Isaac VS Ishmael: Child of Promise VS Child of Flesh

10 Dec Isaac VS Ishmael: Child of Promise VS Child of Flesh

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Preacher Huijun - 13 November 2014

Confirm Your Calling And Election: Grow In Christian Virtues

We have the dignified purpose of being God's image bearer and His spokesperson, but often, we seem to give people the wrong impression of what Christians really are because we have overlooked the need to grow in Christian virtues in our lives. True gospel brings true transformation - not only in the external but also transformation of one's character. A genuine follower of God will naturally pursue Christ-likeness in life, and confirm his election repeatedly through his progressive sanctification. Through this message, may we examine our lives again and confirm if we are indeed in a continual pursuit of Christian virtues God wants us to restore and develop in increasing measure. The cornerstone of a Christian character is faith and love, followed by goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness and mutual affection. May we see these growing in us through the help of Holy Spirit until it becomes our second nature, manifesting the glory of Christ in the darkness of the world.

Related Topics: Christian Virtues, Knowing Jesus, Regeneration & Sanctification | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

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Isaac VS Ishmael:
Child of Promise VS Child of Flesh


One key message of the Bible is God does not desire His people to rely on themselves but trust Him faithfully, for He will surely deliver His promises and prove His love for us ultimately. Anything in our lives which is incompatible with this gospel will have to go. Although the process of giving up human pride, sins and desires is distressing, it is still wise to obey God, for obedience will be rewarded but disobedience comes with an agonizing price. Moreover, in our faith journey, God’s ever-present grace is with us. However, unbelief often darkens our eyes and prevents us from seeing God. Yet, even in times when we cannot see God’s help, continue to cry out to Him, for He will certainly hear and act.

 Verses to read:
<Gen 21:8-21>

1. Our “Ishmaels” must go!

1) We tend to prefer Ishmael, but it is not the best.

2) Isaac Vs Ishmael.

  • Ishmael: Human efforts, lack of faith [above the line]
  • Isaac: God’s power and faithfulness

<Gal 4> 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.
28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. 
30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” 
31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

Rivalry between “Isaac” and “Ishmael” 

  • “Grace/faith vs works”
  • “God’s works vs human efforts”
  • “Spiritual” vs “flesh”

Isaac: Son of the free woman >>> What is true freedom? 

(1) Ability to do what we like [below line]

(2) Final outcome of perfect joy [below line]

  • Ishmael: Son of slave woman [above line]
  • Bound by humanism, not freed from sin’s curse [below line]

“Get rid of the slave woman and her son”:

  • Get rid of all human dependency and pride.
  • Do not add anything to the gospel of “salvation by faith alone in Christ”.

Instead, have the “heart of a son:

  • Assurance of forgiveness and justification.
  • Interpret and go through all things by God’s promises.
  • Spirit of loving God and men.
  • Heart of obedience.

*** Not every church-goer is true child of God.

*** When God’s time comes, the true and counterfeit believers will be distinguished.

2. Obey God despite our distress.

  • Obedience to God is always rewarded.
  • Sin has agonizing price.
  • Merciful God defers punishment.
  • In painfully sending away Ishmael, Abraham gained greater blessing in Isaac.
  • Our distress in giving up sins will lead to greater joy from God.

3. God (Grace) is always present, just that we cannot see.

1) Unbelief dims our eyes.

2) Once eyes are opened, will know what to do without being pushed.

3) Even if cannot see, keep calling out to Him >>>He hears and acts!

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Preacher Hui Jun
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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

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