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 - 1 October 2015

Hallmarks Of Blessedness

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God. " The 8 beatitudes that Jesus mentioned on the sermon on the Mount represent the hallmark of a blessed child of God. They described someone who is called, loved and blessed by God. The Word of God gives us great comfort, at the same time, He also challenges us to examine our faith. Today, are we still poor in spirit? Have we started to feel strong in our human abilities and rely on them more than seeking God and needing God? Today, whatever season we're in, do we receive with meekness the implanted Word that can save our soul or are we selective in hearing the Word, only taking those Word that are aligned with our impulses? Are we always drawing near to God, or are we always putting God on the waiting list and not wanting to look to Him first when we're put into fire of tests? Are we mourning and thus become contrite in Spirit and cry to God, or are we overwhelmed by accusations and thus hide away from His calling and love today?

Related Topics: Knowing Jesus, Personal Issues, Sufferings | 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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