Sermon Outline 17 Aug, 2008 Evening Service

Topic: The Burden Of The Bondwoman 

Text:     Genesis 21:8-21    

Introduction

I.        It was a celebratory occasion; a time of laughter, delight, and merriment.

II.       But in the midst of this gala there was a grudge playing out.

A.      Sarah noticed Ishmael, now in his late teens, ‘scoffing’ at Isaac.

B.      Without reservation she insisted that Hagar and her son be banished.

III.      This narrative contains vivid theological analogies and Biblical relevance.

IV.     Later Paul used the bondwoman to preach and defend the Gospel.

A.      He presented Jesus Christ as the promised Seed (Galatians 3:16).

B.      Those who are of faith are sons of Abraham (Galatians 3:7).

C.      He contrasted the Law and the Gospel of grace (Galatians 4:21-5:1).

V.      Let’s consider the Burden of the Bondwoman: her separation, her struggle, and her solution!

Text

I.       Her Separation (Genesis 21:14-15).

A.      Hagar was sent away; she was told to vacate the premises.

1.      She could no longer occupy the home with all of its surrounding comforts, securities, and blessings.

2.      Like the scapegoat, she was sent away from the presence of the people.

3.      She was to be forgotten and dismissed.

4.      Her services were no longer needed.

5.      Her presence would no longer be tolerated.

B.      She was rejected; she was torn away from everything familiar to her.

1.      Imagine the humiliation.

2.      Consider the hurt.

3.      She must have felt used and betrayed.

4.      She had nowhere to turn.

C.      Many have wandered in the wilderness of separation.

1.      They have been alone and aimless with no community of concerned people to share their burden.

2.      So they drift in their wilderness of darkness.

II.      Her Struggle (Genesis 21:16).

A.      Hagar’s struggle rises like the sun from the devastation of her separation.

1.      Her separation left her homeless and broke.

2.      Hagar had no resources and no recourse.

B.      Have you ever been down to nothing; reached your breaking point?

III.     Her Solution (Genesis 21:17-21).

A.      When she needed it the most and when God was sure to get all the glory, her solution arrived.

B.      Hagar discovered during her pain that God had a plan!

Closing

I.        Our burdens often give birth to our blessings!

II.       Our fears give birth to faith.

III.      Our bondage gives birth to boldness.