Promises, Promises

Genesis 21:1-7 – 1 The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. 2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. 6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7 Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” (New Living Translation)

Three Truths Concerning God’s Promises

1. God is not in a _______________

2. God never __________________ His promises

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. (New Living Translation)

3. God’s promises are _______________ to their context

What Do We Find in God’s Promises?

▸ We find true __________________

Genesis 21:1-2 – 1 The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. 2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. (New Living Translation)

Clarifying issues of God’s sovereignty:

1. God’s sovereign control doesn’t necessarily __________________ or __________________ our ability to _______________ or to __________________ our own future

2. Human autonomy is highly __________________

3. Our desire for autonomy is pure ____________________

▸ We find true __________

Genesis 21:3 – And Abraham named their son Isaac. (New Living Translation)

Genesis 21:41-7 – 4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7 Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” (New Living Translation)

▸ We find true _____________________