Introduction: Abraham takes a painful detour in his pilgrim walk with God as he depends on his own wisdom instead of trusting God.

1. STOPPING TO QUESTION GOD (16:1):
A. Contemplating the Omission—No Children (1a)
B. Considering the Option—Another Mother (1b)

2. SCHEMING TO “HELP” GOD (16:2-6):
A. Refusing to wait on God (2a).
B. Relying on others instead of God (2b).
C. Resolving to do it on their own (3).
D. Receiving bad consequences (4-6):
1) Sarah is despised by Hagar (4).
2) Sarah blames Abraham for Hagar’s behavior (5).
3) Abraham lets Sarah treat Hagar harshly (6a).
4) Hagar runs away (6b).

3. SUBMITTING TO FOLLOW GOD (16:7-16):
A. Hagar Instructed To Submit (7-10):
1) The angel finds her in the wilderness (7).
2) The angel focuses on her plans (8).
3) The angel fixes her misdirection (9).
4) The angel forecasts her future (10).
B. Hagar Informed She’s Pregnant (11-12).
C. Hagar Inspired To Worship God (13-14).
D. Hagar Increases By Birth (15-16).

CONCLUSION: Detours away from God lead to lots of problems and can only be corrected by our renewed submission to God.

Introduction: Though Abraham was faithful, it doesn’t mean he was immune to doubts and didn’t need assurances from God.

1. THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S PRESENCE (15:1):

A. “Do not be afraid”
B. “I am your shield”
C. “I am your exceedingly great reward”

2. THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S POWER (15:2-6):

A. The Problem Abraham had (2-3).
B. The Promise God made (4).
C. The Proof God gave (5).

D. The Process of Righteousness (6).

3. THE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S PROVIDENCE (15:7-21):

A. The Affirmation (7).
B. The Assurance (8-12):
1) The Request from Abraham (8).
2) The Requirement from God (9).
3) The Response from Abraham (10-11).
4) The Reaction from Abraham (12).
C. The Anticipation (13-21):
1) God’s Plan for the Nation (13-14,16-17).
a) God’s Plan for Abraham (15).
b) God’s Plan for the Land (18-21).

CONCLUSION: God’s presence will be with you, His power will keep you, and His providence will give you all that you need.

Introduction: As evidenced by Abraham, living a life of faith can be a real adventure.

1. ABRAHAM IS WATCHING THE WORLD (14:1-12):
A. The Declaration of War by Four Kings (1-4):
1) The Advance (1-2).
2) The Assembly (3-4).
B. The Demolition of Five City States (5-9):
1) The Attack (5-7).
2) The Assembly (8-9).
C. The Doom of Sodom And Lot (10-12).

2. ABRAHAM IS WARRING AGAINST THE WORLD (14:13-16):
A. His Attitude (13-14).
B. His Army (14).
C. His Attack (15).
D. His Achievement (16).

3. ABRAHAM IS WORSHIPPING THE LORD (14:17-24):
A. A New Battle (17, 22-24):
1) Met by Two Kings (17).
2) Made Rich by God (22-24):
a) The Possessor is God (22).
b) The portions come from men (23-24).
B. A New Blessing (18-21):
1) Words From Melchizedek (18-20).
2) Words From the King of Sodom (21).

CONCLUSION: What does YOUR faith look like in the real world?