manner as her husband.

Genesis 18:9–15 KJV 1900

9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. 10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? 13 And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 14 Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

I imagine that most of us can relate to Sarah. The thing God just stated was well out of human reasoning and physiology. In Sarah’s mind the thought of having a child at her age was impossibility. Yet, she made the same fatal spiritual mistake we all tend to make as well. She forgot that God is the God of the impossible. A fact that Christ stated in Matthew 19:26

Matthew 19:26 KJV 1900

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

In fact, God himself reminded her of this very thing when He said Genesis 18:14

Genesis 18:14 KJV 1900

14 Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Now, think about this. Spiritual weakness is a direct result of unbelief. In this instance, Sarah did not believe God’s promise. She was spiritually weak. However, I can guarantee the moment she realizes that she is pregnant her faith in God took a great leap forward. It was then, she also realized how belief in God’s promises materializes into great spiritual strength. Each day the baby grew within her womb was another day of learning to trust God. Even then, I imagine that she was filled with great trepidation and fear about the moment she would go into labor. Perhaps the thought of her aging body not bearing under the weight of such intense pain and labor constantly remained in her thoughts. Yet, a great miracle was taking place within in her. Each day, God granted her more and more strength. And, each day, she grew in our faith in God.

Hebrews 11:6 KJV 1900

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Do you think that Sarah’s belief in God and His reward strengthened each day of her pregnancy? I believe so. Scripture teaches that it must have. Look again at Hebrews 11:11

Hebrews 11:11 KJV 1900

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Note that it was “Through faith” she recieved strength. I fully convinced that from the moment God said “Sarah thy wife shall have a child” to the moment Isaac was born Sarah’s faith grew astronomically. As a result, God granted her the necessary physical strength to conceive and deliver a child when she was past age.

Here is my point!

Biblical faith can and will produce extraordinary spiritual strength.

EXPLAIN

Already we have seen evidence of this in Sarah’s life. She is a portrait of Biblical faith giving way to spiritual strength. However, it is a promise that still stands for us today. We also can experience great spiritual strength. However, it all depends upon our faith in God’s promises. In fact, God has promised certain things to those who exhibit faith in Him.

John 14:12 KJV 1900

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Did you catch what He said there? Those who BELIEVE in Him and His works will DO GREATER works. What is that? That is spiritual strength (power).

Paul learned a valuable lesson about faith and strength. God allowed a “thorn in the flesh” plague Paul. What was his “thorn in the flesh?” We do not know. We do know that it was something painful and three times Paul asked God to take it away. God did not for it was God’s purpose to use that painful situation as a workshop of faith in Paul’s life. Note what God said to Paul.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV 1900

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It takes faith to believe and trust God in His promises especially when we are going through difficult and painful circumstances.

Biblical faith is when we demonstrate our confidence in God’s word by our obedience. Paul didn’t enjoy or even like the physical condition that he was experiencing. Yet, he learned to have confidence in God’s ability to strengthen him as he continued to obey God. Thus, the result was Paul’s strength was “made perfect.” In other words, Paul’s strength grew as a result of his faith in God’s testimony. Consequently, Paul testified...

2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV 1900

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Was this not also the case with Sarah? Carrying a child full term and delivering that child is stressful. Every woman who has given birth understands that. Also, consider the fact that when Sarah gave birth in her nineties that she didn’t have the convenience of an epidural. Yet, in the moment, God gave her the necessary strength to deliver Isaac and, in that same moment, her faith and her strength grew (“made perfect”).

APPLY

Here is the application. This simple spiritual truth applies to all of us.

When we exhibit true Biblical faith, God responds by providing great spiritual strength.

I have no idea what any of you might be facing this morning. There maybe some of you experiencing physical, emotional, and/or mental pain this morning. What I do know is this! If you will place your faith in the testimonies of God, He will help you through whatever you are facing.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV 1900

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

What is the promise of this verse? God is faithful. He will do exactly what He promises to do. He never fails in His promises. Therefore, you can trust (have faith) that He will give you the strength to bear whatever is happening in your life. The only thing you need to do is this.

Matthew 11:28–30 KJV 1900

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Follow the example of Sarah this morning! Place your faith in God who does not fail. Be obedient to His Word and let Him provide you the strength needed in overcoming any and ever circumstance.

Here is the next lesson we learn from Sarah’s life.

We not only see a portrait of Biblical Faith resulting in Phenomenal Spiritual Strength, we also see a...

A Portrait of How Biblical Obedience Leads to Inner Grace

1 Peter 3:5–7 KJV 1900

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

VALIDATE

This passage is interesting for a number of reasons. And, before I dive into this passage, I want you to know that God emphatically spells out the roles of both husband and wife. In fact, look with me at Ephesians 5 and note what it says before we get into this next point.

Ephesians 5:25 KJV 1900

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:22 KJV 1900

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

What are husbands required to do? They are required by the Lord to LOVE their wives. By the way, that word “love” is “agape” love. It is a Biblical love of self sacrifice for their wives. Love is the one thing men struggle with in their relationships with others especially their wives.

What are wives required to do? They are to “submit” to their husbands. The word “submit” means to place or arrange under. It is a military term denoting rank. God expects men (husbands) to be leaders in their homes. It is the wife’s responsibility rank under her husband’s leadership. By the way, those are God’s words, not mine. Read it again.

Ephesians 5:22 KJV 1900

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Now, when we come to 1 Peter 3, the Holy Spirit utilizes the example of Sarah as an illustration of a wife who dutifully submitted to her husband. Note verse 5 again.

1 Peter 3:5 KJV 1900

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

Note they were “holy women.” In other words, they were women of righteousness. Note they “trusted in God.” Their trust was not in men or societal standards. Note also they “adorned themselves.” In other words, their outward beauty was not what they wore, instead, their outward beauty was their holiness and their trust in God. All of which was reflected by their actions. What actions? They “being in subjection unto their own husbands.” The words “being in subjection” comes from the exact same word as “submit” in Ephesians 5:22. In other words, true holy women are women who trust God by outwardly doing what God expects them to do.

Sarah is the prime example. Note again 1 Peter 3:6

1 Peter 3:6 KJV 1900

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Now, already I know that some of you are going to focus solely the fact that she called Abraham “lord.” If you do, you are going to miss the entire point of the message. So, let’s put that one to rest right away. Sara obeyed Abraham and chose to call him “lord.” The word “lord” is simply a title of respect. God is not suggesting that women call their husbands “lord.” The Holy Spirit simply uses Sara as an example. In that example, Sarah chose to call Abraham her “lord” out of respect to him as her husband. That is all. Nothing more. The more important information is as follows.

Sarah made the choice to obey Abraham because God desired her to do so.

Other “holy” women who choose to obey their husbands “do well.”

Other “holy” women who choose to obey their husbands “are not afraid with any amazement.”

Now, think about Sarah’s life before we move on. Sarah indeed obeyed Abraham. I do not recall any moment recorded in Scripture where Sarah refused to follow Abraham’s instructions. She even obeyed in times when it placed her in danger. For example, there are two times when Abraham was afraid of men who would notice Sarah’s beauty and kill him for her. You can read about those times in Genesis 12 and Genesis 20. On both occasions, Abraham instructs Sarah to say she is his brother instead of his wife. She obeys. In doing so, she is placed in danger as two powerful men took her so that might make her their wife thinking she was Abraham’s sister and not his wife. On both occasions, Abraham did not exhibit faith or spiritual leadership. It almost cost him dearly both times. However, my point is simply that Sarah was the epitome of a wife’s submission to her husband. Whatever else she may have been, she was righteous in her relationship to her husband. As a result, God now uses her as the example to all wives who desire to live spiritually righteous lives.

Thus, God teaches the importance of wives who choose to live obediently before Him. Those who live so are “adorned” with an inner and outer grace that supersedes the latest and greatest fashions of society.

EXPLAIN

Go back to our 1 Peter and note again the context.

1 Peter 3:1–4 KJV 1900

1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Note specifically verses 3 and 4. Today’s world places a huge emphasis on women and their appearance. Yet, God says it is no necessarily what you wear that it the true appeal of woman. Instead, this passage emphasizes a woman’s obedience to God and, in turn, to her husband as the true “ornaments” of her life. Note the spiritual ornaments that characterize a “holy woman” such as Sarah.

Subjection to their husbands

Chaste conversations with fear - The word “chaste” means pure and holy. “Conversations” is a word that goes beyond speaking words. It also means daily conduct and actions. Thus, a chaste conversation is living a pure life and speaking words of righteousness daily. The word “fear” simply means with great respect.

Meek and quiet spirit - “Meek” means humble, gentle, and mild. The word “quiet” means tranquil or untroubled/free from disturbances. In other words, no easily upset by the noise and constant uproar of life’s circumstances.

Note that all of this in a woman’s life is “in the sight of God of great price.” God highly treasures a woman who willing lives His way.

But notice one last thing before we move on.

APPLY

Verse 4 says, “let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible.” What does that mean? There is only one man of the heart who is corruptible. That man is the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, for a woman (or man) to be all that God wants them to be they must first invite Christ into their life. All spiritual life begins with Christ.

John 14:6 KJV 1900

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 15:5 KJV 1900

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

None of us can be what God wants us to be until we first...

Admit we are sinners.

Romans 3:10 KJV 1900

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Acknowledge that spiritual death is the penalty for our sin.

Romans 5:12 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Accept the fact that Christ paid that penalty through His death, burial, and resurrection.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

If you will admit, acknowledge, and accept these spiritual truths, then I would encourage to believe them and confess them to God right now.

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

In doing so, you will experience a complete spiritual resurrection and begin a new life with Christ. Such change will enable you to live as God wants you to live.

Believer, you already have “the hidden man of the heart.” It is up to you to live in obedience to His word. If you will, God promises that His inner grace will shine through you to others. That is the promise here for women who will live God’s way. It is also the promise for men who will live God’s way. Note 1 Peter 3:7

1 Peter 3:7 KJV 1900

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

If you continue to read the next few verse, God talks about how we become people of grace. We will be compassionate to others. We will not seek revenge against others. We will love life and see good days. In fact, the list goes on. What does this mean?

People who practice Biblical obedience are people who have an inner grace that becomes visible to everyone they encounter. This is especially true for women who choose to live God’s way. When others see such grace, it is greater beauty than anything the world has to offer. Such beauty is definitely more than skin deep. It comes from the “hidden man of the heart.”

Conclusion

This morning we have examined the beautiful portrait of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. She was wife and a mother of Biblical faith and obedience. Her faith resulted in phenomenal spiritual strength. Her obedience resulted in beauty that radiated inner grace. The great news is that if she did it so can we. All we must do this morning is commit ourselves to God. We too can be people, both men and women, who demonstrate faith through our obedience. In doing so, God will use us as a testimony of His strength and His grace to others around us. Let’s make that commitment this morning.