Untitled Sermon (6)

Genesis 15:1–6 ESV

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Gen. 15

1-6: Abram’s concerns

7-21: God’s promises

P.O.P.

God meets our doubts with reminders of his sovereignty and faithfulness while the only proper response is to trust him.

Kids

God reminds us of his promises and calls us to trust him.

I. Abram’s doubt.

Abram could be facing issues from the conflict in 14.

He could be fearful of repercussions when the armies regain their strength.

He could be struggling with the temptations of pride and the world.

He was fearful of how quickly his promises could be squashed for lacking children.

There is no fear for those who are the Lord’s.

Fear not

I am your shield

While Abram has just defeated the great militaries of the world, his true rest is in the protection of the Lord.

Your reward shall be very great

The temptation still remains for Abram to look to the world in their barrenness.

The only lasting reward will be found in the Lord.

“Because the defense of God is greater than all dangers, faith triumphs over fear.” John Calvin

Are you confident in the protection of God that you cannot be miserable?

Are you so convinced of Christ as your great reward that sin is no longer appealing?

Abram’s doubt due to barrenness.

He questions whether someone in close proximity could be the one who will receive the inheritance.

Theological truth: We can quickly become impatient with God’s timing on His promises.

II. God’s renewed promise.

The Lord reconfirms the promised family will come from his direct line.

The Lord reconfirms his promise will be great in number.

Theological truth: God keeps His promises even in the most unlikely situations.

III. Abram’s belief.

Righteousness does not come from some inner reconciling or settled ideas of God. Righteousness comes when we humbly submit ourselves to God’s will and purpose.

“Abraham’s righteousness is ascribed not to his work for God but to his trust in God.” Thomas Schreiner

Galatians 3:6–9 “just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”

Romans 4:1-25

“God grows our faith by making us wait upon his promises.” Joel Beeke

Theological truth: Justification comes by faith alone.