Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Sarah Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Sarah’s journey from barrenness to motherhood demonstrates God’s faithfulness. Though she had moments of doubt and impatience, she ultimately trusted God and became the mother of nations. Her life reminds us that God’s promises never fail, even when they seem delayed.
CHARACTER STUDY OF SARAH (SARAI) – WIFE OF ABRAHAM, MOTHER OF ISAAC
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 17:15-19
"And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her." (Genesis 17:15-16)
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:11, 1 Peter 3:6, Genesis 18:10-15, Genesis 21:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
Sarah, originally named Sarai, is one of the most remarkable women in the Bible. She was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, through whom God established His covenant with Israel. Despite facing many challenges, including barrenness and old age, Sarah experienced the miraculous power of God when she conceived Isaac at the age of 90.
In this study, we will consider Sarah’s journey of faith, her struggles, her moments of doubt, and ultimately, how she became a mother of nations. We will also learn valuable lessons from her character—both her strengths and weaknesses.
Sarah’s story reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Through her life, we see how patience, obedience, and trust in God can lead to divine fulfilment.
1. SARAH’S BACKGROUND AND EARLY LIFE
Sarah, originally known as Sarai, was born in Ur of the Chaldees and later moved with her family to Haran.
a) Her Family Lineage – Sarah was the half-sister and wife of Abraham (Genesis 20:12).
b) Her Name Change – God changed her name from Sarai (meaning "my princess") to Sarah (meaning "princess of many") in Genesis 17:15-16.
c) Her Beauty – Sarah was known for her extraordinary beauty (Genesis 12:11, 14).
d) Her Marriage to Abraham – She journeyed with Abraham when God called him to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-5).
e) Biblical Example: Sarah followed Abraham’s call to an unknown land, showing great trust in God.
2. SARAH’S STRUGGLE WITH BARRENNESS
For many years, Sarah remained childless, which was a great burden in ancient times.
a) Barrenness in Ancient Culture – In biblical times, barrenness was considered a great misfortune (Genesis 11:30).
b) God’s Promise to Sarah – God promised Abraham that Sarah would bear a son (Genesis 17:16).
c) Sarah’s Impatience – She became impatient and gave Hagar to Abraham as a wife (Genesis 16:1-2).
d) The Consequence of Human Effort – The birth of Ishmael caused tension in their household (Genesis 16:4-6).
e) Biblical Example: Hannah also struggled with barrenness but trusted in God’s timing (1 Samuel 1:10-11).
3. SARAH’S MOMENT OF DOUBT AND LAUGHTER
When Sarah heard God’s promise that she would bear a son, she laughed in disbelief.
a) Sarah Overheard the Promise – The Lord reaffirmed the promise to Abraham while Sarah was listening (Genesis 18:10).
b) Her Laughter of Doubt – Sarah laughed because she thought it was impossible due to her old age (Genesis 18:12).
c) God’s Response to Her Doubt – The Lord asked, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14).
d) Sarah’s Fear and Denial – She denied laughing out of fear (Genesis 18:15).
e) Biblical Example: Zechariah also doubted God’s promise and was struck mute (Luke 1:18-20).
4. SARAH EXPERIENCES GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Despite her doubt, God fulfilled His promise, and Sarah conceived Isaac.
a) God’s Word Came to Pass – At the appointed time, Sarah bore a son (Genesis 21:1-2).
b) Sarah Rejoiced in God’s Blessing – She declared, "God hath made me to laugh" (Genesis 21:6).
c) The Child of Promise – Isaac was the fulfilment of God’s covenant (Genesis 21:3).
d) Sarah’s Testimony – She acknowledged God’s power to do the impossible (Genesis 21:7).
e) Biblical Example: Elizabeth also conceived in old age as a testimony of God’s faithfulness (Luke 1:24-25).
5. SARAH’S PROTECTIVE INSTINCT FOR ISAAC
Sarah took steps to protect her son’s inheritance.
a) The Conflict with Hagar – Sarah saw Ishmael mocking Isaac (Genesis 21:9).
b) Sarah’s Request to Abraham – She insisted that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away (Genesis 21:10).
c) God’s Approval – God told Abraham to listen to Sarah (Genesis 21:12).
d) God’s Care for Ishmael – Though sent away, Ishmael was also blessed (Genesis 21:13-14).
e) Biblical Example: Rebekah later protected Jacob’s inheritance over Esau (Genesis 27:6-10).
6. STRENGTHS OF SARAH
Sarah had remarkable qualities that made her a great woman of faith.
a) Faith in God – She trusted in God’s promise (Hebrews 11:11).
b) Obedience – She followed Abraham’s call without question (Genesis 12:5).
c) Perseverance – Despite years of barrenness, she did not give up (Genesis 17:15-16).
d) Devotion to Her Family – She cared deeply for Abraham and Isaac.
e) Biblical Example: The Shunammite woman showed faith and hospitality (2 Kings 4:8-10).
