Message Notes

YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE 5 June 2021

Call to Worship Pastor Charles Tan

Opening Prayer

Text: Genesis 17

Message: “Abraham fell on his face and laughed”

Speaker: Pastor Charles Tan

Closing Prayer

YOUTH WORSHIP 5 June 2021
Text: Genesis 17

INTRODUCTION

1. Struggling with Faith

a) This is not unexpected

b) This is a very human problem

2. Aids to Faith

a) God’s instructions Genesis 12

b) His protection in Egypt Genesis 12

c) His provision Genesis 13

d) His power in battle Genesis 14

e) His revelation Genesis 15

f) His confirmation Genesis 17

Though these were given, Abraham still had struggles with Faith in the Lord!

GOD’S MAGNANIMITY

1. From Abram to Abraham

a) Abram
Meaning: “High father”

i) Honour

ii) But limited honour

b) Abraham
Meaning: “Father of many nations”

i) Greater honour

ii) Expansion of honour

c) Magnanimity highlights God’s great grace and mercy

2. From Sarai to Sarah

a) Sarai
The name is that of an idol that was worshipped

b) Sarah Genesis 17:15
Meaning: “Princess”

3. Blessing promised

a) “And I will bless her” Genesis 17:16a

b) “And also give you a son by her” Genesis 17:16b

c) “Then I will bless her” Genesis 17:16c

d) “And she shall be a mother of nations” Genesis 17:16d

e) “Kings of peoples shall be from her” Genesis 17:16e

STRUGGLING TO BELIEVE

1. Abraham’s Response

a) He fell on his face Genesis 17:17a

i) Humility

ii) Gratitude

b) And laughed

i) Not laughing at God

ii) But expressing incredulity

c) He did not reject

2. Abraham’s Reason

a) A biological fact

“Shall a child be born to a man
who is one hundred years old?” Genesis 17:17b

b) Another biological fact

“And shall Sarah,
who is ninety years old, bear a child?” Genesis 17:17c

3. Abraham’s Suggestion

a) Ishmael to be the heir
He was Abraham’s son

b) Blessings on Ishmael
“Oh, that Ishmael might live before You” Genesis 17:18

GOD’S RESPONSE

1. God’s Reply was firm

a) To the suggestion of Ishmael
The answer was “No!” Genesis 17:19a

b) Sarah will bear a son Genesis 17:19b

c) He will be called Isaac Genesis 17:19c

2. The establishing of the Abrahamic Covenant

a) With Isaac
“I will establish My covenant with him” Genesis 17:19d

b) An everlasting Covenant Genesis 17:19e

c) And with his descendants after him Genesis 17:19f

3. Concerning Ishmael

a) God has heard Genesis 17:20a

i) Abraham’s concern

ii) Abraham’s word

b) Blessings

i) “Behold, I have blessed him” Genesis 17:20b

ii) “And will make him fruitful” Genesis 17:20c

iii) “And will multiply him exceedingly” Genesis 17:20d

iv) “He shall beget twelve princes” Genesis 17:20e

v) “And I will make him a great nation” Genesis 17:20f

4. Confirmation

a) Covenant with Isaac
“But My covenant I will establish with Isaac” Genesis 17:21a

b) Through Sarah
“Whom Sarah shall bear to you
at this set time next year” Genesis 17:21b

CONCLUSION

1. Struggles can be overcome

a) Through greater knowledge

i) Of God

ii) Of His word

b) Through deeper understanding

i) Seek understanding

ii) Be open for a deeper comprehension

2. What needs to be attempted

a) Seek God in prayer

b) Pray for enlightenment

c) Apply faith strongly