1. The Promise Fulfilled Genesis 20 & 21:1-7

2. It’s a talk of two halves!

3. Abraham’s experience to date God’s covenant –I am your shield.. You will go to your fathers in peace Covenant confirmed and the promise of a son Angelic visitors: promise of a son confirmed Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah …but not enough to quell his fear

5. God’s trial of Abimelech You’re as good as dead! She’s married Will you destroy the innocent? My conscience is clear I have kept you from sin. Return her

6. Abraham and Abimelech What have you done? How have I wronged you? Why did you do it? I was afraid of this place What I said was half true This is what we say everywhere

7. The outcome Abimelech gives generous gifts to Abraham Sarah is returned, untouched and with her reputation restored Abraham prays for healing Abimelech’s household is restored

9. Abraham remembered for Faith Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead…and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being full persuaded that god had power to do what he had promised. This is why it was ‘credited to him as righteousness’ Romans 4: 19-22

10. Our hope of righteousness The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in him who raised our Lord Jesus from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins, and was raised to life for our justification. Romans 4: 23-25

11. Fear of God? ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place…

13. The birth of Isaac The promise fulfilled