God’s Promises
Notes
Transcript
1 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.” 2 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?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 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.” 5 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.” 6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Introduction
Introduction
In Genesis 15:1-6, we find a profound moment in Abram's life, a moment that reveals both Abram's faith and God's faithfulness.
Abram is not yet Abraham, the father of many nations; he is still waiting, still trusting, still wondering when God’s promises will come to fruition.
In this passage, we see a God who makes promises and keeps them, not only to Abram but to all of us as well.
Today, we’ll explore how God remains a God of promises, how He fulfills them, and how those promises impact our lives today.
God is a God of Promises
God is a God of Promises
1 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.”
God speaks to Abram: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Abram is understandably concerned—he’s still childless, and the promise of descendants seems impossible.
But God responds with a bold assurance: “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be…
In this, God affirms that His word will come to pass.
He doesn’t just promise in vague terms; He gives Abram a concrete vision of what is to come.
God is always faithful to fulfill His promises, even when the timeline seems unclear or the obstacles insurmountable.
God Fulfilled His Promise to Abram
God Fulfilled His Promise to Abram
God did indeed fulfill His promise to Abram.
Despite Abram's old age and Sarah's barrenness, God gave them Isaac, the child of promise.
Through Isaac came Jacob, and from Jacob, the twelve tribes of Israel.
Eventually, through Abram's lineage came the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
God’s promise to Abram wasn't just about biological descendants; it was about establishing a covenant people that would bless the entire world.
This shows us that God's promises are not confined to the present moment; they often unfold in ways we cannot immediately understand but are part of His greater plan.
God Fulfills Promises Today
God Fulfills Promises Today
God’s promises are not just historical; they are present and active. Two promises that stand out as being universal are:
The Promise of Provision:
The Promise of Provision:
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jesus assures us that God knows our needs and will provide for them.
God promises to care for us, not in luxury, but in our every need.
He provides daily bread, clothes, and shelter to those who trust in Him
The Promise of Salvation in Jesus
The Promise of Salvation in Jesus
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
This verse underscores the promise of eternal life through belief in Jesus Christ, a fulfillment of God’s greatest promise to save us.
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
This promise of salvation is given to all who believe and confess Jesus as Lord.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
This passage reminds us that salvation is a promise of grace, given freely by God.
The Promise of Grace
The Promise of Grace
God extends His grace to us in tangible ways through His Word and sacraments:
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Baptism is a means of grace where God promises us new life in Christ, uniting us with His death and resurrection.
Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s grace, giving us assurance of salvation.
26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
In the Lord’s Supper, God provides grace in a real and physical way, assuring us of forgiveness through the body and blood of Christ.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit’s Presence
The Promise of the Holy Spirit’s Presence
Jesus also promised that we would never be left alone.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
Through the Holy Spirit, we are never forsaken.
The Spirit leads us, convicts us, comforts us, and helps us to live out our faith.
Even when we feel lost or abandoned, we can trust that the Spirit is always with us, pointing us back to Jesus.
The Promise of Jesus' Return
The Promise of Jesus' Return
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Finally, we live in the promise that Jesus will return.
This promise gives us hope.
No matter the trials of this life, we can trust that one day, Jesus will return to make all things new.
We live in anticipation of that glorious day when all of God’s promises will be fully realized, and we will dwell with Him forever.
Application
Application
What does this mean for us today?
It means we can live in confidence.
God is a God of promises, and He has never failed to keep His word.
When doubts arise, when circumstances make us question God’s timing or methods, we can look back to Abram’s story.
God fulfilled His promise to Abram, and He will fulfill His promises to us.
Trust in Him.
Stand on His promises.
Remember that the God who promised Abram descendants as numerous as the stars is the same God who promises you salvation, grace, the presence of His Spirit, and a glorious return.
May we live in the light of these promises, trusting that God is always faithful to His word.
Prayer of Response
Gracious God, we thank You for being a God of promises, a God who is faithful even when we struggle to trust. Help us to rest in the assurance that Your promises are true, both in the past and for today. Strengthen our faith, guide our steps, and fill us with hope for the future You have promised us in Christ Jesus. Amen.