Sarah - Life From A Barren Womb Lesson 10 Series

“This is the word of promise … Sarah shall have a son” (Romans 9:9).

“By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one … were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable” (Hebrews 11:11-12, NKJV).

A. INTRODUCTION: THE MOTHER OF FAITH

1. Sarah ... not famous in herself, but a famous husband (Abraham) and son (Isaac). Some women are not famous for who they are, but for husband and children.

2. Sarah’s greatest quality, faith. “By faith, Sarah herself received strength” (Hebrews 11:11). Suggests she was not only barren (11:30), but physically weak.

3. Sarah’s second quality. “Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord” (1 Peter 3:6). Peter also added, “The hidden person of the heart with incorruptible beauty of the heart of a gentile and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight’ (1 Peter 3:4). Wow! Sarah was “never perfect.”

4. Yet Sarah has an imperfect human weakness:

a. Her unbelief “Sarah laughed” (Genesis 18:12).

b. She lied when caught laughing (18:15).

c. She told husband to take concubine, Hagar.

d. Yet Sarah listed in God’s Hall of Faith, i.e., Hebrews.

5. Twice Abraham lied that Sarah was his wife in Egypt (12:13-14), and in Gerar (land of Canaan) 20:1-2. How can Abraham be a man of faith, yet lie? “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23), yet faith is claiming God’s righteousness.

6. Burial for Sarah. “One hundred and twenty-seven years … so Sarah died (Genesis 23:1-2). “These all died in faith … not having received (fulfillment) the promise confessed they were stronger and forgiven on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13 ff):

a. Abraham bargained and bought burial site.

b. She was mother of Israel and first buried there.

7. Do not remember Sarah because she laughed (18:11-12) or that she “pushed” Hagar (16:5) on to Abraham. No, remember her faith (Hebrews 11:11).

B. PRACTICAL TAKE AWAYS

1. Sarah believed in God’s life giving power. So she conceived a son, and we should also believe so we can share God’s life with those dead and lost in sin.

2. Sarah is an example of marriage, fidelity and loyalty.

3. Sarah lived with her husband in good times and hard times, in prosperity and poverty.

4. Sarah is an example of a life of faith, even though we pointed out three diversions, so follow her positive example, not her negative ones.

5. Since God describes her “by faith Sarah” let that be your model and example. The life of the Jewish nation came through Sarah, so believing women today should trust God for “life” to flow through them, both spiritual and physical – multiplication.

6. Women want to know what is happening in their husband’s life and ministry (remember Sarah was outside the tent listening (19:10) and she laughed (19:12).

7. Sarah has left a godly example to follow “Sarah obeyed Abraham … whose daughter you are” (1 Peter 3:6, NKJV).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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