Back to series
In this fourth sermon of the “Faith Alone” series, we examine Genesis 16: the human schemes of Sarai and Abram to “help” God fulfill His promise through Hagar, resulting in affliction, harsh treatment, and Hagar’s flight into the wilderness. God sovereignly seeks out the marginalized and oppressed Egyptian servant, commands her to return and submit, and shows her common grace mercy—promising to multiply her descendants through Ishmael while revealing Himself as El Roi, “The God Who Sees.”
This chapter contrasts the fleshly works of man (Ishmael, born of human effort) with the promised seed of grace (Isaac, born of God’s providence), as unpacked in Galatians 4:21–31. A powerful reminder that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone—not human striving or legalism—while God extends common grace to all, yet saving grace only to the elect. We are called to endure affliction in trust, knowing the God Who Sees our suffering and provides hope in Christ.
In this fourth sermon of the “Faith Alone” series, we examine Genesis 16: the human schemes of Sarai and Abram to “help” God fulfill His promise through Hagar, resulting in affliction, harsh treatment, and Hagar’s flight into the wilderness. God sovereignly seeks out the marginalized and oppressed Egyptian servant, commands her to return and submit, and shows her common grace mercy—promising to multiply her descendants through Ishmael while revealing Himself as El Roi, “The God Who Sees.”
This chapter contrasts the fleshly works of man (Ishmael, born of human effort) with the promised seed of grace (Isaac, born of God’s providence), as unpacked in Galatians 4:21–31. A powerful reminder that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone—not human striving or legalism—while God extends common grace to all, yet saving grace only to the elect. We are called to endure affliction in trust, knowing the God Who Sees our suffering and provides hope in Christ.
