Series: Called To Promise [#8]
GOD’S PROMISE IN A CHANGING WORLD
Genesis 17:1-27
Introduction:
Tonight, I want us to think about how faithful God is, even when the world around us is changing all the time. Our story starts in Genesis 17, where God makes a special promise to Abram, saying He will make him the father of many nations. Even when things are uncertain and changing, God's promise stays true. As we look at this part of the Bible, we will see that God's faithfulness never changes, giving us hope and confidence in a world that can be unpredictable.
In a world that changes quickly, (through new ideas, personal problems, or big events) God’s promises are like a strong anchor for our hearts. Genesis 17 shows us that God’s promises are based on His unchanging nature. Today, we will learn that God's promises still matter and can be trusted, no matter what we go through. Let’s listen carefully to God's Word and remember that His promises are our hope and strength in every part of life.
Genesis 17:1-8
God's promise of…
1. Covenant and faithfulness.
God's promise to Abram shows that God is always faithful and keeps His promises. God promises to make Abram the father of many Nations, showing His plan to bless and care for His people. This promise is based on God's own faithfulness, not on what Abram has done. When God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and gives him circumcision as a sign of the promise, it reminds us that God's promises are ongoing and require trust and obedience. No matter what happens in the world, God's faithfulness stays the same, giving us hope and security.
This also teaches us that God's promise is forever and depends on His grace, not on human effort. The promises of land, many descendants, and blessings show that God is committed to His people for all time. This reminds us that we can trust God's faithfulness because His promises are sure. Even when things around us change, God's covenant is steady and trustworthy. It invites us to believe in His promises and live in obedience, knowing that God will always keep His word across generations.
Genesis 17:9-14
God's promise of…
2. Transformation and new identity.
God's promise of transformation and a new identity is shown through His special agreement with Abraham. God tells Abraham to follow the practice of circumcision as a sign of this promise. This act represents more than just a physical change- It shows that God is giving His people a new way of life. They are called to leave behind their old ways and trust in God, living by faith and obedience. The promise means that their true identity is no longer based on worldly things but on being God's chosen people and living in a special relationship with Him. Even when everything around us changes, God's promise gives His followers hope that they can find stability and new life by trusting in His power to change them.
This passage also shows that God's promise of change is for everyone across all generations. The act of circumcision is a reminder that God promises to renew His people from the inside out, making them new. In a world full of uncertainty, God's promise gives us confidence that, through faith and obedience, we can experience real transformation. We can leave behind our old selves and step into the new life God offers. This promise of renewal and new identity is for all believers, encouraging us today to trust God's work in our lives, even when the world around us is changing.
Genesis 17:15-21
God's promise of…
3. Personal assurance and blessing.
God's promise gives Abram and Sarah a special reassurance and blessing. Even though they were old and it seemed impossible, God promised that Sarah would have a son, Isaac. This shows that God's promises are based on His faithfulness and power, not on human ability or circumstances. It reminds us that God's covenant is sure and that He knows each person personally. His promise to bless Abram and his family is certain, even when life feels uncertain or things are changing around us.
This promise also shows that God's blessing is more than just giving a family; it’s about building a close, personal relationship with His people. God wants us to trust Him, hope in His plans, and know that His promises are reliable. In a world that is always changing, we can be confident in God's faithfulness. His promise of blessing encourages us to trust His care and believe that His plans for our lives are secure. This gives us strength and confidence to face any uncertainties, knowing that God's promises never fail.
Genesis 17:22-27
God's promise of…
4. Sovereignty over all Nations.
God's sovereignty over all Nations is shown through His special promise to Abraham. God made a forever agreement with Abraham, showing that He is in control of everything that happens in history. No matter how much the world changes, (empires rising and falling, cultures shifting) God remains the ruler of everything. His promise to Abraham means that His plans are bigger than any country or time in history. God is guiding the course of all nations according to His perfect plan, and His promises will come true no matter what.
This part of the Bible also reminds us that God's control is something we can trust. Even when the world is changing and uncertain, God's sovereignty stays the same. His promise to be the God of all Nations gives us hope and confidence. It shows us that God's rule goes beyond any country or ruler, and He is in control of everything. Knowing this helps us trust God's plan, especially when life feels confusing or difficult. We can be sure that God's promises are sure, and His rule will never end.
Conclusion:
As we have looked at God's unchanging promise to Abram, (a promise that lasts through all times) we remember that God's covenant stays strong, even when the world around us changes. His faithfulness does not depend on what is happening around us but is based on His love and character. Just as God made His promise to Abram, He makes that same promise to us today. He is asking us to trust in Him and stay faithful, no matter what difficulties we face.
So today, I invite you to respond to God's call with an open heart. If you want to trust Him again, give Him your life, or simply know that His promise is for you, come forward now. This is a special moment to make a new commitment- An altar where you can renew your faith and say that no matter how much the world changes, God's promise is your solid foundation. Step forward in faith and accept His grace, knowing that His love and His promise will never end.
