10 Dec Isaac VS Ishmael: Child of Promise VS Child of Flesh
Preacher Huijun - 3 July 2014
Understanding Christian Paradoxes
Often, it seems that we are rejected by the world. Why is it that after becoming a Christian, knowing the word of God, we seem to be unable to fit in this world? The desire, inclination and fondness of things seem to change. As a result, we can no longer live peacefully in this world and enjoying what we used to enjoy. If children of God want to have victory in this world, it is not to live in congruent with the world's mindset but to stand firm in the truth of God, especially in paradoxical situations. Although uncomfortable, the struggle we experience is pleasing in God's eyes because its very presence proves that there’s a new person inside us who wants to follow and submit to God. To the world, Christians may seem to lose all things when they follow God; but to children of God, it is when they obey God that they receive the greatest freedom and joy that surpass all earthly transient and momentary things.
From Series: "Topical Messages"
More Messages from Preacher Huijun...
 |
No Problem Too Big If You Obey14 November 2013 |
|
|
Respond In Faith To God's Faithfulness28 November 2013 |
|
|
Winning Formula Vs Recipe For Failure16 January 2014 |
|
|
Let The Pure Gospel Transform Your Inclinations20 March 2014 |
|
|
Match Your Spiritual State With The Truth27 March 2014 |
|
|
Go Deeper Into A Gospel-Directed Life19 June 2014 |
|
|
Receive Added Grace By Responding To God-Given Grace26 June 2014 |
|
|
Understanding Christian Paradoxes3 July 2014 |
|
|
Find Hope In Hopelessness14 August 2014 |
|
|
Confirm Your Calling And Election: Grow In Christian Virtues13 November 2014 |
|
Powered by Series Engine
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!
No Comments