Sermons on Genesis 16:1-4:

Forcing God’s Hand

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 26, 2022

This message looks at the account of someone who was given a promise by God that he would receive a great blessing. But he, along with his wife, took matters into their own hands, and tried to get ahead of God, leading to strife.

In our message this morning we’re going to focus on how we need to have patience when following the Lord. Hebrews is a book of the Bible that frequently talks about following God in faith, and we read that those who are patient will be able to “inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12). In Hebrews ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6, Genesis 16:1-5, Genesis 16:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

Live By God’s Promise! Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 24, 2022

The story of Hagar and the birth of Ishmael teaches us about what happens when we stop waiting on God. Our man-made plans will go astray. We need to seek God in all that we do.

Time flies when you are having fun. Time does not fly when you are waiting on God’s promise. When you are waiting on God weeks can seem like years. Waiting on God can be one of the most challenging times. The temptation to step in and take control of the circumstances is great. It also causes ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Galatians 4 Identity Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 27, 2022

Do you know who you are in Jesus? Do you know your God given identity?

Sermon: Galatians 4 – Identity! Question: Do you know who you are in Jesus? Do you know your God given identity? Scripture: Galatians 4:1-31 (NIV) 1What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2He is subject to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-31, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6, Genesis 21:1-21, Genesis 16:1-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trusting God In The Desert Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Nov 23, 2025

This is the 7th Sermon from Genesis about the life of Abraham, "Called To Promise".

Series: Called To Promise [#7] TRUSTING GOD IN THE DESERT Genesis 16:1-16 Introduction: Life often leads us into barren and challenging places, moments when our resources are depleted, hope seems distant, and the path forward is unclear. In these desert experiences, it can be difficult to see ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

When We Try To Do God's Job

Contributed by James Osborne on Sep 14, 2025

Abram and Sarai tried to fulfill God's Promise themselves, by using Hagar and made a mess out of it.

INTRODUCTION: Have you ever been at a restaurant and waited so long for your drinks, or for a refill, that you decide to just take things into your own hands and get them yourself? I witnessed just such a situation one day when I was in college at a TGIFridays in Covington. I had organized a ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6, Genesis 16:1-16, 2 Peter 3:3-13, Isaiah 55:6-13, Colossians 2:4-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sermon – El Roi, The God Who Sees Me

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 18, 2025

God responded to her suffering, not her prayer, revealing Himself to her and giving her the assurance that He had seen her affliction. This encounter provided Hagar with strength and the knowledge that she was not alone, but rather seen, known, and understood by God.

Sermon – El Roi, The God Who Sees Me Scripture - Genesis 16:1-11 “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-11, Job 14:1, Job 5:7

Denomination: Methodist

Deliberate Choice - Abraham & Sarah

Contributed by Rev Silvester David on Jul 8, 2025

We have to make many decisions in life. One bad decision can leave behind bad repercussions. A study on a bad decision that Abraham made.

In Genesis 15: 1-6 we see how God promised Abram for a son. Vs. 6 is beautiful where it says “Then Abram believed in the Lord, and HE reckoned it to him as righteousness.” The moment Abram believed in the promises of God – it was God who reckoned Abram’s faith in Him as righteousness. But when we ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-6

Genesis Chapter Sixteen Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Jan 30, 2023

These are thoughts on Genesis Chapter Sixteen. In his work, "What does every Bible chapter say..." John Hunt gives an overview of each chapter of the Bible. It is my intention to do the same thing here.

GENESIS CHAPTER SIXTEEN OVERVIEW Overall what is happening in this chapter is Sarai gives Hagar her handmaid to Abram to have a child. Thomas Coke (1801) – Genesis 16 Sarai, being barren, gives Hagar her handmaid to Abram: whom afterwards she treats hardly, having been despised by her. The angel ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Dangers Of Suspicion And Doubt In Marriage Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 27, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore the reasons why some spouses struggle with suspicion and doubt, the damage it can cause, and how to overcome this issue with the help of the Holy Spirit.

"As a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:1-2 Marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God, designed to be a beautiful reflection of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-4, Job 2:9

He Knows Me By Name SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 12, 2023

It's an amazing thing! God knows my Name.

It's an amazing thing! God knows my name. There's a song by Tasha Cobbs entitled "He Knows My Name." It's a powerful song that reminds us of the comforting truth that God knows us personally. Tonight, we will explore the significance of God knowing our names and what it means for us. Out of all the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-10

Topics: Comfort

In God's Time PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 27, 2024

Explores the importance of patience and trust in God's promises, using the story of Abraham and Hagar as an example.

Welcome, beloved friends, to our sanctuary of solace and strength, our haven of hope and harmony. Today, we gather under the shelter of God's love and grace, united in our shared desire to understand His word and His will for our lives. We are not here by chance, but by divine appointment. So, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Topics: Promise, Abraham, Hagar

Beware Of Detours PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 13, 2024

This sermon explores the importance of patience, faith, and holding onto God's promises, using the story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar from Genesis. Key

Welcome, beloved, to this sacred gathering where we come together in the spirit of unity, love, and a shared longing to understand God's Word. We gather not just as a congregation, but as a family, bound together by our shared faith in Christ, our shared hope in His promises, and our shared love ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-15

Topics: Walking, Faith