September 19, 2021
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Nothing to Laugh About

Hebrews 11:11-12
By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

A. Season of Unbelief

B. Supernatural Promise

Romans 4:16-25
That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

II. Long Arm of Faith

Hebrews 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Trust Him for a Second Wind While You Wait

Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

III. Long for Home

Hebrews 11:14
For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had the opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Next Steps

• I confess and repent of my sin and trust Jesus with my life and future.
• I choose to trust His promises and exercise faith while I wait on Him.
• I will publicly give God glory today and this week for His faithfulness.

Deep Dive

1. Share a time when you waited on God to answer a prayer. How did this test your faith?
2. How did you struggle and overcome doubt in those seasons? Read Romans 8:37-39 and discuss how faith should impact doubt.
3. If heaven is our real home, how should that shape our view of the world where we live?

Springboard

1. Share a personal experience when your faith was tested and how did God reveal Himself to you?
2. Romans 4:20-22 remind us of the confidence of Abraham. He did not waiver even in extreme tests. What can we learn from his example?
3. Genesis 22:19 describes a city where Abraham settled and was reminded of God’s power. Are there places in your life you like to revisit that cause you to reflect on how God has worked in your life?