Standing on the Sure Word: Living as Disciples on the Promises of God
Introduction: The Difference Between Human Words and God’s Word
We live in a world of broken promises.
Politicians promise. Corporations promise. Even friends and family, with the best of intentions, sometimes promise—and fail.
But when God speaks, heaven and earth stand to attention.
A promise from God is not a wish. It is not optimism. It is not sentiment. It is covenant.
Today, in our Discipleship (Following Jesus) series, we consider this glorious theme: The Promises of God. A disciple is not merely someone who admires Jesus; a disciple is someone who builds their life upon what God has said.
Let us open the Word of the Lord.
I. The Promise of Eternal Life – The Foundation of All Promises
John 3:16 (NLT): “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse is spoken by our Lord Jesus to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and teacher of Israel. Nicodemus knew religion—but he did not yet know regeneration. Jesus speaks of being “born again” (John 3:3), and then declares this breathtaking promise.
The Greek word for “loved” is agapao—a covenantal, self-giving love.
The word “gave” (edoken) speaks not merely of incarnation but of sacrificial surrender—pointing directly to the cross.
“Eternal life” (zoe aionios) is not merely endless duration; it is divine quality of life—life in fellowship with God.
This is not a vague hope. It is a promise anchored in the giving of the Son.
Genesis 15:1 (NLT): “Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.’”
Historically, Abram had just defeated kings and refused the spoils of Sodom. He may have feared retaliation. God responds not with strategy—but with promise.
“I will protect you” translates the Hebrew magen—shield.
“I will protect you” could be rendered, “I am your shield.”
God does not merely give protection; He gives Himself.
From Abram to Nicodemus to us—the promise is rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness.
Tim Keller: “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
Keller reminds us that John 3:16 is not sentimental—it is substitutional. The promise of eternal life cost the blood of Christ.
Imagine a father rushing into a burning building to rescue his child. He does not shout advice from outside—he enters the flames. That is John 3:16. God entered the fire of judgment in the Person of Jesus.
Disciple, you cannot stand on any other promise unless you stand on this one first. Eternal life is not earned by church attendance, moral effort, or heritage. It is received by believing—pisteuo—trusting wholly in Christ.
II. The Promise of God’s Presence – Courage for the Journey
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Moses is dead. Joshua faces fortified cities and seasoned armies. The promise is not that the battles will disappear—but that God will be present.
The Hebrew for “be strong” is chazaq—to be firm, resolute.
“Courageous” is ’amats—bold, steadfast.
The reason? “For the Lord your God is with you”—YHWH Elohecha ‘immak—covenant name plus personal relationship.
Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT): “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you…”
“Eternal” – qedem, ancient beyond time.
“Everlasting arms” – imagery of being carried.
Hebrews 13:5 (NLT): “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”
In Greek, the construction is emphatic: five negatives—“I will never, no never, ever leave you.”
Charles Stanley: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
That is Joshua 1:9 in practice. Courage is not bravado—it is obedience rooted in promise.
21st-Century Application
In an age of anxiety, economic uncertainty, cultural hostility toward Christian conviction, disciples need not retreat. The promise of presence is not geographical—it is relational.
Wherever your workplace is.
Wherever your university is.
Wherever your family struggles are.
He is with you.
III. The Promise of Peace – Guarded Hearts in a Restless World
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Hebrew: shalom shalom—literally “peace peace.” Completeness. Wholeness.
“Trust” – ba?a?—to lean your full weight upon.
Philippians 4:7 (NLT): “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
In Philippians 4:7, the word “guard” is phroureo—a military term. It describes soldiers standing watch over a city.
Paul writes this from prison. Chains on his wrists. Guards at his door. Yet he speaks of a greater guard—God’s peace standing sentry over the believer’s heart.
This is not fragile emotional calm. This is supernatural security.
Psalm 116:5–6 (NLT): “How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.”
Historically, this psalm likely reflects a season of mortal danger. The psalmist testifies not to avoidance of trouble—but deliverance through it.
“Childlike faith” speaks of simplicity and dependence. Discipleship requires learned theology—but childlike trust.
Max Lucado: “You can’t control the storm, but you can let Christ control you.”
Lucado captures what Isaiah and Paul declare: peace is not the absence of storms—it is the presence of Christ in them.
I once heard of a painting competition where artists were asked to depict peace. One painted a serene lake. Another painted a violent waterfall crashing against rocks—but behind the waterfall, in a small crevice, a bird rested in its nest.
That is biblical peace.
Not silence.
Not escape.
But rest in the roar.
In a world of 24-hour news cycles, digital overload, and constant comparison, disciples must learn to fix their thoughts—Isaiah says—on Him. What we dwell on shapes what we feel.
IV. The Promise of Guidance and Help – God Speaks to His Disciples
John 15:7 (NLT): “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!”
Contextually, Jesus is speaking in the Upper Room before the cross. “Remain” is meno—to abide, dwell, continue.
This is not a blank cheque for selfish desires. It is a relational promise. When His Word shapes our desires, our prayers align with His will.
Mark 13:11 (NLT): “But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”
Historically, Jesus prepares disciples for persecution. The promise is not exemption—but divine assistance.
The Spirit will speak.
James 4:8 (NLT): “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
The Greek implies drawing near intentionally. God’s nearness is promised to those who pursue Him.
John Piper: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
When we abide in Christ, prayer ceases to be manipulation and becomes communion.
Disciple, do you remain? Or do you visit occasionally?
The promise of answered prayer and Spirit-led speech is for those who dwell in Christ.
In boardrooms.
In hospital corridors.
In courtrooms.
In classrooms.
He gives words.
V. The Promise That God Works All Things for Good
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Paul writes to suffering believers in Rome.
The phrase “work together” is synergei—from which we get “synergy.” God actively weaves.
Not all things are good.
But God works all things for good.
The “good” is defined in verse 29—conformity to Christ.
James 1:2–3 (NLT): “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
Here, James reminds us that God’s promises are not always comfortable—they are transformative. The Greek word for “tested” is peirasmós, which can also mean “proving” or “examining.” God’s promise of working all things together for our good is intertwined with our growth in faith and character.
Consider a master jeweller examining a rough diamond. The stone must be cut, polished, and sometimes struck under immense pressure to reveal its brilliance. So too, our trials refine our faith. God’s promise is that the pressure is purposeful, and the end result glorious.
R.T. Kendall: “Trials are God’s instruments to show us what our faith is really made of. They are not punishments; they are proving grounds.”
Kendall’s insight reinforces that God’s promises are not always about immediate relief—they are about ultimate transformation into the likeness of Christ.
When life becomes overwhelming—whether it is illness, loss, or persecution—remember that God is working in every circumstance. Endure with faith, knowing the promise of Romans 8:28 is active in your life.
VI. The Promise of Comfort and Refuge
2 Corinthians 7:6 (NLT): “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus…”
Paul highlights that God is not distant in our suffering. The Hebrew understanding of “comfort” (nacham) carries the idea of a deep, inner relief and consolation. This is not merely feeling better—it is God stepping into our despair.
Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT): “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drove out the enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy!’”
Here, Moses is blessing the tribes of Israel. The promise of God’s refuge (maqom) is tangible—He is an active protector, not a passive observer.
Psalm 116:5–6 (NLT): “How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.”
Again, the psalmist connects refuge with deliverance. God’s promises are both protective and saving.
Charles Stanley: “God will never leave you, and His comfort is perfect in the midst of the storm.”
The promise of refuge gives us courage not to retreat, but to advance in faith, even when circumstances are dire.
Beloved, when depression, fear, or discouragement assails you, cling to God’s promises. His arms are not just near—they are underneath you, carrying you through.
VII. The Promise of God’s Unfailing Presence
Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT) (revisited): “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you…”
God’s presence is both eternal (qedem) and active (everlasting arms). He is not a distant deity but one who reaches into time and history to uphold His children.
Hebrews 13:5 (NLT): “…for God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”
The Greek here (oude poten) is emphatic—God leaves no room for doubt. Every disciple can anchor their life on this certainty.
John Piper: “God is not silent. He does not forget. He does not fail. He is with you in your every need.”
A man stood at the edge of a raging river, terrified of crossing. Suddenly, a rope was thrown to him—strong, unyielding, secured on both sides. He could walk confidently because he trusted the rope. That rope is God’s promise. It will not break.
In 21st-century life, the pressures are relentless—financial, relational, moral, societal. The disciple who clings to God’s promises lives with courage, peace, and unshakable confidence.
VIII. Gospel Message: The Ultimate Promise Fulfilled
All these promises—eternal life, presence, peace, guidance, good out of trials, comfort, and refuge—find their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ: The Promise Made Flesh
He is the promised Son (John 3:16) who brings eternal life.
He is Emmanuel—“God with us”—fulfilling Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 13:5.
He is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:7).
He intercedes for us and guides us by His Spirit (John 15:7, Mark 13:11).
He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
He is our comfort and refuge (2 Corinthians 7:6, Deuteronomy 33:27).
Beloved, the promises of God are not abstract ideas. They are invitations into a living relationship. They are reasons to repent and trust in Jesus today.
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The promise of salvation through Christ is the most foundational promise. Without it, all other promises cannot be fully experienced.
IX. Practical Applications: Living on God’s Promises
Anchor Your Faith in Scripture – Read and meditate daily on God’s promises. (Isaiah 26:3; John 15:7)
Trust in Trials – Endure hardship knowing God is working for your good. (Romans 8:28; James 1:2–3)
Draw Near to God – Pursue Him intentionally. His presence is promised. (James 4:8; Joshua 1:9)
Pray Boldly – Ask aligned with His Word. (John 15:7; Mark 13:11)
Encourage Others – Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness. (2 Corinthians 7:6; Psalm 116:5–6)
X. “The Lighthouse Keeper”
There was a lighthouse keeper in a storm that threatened a treacherous coast. Sailors at sea could not see through the darkness. The keeper knew the light would save lives. He stayed at his post through wind, rain, and isolation.
Friends, God is like that lighthouse keeper. The storm may rage. The waves may batter. Yet His promises shine as a beacon—guiding, protecting, and never failing.
XI. Invitation: Responding to God’s Promises
If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, the greatest promise—eternal life—is freely offered.
Repent – Turn from sin.
Believe – Trust Jesus died, was buried, and rose again.
Confess – Openly declare Him Lord of your life.
Romans 10:13 (NLT): “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Step into the promises today. Let God’s Word anchor your life. Let Christ be your refuge, your peace, your guide, your comfort, and your eternal hope.
XII. Conclusion and Benediction
Beloved, live today in the confidence of God’s promises. Let them shape your decisions, guide your steps, guard your hearts, and inspire courage in every trial.
Benediction:
May the Lord who gave His Son, who promised His presence, and who guards your heart with peace, fill you with courage, hope, and unshakable joy. Stand firm, walk faithfully, and proclaim His promises to a watching world.
