Promises, Promises
Class Time Discussion: What does it mean to make a promise? (A promise is a vow or pledge of something one
will do, or not do, something specified in the near or distant future.)
Throughout the Scriptures God has
made hundreds of promises. For example, the Bible says, “Those who hope in
the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:30), and "You will seek
me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13).
These are conditional promises, because they are dependent on the receiver’s
actions: Those who hope in God will have their strength renewed; and those
who seek God with all their heart will find him.
On the other hand, some of God’s
promises do not depend on the receiver’s actions or responses. “God is
love.” (1 John 4:16) is a fact, but it is also a promise that God will treat
the righteous and the unrighteous with fairness. “I will never leave you or
forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) is a fact, but it is also a promise concerning
God’s faithfulness to his children, and it does not depend on their
response.
Have you ever promised to do something for someone and then didn't do it? How
do you suppose that made him or her feel? What do you suppose is the
difference between promises that people make and those promises that God has
made to his children?
Learn more about The Great
Promises of the Bible. 