video How to Claim a Promise

[Chad]

In this message, Dr. Stanley discusses the discomfort we feel in our spirits when we’re not in the will of the Lord. Our entire belief system is based on the promises of God, and we can trust Him to be faithful to keep them all. However, many people miss out because they neglect God and don’t take hold of the promises He has made to us.

Key passage: Hebrews 10:34-36

Supporting Scripture: 1 Kings 8:54-56 | Psalms 23:1 | Psalms 32:8 | Psalms 34:17-19 | Psalms 37:4 | Isaiah 59:1-2 | Matthew 7:7 | Luke 11:9 | John 3:16 | Romans 10:9 | Hebrews 13:5 | James 1:5-6 | 1 John 1:9 | 1 John 5:14-15

Introduction

The Lord’s promises are expressions of His love and how He care for us.

Through them, He accomplishes His plans for our lives as well as His purposes for the kingdom of God. The Lord’s promises should be a vital part of our lives.

Sermon Points

God’s promises are essential to our daily lives as Christians.

To understand how to personally claim them, we must answer some vital questions:

• Are all the promises in the Bible meant for us today? No, sometimes they only apply to specific people, times, or situations.
• Who has a right to claim a promise from God? The Lord’s promises belong only to believers, with one exception. Unbelievers are free to claim His promise of salvation when they trust Jesus as their personal Savior.
• Why does God promise us anything? The Lord makes promises because He loves us unconditionally and because He can reveal Himself in ways that display His awesome wisdom, power, and grace.
• How can we know God will keep His promises? His character is our guarantee. Since He’s perfect, unchanging, constantly truthful, and all-powerful, He will keep His word.

When can we claim a promise?

We can do so when:

• It fits a personal need He wants to fulfill. We can rely on the Lord’s commitment to teach us the way we should go because this promise fits our specific situations.
• The context of the Scripture allows it. No one should pluck a promise from the Bible and claim it without considering its context.
• Its fulfillment honors Him. We shouldn’t expect the Lord to answer selfish requests that don’t glorify Him.
• It is consistent with His immediate will for our lives. There are situations when His timing and methods don’t match our expectations.
• Its fulfillment is encouraging to others. When people around us see the fulfillment, they discover how faithful and good He is.
• We are walking in His will. Choosing to live obediently gives us the privilege to claim His promises. We must ask in faith, believing He will do what He’s promised.
• The Spirit of God confirms it. One of the Holy Spirit’s responsibilities is to reveal truth.
• He gives us a sense of peace. Finally, we’ll know we have a right to stand confidently on our requests to God when there’s peace in our hearts that comes from knowing our requests fit who we are as children of God and that they are aligned with His Word.

Summary

God knows exactly when to fulfill every promise because His judgment is perfect. We must be patient and wait for His timing. If we do, God will always provide His best.