Message - Trusting in God's Promises and Standing Firm in Faith

 

Trusting in God's Promises and Standing Firm in Faith

Faith is often challenged when we face difficulties, unanswered prayers, or uncertainty about the future.

• Abram had faith but struggled to trust God’s timing.
• Paul encouraged believers to remain steadfast, knowing that our true home is in heaven.
• Jesus longed for Jerusalem to repent, showing God’s heart of mercy.
• The Psalmist reminds us to take refuge in the Lord.

These passages encourage us to trust in God, stand firm in faith, and live as citizens of His kingdom.

I. Trusting in God’s Promises – Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

A. God's Assurance to Abram

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1)

• Abram was waiting for God’s promise—he had no children, but God had promised him descendants.
• He asked:

“Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless?” (Genesis 15:2)

• God responded by showing him the stars, promising that his offspring would be as numerous as them.

B. Faith in God’s Word

“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

• Abram had doubts but chose to trust in God’s promises, even when he could not see the outcome.
• True faith means trusting in God's timing and His faithfulness.

C. The Covenant is Sealed

• God instructed Abram to bring a sacrifice, and God alone passed through the pieces of the animals.
• This symbolized that God alone would fulfill the promise—Abram’s role was simply to trust.

Am I trusting in God’s promises, or am I doubting because I don’t see immediate results?

 

II. Living as Citizens of Heaven – Philippians 3:17-4:1

A. Following Godly Examples

“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters.” (Philippians 3:17)

• Paul encouraged believers to imitate Christ and learn from faithful examples.
• Many were focused on earthly things, but he called them to focus on eternity.

B. Our Citizenship is in Heaven

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

• Christians do not belong to this world—we are citizens of God’s kingdom.
• The world values wealth, status, and comfort, but we should live for God’s glory.

C. Stand Firm in the Lord

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, stand firm in the Lord in this way.” (Philippians 4:1)

• In trials and temptations, we must remain steadfast in faith.
• Jesus is coming again to transform our lives and bring us into eternal glory.

Am I living for temporary things, or am I focused on my heavenly home?

 

III. Jesus’ Compassion and Lament Over Jerusalem – Luke 13:31-35

A. Jesus Faces Opposition

“Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, ‘Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.’” (Luke 13:31)

• The Pharisees warned Jesus, but He was not afraid of Herod’s threats.
• He boldly declared:

“Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’” (Luke 13:32)

• Jesus was determined to fulfill His mission, no matter the opposition.

B. Jesus’ Lament Over Jerusalem

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you.” (Luke 13:34)

• Jesus longed for the people to repent and return to God, but they rejected Him.
• He compared His love to a mother hen gathering her chicks—a picture of God’s protective care.

C. The Warning of Rejection

“Look, your house is left to you desolate.” (Luke 13:35)

• Those who reject Christ will face judgment, but those who accept Him will receive salvation.

Am I responding to Jesus’ call, or am I resisting His love and guidance?

 

IV. Confidence in the Lord’s Protection – Psalm 27

A. Trusting in God's Strength

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)

• David found confidence in God’s presence, even in times of trouble.

B. Seeking the Presence of God

“One thing I ask from the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” (Psalm 27:4)

• Our greatest desire should be to know God more deeply.

C. Waiting on the Lord

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

• God’s timing is perfect—we must trust Him and not lose heart.

Am I seeking God’s presence above all else and trusting His perfect timing?

As we reflect on these scriptures, let us:

Trust in God’s promises, even when the future is uncertain (Genesis 15).
Live as citizens of heaven, standing firm in faith (Philippians 3).
Respond to Jesus’ call with repentance and obedience, not rejection (Luke 13).
Seek God’s presence and find confidence in Him (Psalm 27).

Lenten Challenge:

• What is one area in my life where I need to trust God more?
• How can I live more as a citizen of heaven and focus on eternal things?
• In what ways can I respond to Jesus’ call with faith and obedience?