2010-01-10

“IS THIS YOUR YEAR?”

Introduction: - Rom.4:16-22. Hebrews.11:6.

1. 1883.BC. Gen.15:1-6. The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.

v.5. This WORD gave Abram HOPE and VISION – LOOK UP TOWARDS HEAVEN! Count the stars if you can? What did Abram see – Order and design – Star of Bethlehem.

“ Look up to your source of blessings, get eyes off this world and its ways”

2. 1881.BC. Gen.16. Birth of Ishmael by Hagar. Impatience! Less than two years passed since God’s promise. Abram and Sarai – try to do God’s work for Him.

3. 1879.BC. Gen.17:15-21 Promise of son called Isaac – Ishmael rejected.

4. Gen.18:1-15. v.9-15 The Trinity appears to fulfill the promise to Abraham and Sarah.

v.10. a. “I will return to you about this time next year”

b. “And Sarah your wife will have a son”

c. Sarah listens at tent entrance! Curios? Abraham must have shared promise

v.11. Abraham and Sarah – both old nothing has happened concerning promised son.

v.12. Quote – Every day with Jesus Bible:-

She laughed within herself. “After I have become SHRIVELED UP, and my lord is old, will I have delight?” The pleasure of a child?

SHRIVELLED UP – CAN HAPPEN TO US SO EASILY – WAITING FOR PRAYER ANSWERS THAT DO NOT COME – DOUBT! DISAPPINTMENT! DESPAIR!

v.13. a. Lord addresses Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh?”

Hebrew – laugh = Merriment or scorn – Lit:- she saying “ITS IMPOSSIBLE!”

“ME? HAVE A BABY? AN OLD WOMAN LIKE ME?”

v.14. a. “IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD?”

b. “I WILL RETURN TO YOU AT THE APPOINTED TIME NEXT YEAR (HIS TIMING)

c. “AND SARAH WILL HAVE SON”

Note:- a. What God has promised He will do – according to His sovereign will.

b. God waits until exactly the right time to fulfill His promises

c. Go fully understands our thoughts – Positive or Negative!

d. Why did God wait another year to bless them?

e. Until sin is confessed God held back the promise – See Gen.20:9-18, v 13.

v.15. a. Sarah denies laughing – in doubt and scorn at the promise for she was afraid.

b. Lord says:- “But you did laugh” WE CAN NEVER FOOL GOD ANY TIME!

Conclusion:- Perhaps some here have waited years for an answer?

FAITH DRIED UP, SHRIVELED LIKE SARAH’S WOMB (THE MIND)

LAUGH WITHIN OURSELVES – POUR SCORN UPON PROMISES

CANNOT HAPPEN TO ME ETC – IMPOSSIBLE!

NULLIFY GOD’S PROMISES.

Jerimiah.29:11-14a Luke.11:9-13.

THIS CAN BE YOUR YEAR!!!!