Genesis 23:1-20 recounts the death of Sarah and Abraham’s honoring of her by acquiring a special burial place and grieving. Oftentimes, Sarah is remembered for her mistreatment of Hagar & Ishmael and for laughing at God’s promise of a child. But what truly is Sarah’s legacy of faith, and how might we all learn from her about developing a stronger faith life?
(Genesis 23:1-20)
Sermon Outline
Sarah lived 127 years. She was married for over 100 years
The Lord is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth…she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the Lord made you one? In flesh and spirit you are His. And why one? Because He is seeking Godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. (Malachi 2:14)
God saw Abraham and Sarah as ONE.
1. Call of God
- New Beginning (Genesis 12:1)
- Every faith story is unique
2. Growing Faith
- God’s promises (Genesis 12:2-3)
- Will Sarah trust Him?
- What does Sarah know about God?
- How was her faith tested ?
- Can barren land become fruitful? (Isaiah 51:1-3)
3. Saved by Faith (Hebrews 11:11)
- Faith credited to them as righteousness
- Isaac – down payment on promise
4. Real, unfading beauty (1 Peter 3:1-6)
- Inward, gentle, quiet spirit
- Hope in God
- Submissive to husband
- Do right, don’t give way to fear
5. Death and burial (Genesis 23)
- Second payment on promise
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- If the Lord is witness to your marriage covenant and He made you One, what does it mean to guard yourself in your spirit? Malachi 2:14 Sarah lived 127 years. She was married for over 100 years
- When God called you, what did he want you to leave in order to follow Him? Genesis 12:1 Have you let it go or do you look for opportunities to return? Hebrews 11:15
- What promises of God are precious to you? Do you live as if they are sure and certain – staking your life on them, even though they are not yet visible? Hebrews 11:1
- What evidence do you see in your life that you are depending on His resources to meet your needs, not just your own?
- What problems are you facing that might seem too big or “too unspiritual” to bring to God? Does God’s question, “Is anything too hard for God?” encourage you to give Him every problem?
- What do you know about God’s character that builds your faith?
- Is 1 Peter 3:1-6 still relevant for marriages today?
- What is the significance of Abraham’s purchase of Ephron’s field near Mamre as a burial plot for Sarah?