Introduction: Promises! Promises! Promises! So many are made and so few are kept. Do you know the feeling?
Politicians make campaign promises in order to gain our votes. Sales representatives make all kinds of pledges to win our business. In relationships, men and women pledge each other all kinds of things just to get what they want.
But when two or three politicians with contradicting promises try to work together, something has to give. At least one will break his or her campaign promises. Sales representatives find out the item you wanted is out of stock and you have to pay for something else. And too many people decide that the person they wanted so much isn’t all that they desired once they have them.
There are no guarantees with people are there? There are too many things outside our control. Countless things can go wrong. But what about God and the promises He makes? He promised Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. Today millions can trace their family tree back to Abraham. God promised to bring His people out of slavery in Egypt and He sent Moses to lead them out. He promised to send a unique man to save His people – a Messiah saturated by God’s Spirit. And over 2000 years ago Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Thesis: When it comes to people who make promises, it seems there are no GUARANTEES. But with God, a promise made is a promise KEPT.
Key Question: How can that be true? And what does that mean to us and how we live?
God gives the answer in Titus 1:1-3. “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.”
A. God keeps His promises because of His PRECISION in making them.
1. “God does not lie.” We all know there are people who lie when they make promises. But not God! His character is completely honest.
2. As a result, He says what he means and He means what He says. No more and no less. God is very precise in making promises.
B. God keeps His promises because of His PROGRAM in FULFILLING them.
1. God has a plan that was established “before the beginning of time.” He knew even before creation that He would send His Son to be our Savior. He decided to adopt all who trusted in His Son’s death and resurrection. He dedicated Himself to setting everything right at the end of time. And God did all that before creation – before time began.
2. “At His appointed season” God will do whatever He has promised to do. His timing is perfect. He will step in at just the right time. He is never early and He’s never late. He knows the ideal time to fulfill every one of His promises. We may think He is taking a long time or we might think He’s moving too fast, but God knows the best timing for keeping His word. God has a plan and he is working that plan out for our benefit.
C. God keeps His promises because of His PROCLAMATION of them.
1. “He brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to” men like the apostle Paul and the prophet Isaiah, like John and Jeremiah, or Matthew and Moses. God makes sure people know about his plans. He even uses people like us to tell those who still don’t know about His promises.
2. God’s promises are secrets worked out behind the scenes where no one hears them. He calls us to examine His promises and His record for keeping them. God claims that we will find no one equal to Him.
This is what the LORD says, "I am the LORD, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness…. I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.’ “ (Isaiah 45:18-46:11)
Conclusion: God always keeps His promises! With Him a promise made is a promise kept. We can TRUST Him.
Application: What are our PROSPECTS based on God’s promises? What do we have to look forward to in view of the fact that God keeps his promises? How will our lives be affected by trusting in God’s promises?
1. We need to live with HOPE in a dark and doubt filled world. We will be filled with “a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life.” In a world where people say no one can change, no one can know God for sure, and no one can solve the problems of poverty, sickness, injustice and death, Christians must proclaim that there is One who can and will change us. There is One God who can and will reveal Himself to those who truly want to know Him. There is One who can and will solve the problems of poverty, sickness, injustice and death. You see, no matter what we face today our situations are going to improve. God might intervene right now and solve our problems. But if not now, God will step into history when Jesus returns to take His family to heaven.
2. How will we live if we trust God’s promises? What will hope do to the way we conduct our lives? Our faith in Jesus Christ and our “knowledge of the truth” will lead to a lifestyle of “godliness.” Our lives will be centered on God and not on our ideas or problems.
NEXT STEPS: What can we do to build a God-centered life?
MEMORIZE and MEDITATE on some of God’s promises. Find one that speaks to your situation. Let’s look at a few examples.
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH A GUILTY CONSCIENCE? 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
IS THERE A HABIT IN YOUR LIFE YOU THINK IS UNBREAKABLE? John 8:34-36 – Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
DO YOUR WORRIES KEEP YOU FROM SLEEPING AT NIGHT? ARE YOU FEELING THE EFFECTS OF DISTRESS? Philippians 4:6-9 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
ARE YOU WONDERING HOW THE BILLS WILL BE PAID? OR ON THE OTHER HAND ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR EXTRA INCOME? Philippians 4:12-13 – I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Responding to God:
1. Bow your heads and close your eyes so you can focus your attention on God’s Holy Spirit.
(NOD TO THE WORSHIP TEAM)
2. While everyone has their heads bowed and their eyes closed ask the Holy Spirit to prompt you to evaluate your need honestly and then to guide you to God’s promise in response to that need.
3. God’s redeeming love sent Jesus to be our Savior. His loving plan led Jesus to die on the Cross for our sins. His powerful love raised Jesus from the tomb to never die. God’s unlimited, undying love will make sure all His promises are fulfilled if you trust Him.
4. THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS SILENTLY AS THE SPIRIT GUIDES YOU?
Will you conquer fear, despair and resignation with hope and faith?
Will you overcome the tendency toward a self-centered life with a deep love for God?
Which one of God’s promises do you need to claim for your situation?
5. Let’s stand and sing about God’s redeeming love as we celebrate the One who can and will see us through whatever may come!
