1. The certainty of God's promise (13-17)

God promised to bless Abraham and make him a blessing (Ge 12:1-3). When God trained and tested Abraham, Abraham believed and obeyed. God confirmed his promise with an oath. He swore by himself, making his promise an unchanging covenant (Ge 22:16-18). When Abraham believed and obeyed and waited patiently, God kept his promises. God does not lie.

2. Our sure hope (18-20)

When we believe God's promises, hope is born in our hearts. This hope is in God, who has a redemptive plan for the world and who will not change his mind. It is a sure hope. Those who hold firmly to this hope do not despair; they cannot fall into fatalistic thinking. This hope is anchored firmly in the very throne room of God. Jesus is there interceding in our behalf, and we will be with him forever in the heavenly kingdom.

Application: Lord, I believe your promises. Thank you for giving me a sure hope in your kingdom.
One Word: We have an anchor for the soul