Sons of Promise
Throughout Scripture, the idea of a promise or promises is seen often. God has promised His children many things over the centuries. At different times, He has promised protection, comfort, rest, and judgment. Jesus, compelled by compassion, promised to heal a nobleman’s child; compelled by the faith of the thief on the cross, promised eternal comfort. A promise is simplest terms is to “assure someone that you will definitely do, give, or arrange something that is pledged; to undertake or declare that something will happen.” There is no way to catalogue all the promises of God and fully explain each of them adequately. But what we can do is look at a specific promise and see the fullness of God’s goodness within their fulfillment.
Please feel free to use these lessons to teach others about the Sons of Promise. Attached below a description of each lesson is a handout and and answer guide you can download. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Isaac
Isaac was the "One who Made me Glad." Every time we read this story we should be reminded of God’s faithfulness. Abraham and Sarah didn’t deserve Isaac, but God promised and kept His promise. We are the parents in that story and we are also the son. We are people who must trust God despite the overwhelming odds against His promises that creep in when we grow impatient. We are people who must understand that patience is a virtue God’s Children have to possess. We must also acknowledge that things happen according to His timing and not ours. We must trust that God is faithful. He’s proven it over and over. We must also know that we are sometimes the answer to people’s patience, prayers, and even God’s providence.
SAMSON
Samson was the "One who Grew Strong." The story of Samson is a Bible class teacher’s dream. It’s heroic and tragic, it’s full of larger-than-life characters, villains, and events. It’s the stuff epic movies and songs are written about. The sad reality of this story is that it’s all real. None of the wildly embellished parts are false. He really was a hero, Delilah really was a villain, and the circumstances surrounding their relationship and his death are extraordinary. Many things can be learned from the uniqueness of this “son of promise.”
SAMUEL
Samuel was the "One who Stopped my Tears." The story of Hannah and Samuel is one that many would-be parents cling to in this world. Those who have suffered with fertility issues can relate deeply to Hannah’s sad condition. Her circumstances were untenable (especially when you consider a woman’s role in their society). Her impassioned plea to God is not unlike the heartbreaking tears of so many faithful women who have endured the pain of infertility. Much can be learned from her reliance upon God and her devotion to Him throughout very difficult circumstances.
john
John was the "One who was Unworthy." The story of John the Baptist is one that presupposes the coming of the Messiah. John was always meant to be a background character. He was meant to point people to Christ, not to himself. Ironically, the Jews made a bigger deal out of John than John felt was worthy. Truly, this great man is worthy of our respect and honor because he did a great job preparing the world for the One to come.
Jesus
Jesus was the "One worth Waiting For." The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the foundational moments in human history. God’s story with mankind was reaching its zenith on that day in Bethlehem. From that point on, the world would be one that Jesus was a part of. We must be in awe of the setting and the circumstances surrounding this Son of Promise. There’s nothing like it in the history of our world, and there never will be.