Impossible of man

The God of the Impossible

Summary: This theme addresses the miraculous power of God to accomplish what seems impossible to humans, highlighting instances in scripture where God's intervention led to extraordinary outcomes.

Application: This message can encourage Christians facing insurmountable challenges, reminding them to trust in God's power and sovereignty, and to seek His guidance and strength in their daily struggles.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that while many situations in life seem hopeless or impossible from our perspective, God is capable of doing the miraculous and achieving what we cannot fathom with our human understanding.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout the Bible, Christ exemplifies God's ability to perform the impossible, from His virgin birth to His resurrection, affirming that in every instance, nothing is too difficult for God when we place our faith in Him.

Big Idea: Trust in God's ability to accomplish what you deem impossible, for He can do far beyond our earthly limitations through Christ.

Recommended Study: Consider studying the various Biblical texts that illustrate God's power, such as the miracles of Jesus or the stories of Old Testament figures. Utilize your Logos library to explore commentaries on these passages, focusing on God’s omnipotence and faithfulness in historical and cultural contexts.

1. Sarah's Skeptical Laughter

Genesis 18:9-15

Perhaps you could emphasize how Sarah’s laughter reflects human skepticism in God's promises. Despite the biological impossibility, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah with Isaac. This story illustrates that God is not constrained by human limitations, encouraging us to trust in His power regardless of how impossible a situation may seem. The Christ-centered angle lies in seeing Isaac as a precursor to the miraculous birth of Jesus.

2. Sea-Splitting Salvation

Exodus 14:21-22

You could discuss the miraculous parting of the Red Sea as a prime example of God making a way where there was none. This act of deliverance, achieved through divine intervention, encourages believers to trust God in impossible situations. The event foreshadows Christ's role as a deliverer and savior, paving a path through life's turbulent waters.

3. Elijah’s Fiery Proof

1 Kings 18:36-39

Maybe lead the congregation to consider Elijah’s challenge at Mount Carmel, where God answered by fire. This demonstration of divine power over false gods reassures us of God's supremacy and ability to manifest His will miraculously. It mirrors Christ's triumph over death, validating God’s unmatched sovereignty and bolstering our faith in unseen outcomes.

4. Mary’s Miracle Message

Luke 1:26-38

Perhaps highlight the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the virgin birth. This impossible conception confirms God's commitment to His promises and His extraordinary power. It offers hope in understanding that through Christ, God achieves His redemptive purposes, encouraging believers to trust in divine possibilities.

5. Lazarus Lives Again

John 11:38-44

You might conclude by reflecting on the raising of Lazarus, showcasing Jesus’ authority over death. This miracle underscores Jesus' divinity and the ultimate triumph over the impossible—death itself. It inspires believers to rely on Christ in the face of life’s dead ends, emphasizing the resurrection as the hope of all believers.