Scripture Reading: Genesis 16

Introduction

1. We learn that human life is full of challenges and we must accept

God’s sovereignty over our lives regardless of how hard it is (vs 1-2).

There will always be a challenge, a challenge to trust God that He can keep His promise and make it happens without our help and interference.
Sarai’s plan was very common, very normal for the culture of her day. It was culturally legal (Nuzi Tablets).
However, it was in direct violation of the one flesh principle which God had set down in Genesis, Chapter 2:24.
Sarai’s action is a mistake. Galatians 4:22,23 − “For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.
But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.”
Such a drastic mistake, obviously, is not without dire consequences. Why then God did not stop Abram doing this foolish thing?

2. When it appears that God has been preventing what we have been seeking, we should wait and be hesitant to “work” and take matters into our own hands (vs 1-2).

Sarai’s words, in verse 2, betray a reluctance to accept the fact that God sovereignly prevented her from having a son.
Sarai wanted to remove the cultural pressure to have children, especially sons, in those days.
As for Abram, the pressure to have a son was even greater: (i) his name means “exalted father” or “father of nations” and Abraham means “father of multitude;” (ii) God’s repeated promise to give him a son is a burden.
It is always a bad idea to try to accomplish God’s plan in your own way and your own timing, especially when it appears that God has prevented it from happening.

3. We should only do our part when our motivation is right before God and out of faith (v 2).

We may do things rightly and legally according to the law of the land, but when we are scheming to achieve what we are seeking for, we have sinned.

4. We should never work with the wrong method (v 3).

Derek Kidner: “This chapter marks another stage in eliminating every means but miracle towards the promised birth.” God has intended the promised birth must be a miracle.
God’s plans come complete with His methods and His timing, and when we try to tamper with that in the power of the flesh, it messes everything up.
Union with Hagar attempts to accomplish God’s work with the world’s methodology.

5. Running away from problems is not the solution (vs 3-10).

Problems that resulted from Abram’s passivity by going along with his wife, Sarai’s schemes: (i) Competition between Sarai and Hagar; (ii) False pride on Hagar’s part; (iii) Conflict between Abram and Sarai; (iv) Sarai mistreating Hagar.
“Where have you come from?” Did God allow that trial for some reason?
Running away does not change relationships, nor does it remove responsibility.
“Where are you going?” seems to be intended to bring Hagar back to reality. Did Hagar think that going back to Egypt, her home country, after 10 years and with Abram’s child would solve the problem?
God requires Hagar and all of us to be submissive to those in authority and that He will take care of the rest.
1 Peter 2:18-20

6. There are negative consequences for taking matters into our own hands (vs 11-12).

The four family problems mentioned in point 5.
Beyond family problems: conflict in Middle East
Psalm 83:5–6

Conclusion

It is very tempting to try to “help” God to make clear His will for our church by following the step of some of us who have left us.
What is the purpose we are here in this church? Is our purpose here only to seek to be served? Therefore, when we feel we are not fed, then we leave?
Pastor Doug Van Meter: “faithfully wait upon the Lord through fervent prayer, faithful proclamation of the Word, fidelity to our responsibility to the local church and faithful living out of the truths of God’s Word. If we will do so patiently then we can be assured of a harvest from and for God in His good time.”

Faith, Not Fortune