10 Dec Isaac VS Ishmael: Child of Promise VS Child of Flesh
Deacon Hui Zhen - 11 December 2014
True Gospel Man, The Wise Builder, The Gospel-Driven Living
A true gospel man knows that the reason why Jesus gave the sermon on the mount is not to force upon us a certain code of conducts that believers should adhere too. Instead, he knows that God wants us to restore the original love with God in Christ, one that is grounded in love, and thus fearless. A gospel man knows that he is called by the gospel not because of his esteemed conditions but purely the grace and sovereignty of Lord, despite his weaknesses and ordinary conditions. Because of the irrevocable love of God, he will want to face the Lord in all things and in all times, and his focus will gradually be shifted from the earthly matters to the matters concerning the kingdom of God, the spiritual matters. No one can walk in this journey of faith without confirming what God has done in her life, and how faithfully God has led her through all this while. If the gospel we believe in is true and from God, He will prove Himself to be true - our eyes will be able to see the evidences of His sovereign leading in our lives if we live in obedience to God - for the fruits of the Spirit will emerge and blossom in our lives, inside out. Test and confirm if you have been walking closely with God today. One who is walking closely and needing Lord at all times will delight herself in prayers in all things and in all times, only want to hear from God alone. The set apart life she leads will lead to beautiful spiritual fruits developing in her life, manifesting the glory of God through all her conditions.
From Series: "All English Service"
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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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