SEEING THE INVISIBLE (based on Romans 4:17) What do you see? What does God see? How do we reconcile the two?

Romans 4:17 "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; NKJV

Context Paul writing to the church in Rome about the difference between law and grace. Story of Abraham who was honoured by God for believing in God’s promises. “For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Romans 4:3

Abraham’s Story – a man who could see the invisible Gen.12 - called to leave his country and home and go to where God told him. Gen.13 - Abram becomes very rich. God blesses Abram and his family because he is willing and obedient

Helping God out – not a good idea! Gen.15 &16 - God makes covenant with Abram and promises him many offspring. Abram and Sarai try to help God’s plan and Ismael is the result. God blesses Ismael BUT the problems in the Middle East today - the conflict between Islam and Christianity are the result.

The Promise fulfilled! Gen.17 - God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and confirms His covenant and requires Abraham and all men to be circumcised. (Abraham is 99 years old). Gen.18 - God promises a son to A&S – this is impossible in the physical. Gen.21 – Isaac is born when Abraham is 100 and Sarah is 90

Obedience required Gen.22 – God tests Abraham’s obedience by asking him to sacrifice Isaac and when Abraham and Isaac are willing to do this God provides the sacrifice. How could Abraham be able to sacrifice his son of promise?

Themes God calls each one of us to leave the Kingdom of our birth (i.e. the world which is under Satan’s control) and enter into His Kingdom. God makes covenant with His people. Pain (circumcision) and sacrifice are always part of the journey.

Themes cont. God calls us to partake in that which the flesh (carnal nature) and the world would call impossible. God requires obedience. God honours and responds to our faith (Rom.4:3)

What do you see? Do you see with the eyes of the flesh or with the eyes of the spirit – i.e. “eyes of faith”? The eyes you choose to use make a big difference when you look the circumstances of your life? The difference is between life and death – hope and despair – negative and positive.

Prophesy life! God wants us to choose and speak life over the dry bones of our circumstances. The destroyer wants us to speak death. You choose! God’s prophetic voice brings life to dry bones. “And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?“ So I answered, "O Lord GOD, You know." Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!” Ezekiel 37:3-5

All may prophesy life (1 Corinthians. 14:1-40) Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts especially prophesy - 1 Cor.14:1 & 39 Prophesy builds up and edifies individuals and the church. 1 Cor.14.3 & 4 “For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.” 1 Cor. 14:31

What does God see? Prophesy is speaking out God’s heart over situations and circumstances. God calls things that are not as if they exist. We are called to speak like this over situations and circumstances. We need to speak ONLY that which God speaks – either through His Word (Logos) or by His Spirit (Rhema). NOT our own good ideas!

Applications Personal circumstances – see through the eyes of faith! Praying for others – prophesy life. Praying for Oasis – seek to see what God sees! Praying for the church in Taiwan. Praying for God’s purposes in Taiwan and nations – to the ends of the earth.

The eyes of faith “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6