Promises

Pt IX

Continuation of Promises and the Mind of Christ 

Why are the Father’s promises important? The promises allow us to escape the corruption of the world. (2 Pe 1:3-4)

The Father gives us promises of what He wants to be for us and who He is making us into. We have the joy of getting to discover these. The promises are already there and our true identity is already there, we get to discover them. There is joy in finding treasure. If you are willing to seek it out, you will find it (Mat 7:7). He has given us promises so we can connect into the Father’s heart and therefore escape the corruption of the world. When we see as the Father sees suddenly sin no longer has a great appeal.

Some good questions to ask the Father are: how do you see me/ what is your heart for me, what are your promises for me, what does it mean to be a child in your kingdom, this is what my circumstance is but what do you want to be for me in this. Then listen. Write down your thoughts. Get to know the Father's voice. Ask a godly friend to do this with you and use the Bible to check what you think the Father is saying. If it doesn't match up with the Bible, toss it. If it does, find references you can put next to those promises.

Some promises to get you started:  

If we are lonely—I will never leave you nor forsake you (Dt 31:8). I am with you always even until the end of the age (Mt 28:20).

I won’t have enough— The Father promises that he has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pe 1:3). He has given us all blessings. This doesn’t mean he gave us some and someone else got different blessings. No he has given us all blessings.

Ephesians 1:3-14 is similar— We were blessed with every spiritual blessing. Not just some, but every blessing even as he chose us before the world was made. We have access to these blessings now. We get to discover them now. The Father even tells us about our forthcoming inheritance. We are sealed with Holy Spirit who is the guarantee of our inheritance. He is the down payment of heaven, a taste of what is to come.

If you need to see God as a provider— He provided a lamb in the place of Isaac in Genesis 22. He gave Elijah bread in the desert and provided food for Elijah and a widow and her son during famine (1 Ki 17). Jesus fed 5,000 people (Mk 6).  Matthew 6:25-34 talks about how God cares for his creation and these aren’t made in His image. How much more will He provide and care for those who are made in His image.

If we are stressed—Jesus gives peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn 14:27). “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).

If we are rejected—Isaiah 41:9-14 —I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your god who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid O Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you, declares the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.