Week 103 - Free Weekend Program for Children

Date : 9th Aug, 2025

Text : Genesis 17

Theme : God’s Unchanging Nature

After the birth of Ishmael—a product of human effort to fulfill God’s promise (Genesis 16:4)—God remained silent for thirteen years. When He spoke again to Abram, He declared, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me faithfully and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). This reaffirmation of the covenant teaches us a timeless truth: God’s promises endure despite human failure, for He is unchanging (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6). Our self-reliant schemes, like Abram’s with Hagar, may produce temporary results- relief, but they cannot fulfill God’s eternal purposes.

We often seek to earn God’s promises through our works, but Scripture teaches that true fulfillment comes not from our striving but by faith alone (Romans 3:20). Our efforts, no matter how “successful,” will never bring the rest and satisfaction we long for. God has designed His promises to be received by faith so that all glory goes to Him alone.

In Genesis 17, the Spirit of God was reaffirming this truth to Abram, just as He continues to affirm it in our hearts through the gospel today. Our role is to believe and to walk in faithful obedience. God’s promises are real, eternal, and unchanging; they will accomplish the purpose for which He sent them (Isaiah 55:11). As we fix our eyes on Christ, we are transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18)—a transformation that is not the result of human effort but the grace of God at work within us.

God changed Abram and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah. This transformation came despite their actions in the flesh, which were sinful because “whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Yet, “where sin increased, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20). Our failures cannot overturn God’s purposes; His grace brings us into submission, working in us to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Just as God commanded Abraham to be circumcised, today our circumcision is of the heart—an obedience that springs from faith, not mere outward performance (Romans 2:28–29). We must guard against having only “a form of godliness” that denies the power of a transformed life (2 Timothy 3:5).

Like Sarah, we may face situations that seem impossible—dreams long dead, hopes dashed—but God’s promises still stand firm. Whether it’s the salvation of loved ones, revival in our nation, or personal deliverance from destructive sinful patterns, we may have struggled without victory, yet God reassures us: “He who promised is faithful, and He will do it” (Hebrews 10:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Abraham also struggled to believe; he laughed at the thought of having a child at his age (Genesis 17:17). We often mirror his doubts, wondering if true rest can really be found in Christ alone. Yet the Holy Spirit assures us that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) and will cause us to bear fruit even in old age (Psalm 92:14)—all for the glory of His name.

No flesh will glory in His presence (1 Corinthians 1:29). Our natural talents and hard work may yield temporary blessings, just as Ishmael was blessed, but they cannot bring eternal joy or fulfillment. Paul understood this truth when he said, “I count all things but dung” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Like God’s blessing upon Ishmael, our natural gifts, accomplishments and achievements may have temporal value in this life, but Paul pursued the greater treasure—faith in Christ—which “has promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Abraham responded to God’s command without delay—he circumcised Ishmael and every male in his household that very day (Genesis 17:23). In the same way, as we hear God’s voice today through the gospel, let us not harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:15). We must put aside our fleshly desires, come to repentance, and be healed—saved.

As the missionary reminded us last Sunday from John 5:14, we must not return to sin or self-effort, lest something worse come upon us. We are called to go forward in obedience by faith, not fear, resisting the temptation to look back like Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32; Hebrews 10:39).

Finally, true faith believes the impossible—and in that belief, God is glorified. Let us embrace this journey of faith, trusting in His promises, celebrating His grace, and stepping boldly into the future He has prepared for us. Amen.

The Free Weekend Program is open to children ages 5–17. You’re welcome to send your kids, and you’re also invited to join us every Thursday and Sunday at GSS, Karu, at 5 p.m.

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