Knowing God....through Ishmael


Introduction: Ishmael was the product of Abraham’s impatience and Sarah’s solution to the promise of God. People of the Islamic faith teach that he is the son of Abraham through whom the promise was fulfilled. Many Christians believe there would be less religious crises if Ishmael was not born. Indeed, there was a certain instruction to Abraham to cast out the bondwoman and her son. Curious enough, God blessed Ishmael in answer to Abraham’s prayer. Was Ishmael’s destiny determined by the circumstances of his birth? This question and more will be examined in this study.
Text:
1.       Ishmael…free discussions. Gen 16:11, Gal 4:23
2.       Discuss the unpleasant circumstances that surrounded him. Gen 21:10
3.       Did he get enough protection from his parents? Gen 17:18; 21:14-17
4.       How did God handle Ishmael? Gen 17:20,23; 21:12,13; 25:12-16
5.       Learning points.
Summary: No one is in existence in this world by happenstance. We all have a common origin from the Lord, though our birth circumstances might place us at disadvantaged positions. We do not need to sulk over this and blame our backgrounds for any misfortune we encounter. God has blessed us through His son’s death and we can lay claim to the promise of Abraham (Gal 3:13,14).

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