God's Promise, Purpose, And Procedure

1. The Bible gives us several examples of howthe LORD has used barren women in extraordinary ways to accomplish His plan.

Sarah / Rebekah / Hannah / Elizabeth

2. Today we are going to study how God’s promise, purpose, and plan were accomplished in the life of Elizabeth.

The LORD’s Promises

The Promises Of God Are All United To Jesus

1. (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2. Those who make the promises of God all about themselves misunderstand the Christian life.

(Philippians 3:18–19, NIV) For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

3. Ultimately every promise points to Jesus!

(Galatians 3:22, NIV) But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

God Promised That Elizabeth Would Bear A Child

1. (Luke 1:13, NIV) But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

2. It is easy to see how the promise made to Zachariah and Elizabeth points us to Jesus!

(Luke 1:76, NIV) And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

3. God’s promise came in answer to prayer! (Prayer is often a precursor to receiving God’s promise.)

(Luke 1:13, NIV) ... your prayer has been heard.

(James 4:2–3, NIV) ... You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

4. Why Elizabeth? (There are many reasons why the LORD chose Elizabeth, but at the top of the list was it was God’s appointed time.)

(1) (Luke 1:20, NIV) And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

(2) Elizabeth had been prepared for such a time as this! Even her barrenness was a part of God’s plan!

(3) Doubt often hinders or negates God’s miraculous intervention; but not this time! It was God’s appointed time!

What Are You Doing With The Promises God Has Given To You?

1. Are you nurturing them in prayer? Are you praying for their fulfillment for your own purpose or for the LORD’s glory?

2. Are you in agreement with God? Completely, wholeheartedly, joyfully?

(2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

3. Are you preparing the way for fulfillment? (You too have your responsibility; the LORD will show you what to do!)

The LORD’s Purpose

The LORD Will Accomplish His Purpose!

1. (Isaiah 46:10, NIV) I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

2. To achieve His purpose God has chosen to use mankind! (Isaiah 46:11, NIV) From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.

3. Every promise of God has a purpose, and the ultimate purpose of every promise is to glorify God!

a. (Ephesians 1:11–12, NIV) In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

The Importance Of God’s Purpose

1. We are called according to God’s purpose. (Romans 8:28, NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

2. We are prepared according to God’s purpose. (Philippians 2:13, NIV) for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

3. We are led according to God’s purpose. (Isaiah 30:21, NIV) Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

As Difficult & Heartbreaking As It Was ... It Was God’s Purpose For Elizabeth To Be Barren Till Her Old Age

1. The Bible doesn’t tell us the exact age of Zachariah and Elizabeth; “I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

2. Elizabeth’s barrenness compelled her to pray! (Prayer is an important part to the accomplishment of God’s purpose!)

3. Elizabeth’s barrenness was a platform to promote the importance of John’s ministry.

4. Elizabeth and Zechariah had to wait until the right time ... God’s appointed time! (Luke 1:20)

The LORD’s Procedure

In Isaiah 54:1-5 The LORD Speaks Of The Barrenness Of His People And Their Future Glory And Fruitfulness

1. Although this passage was written specifically to Israel, there are spiritual principles that we can glean and learn from.

a. The LORD promises fruitfulness to those who are in a close relationship with Him.

(1) (Isaiah 54:5, NIV) ... For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

(2) Fruitfulness is based on your relationship with Jesus, not your power and ability.

b. A time of glorious fruitfulness is coming!

(1) (Isaiah 54:3, NIV) For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.

c. Historically we pay attention to those whom the LORD uses to glean the harvest; the hard work is done by those who give birth and prepare for the harvest.

(1) (Isaiah 54:2, NIV) “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

(2) (John 4:36–38, NIV) ... so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

2. Are you willing to do the hard work? (Birthing & Preparing)

Isaiah 54:1-5 Reveals How We Should Respond To God’s Promises In Christ

1. Rejoice: (Isaiah 54:1, NIV) “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord.

Rejoice even in your barrenness!

2. Enlarge: (Isaiah 54:2, NIV) “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

The LORD is enlarging you with gifts and abilities so that you can prepare for the harvest.

3. Don’t hold back due to fear! (Isaiah 54:4, NIV) “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

Fear of failure; fear of shame; fear of disgrace; fear of humiliation. Don’t give in to fear! Fear will keep you from doing your part in preparing for fulfillment!

Extraordinary fruitfulness is coming!