Standing On The Sure Word: Living As Disciples On The Promises Of God Series

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.