1. An evil nation v1

2. A godly couple devoted to each other, God v2, 15, 19

3. God sends an angel v3

God often entrusted parents with a baby when He wanted to do something great in His word.

Abram & Sarah

Amram & Jochebed, Moses

Hannah with Samuel

Mary with Jesus

4. Nazarite vow v4

No wine/strong drink, avoid dead bodies, no razor.

5. Who is this angel? JESUS v17-22

One of His Old Testament pre-incarnate appearances.

6. Samson fails to honor his parents v24,25

- His marriage and lust for other women.

- Failing to honor God’s Nazarite vow.

- Failure to accomplish God’s will.

Quotes: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow & Evangelist Junior Hill

1. The first families struggle - Genesis 4:1-8

2. The struggle over God’s promise - Genesis 16:1-5

Text: Genesis 16:1-5, Hebrews 11:8-10

By using dual text we clearly see the struggle this family encountered in trusting God to fulfill His Promise.

God promised a son in chapter 12…25 years later fulfilled.

Exposition of text:

v1 - Tired and weary of waiting.

v2 - Custom of that day and culture.

God did not approve of this arrangement!

Sowing to the flesh is not wise: Galatians 6:7, Romans 8:5-14

Sexual impurity, unfaithfulness, never God’s will.

v11,12 - Ishmael’s descendents

v 17:18 - Abraham’s request denied by God.

v 17:1 - God reminds Abraham of His Promise and ability to fulfill it. God Almighty.

El-Shaddai - used 48 times in Old Testament. Meaning - all-powerful, all-sufficient. “God who can do anything and meet any need.”