- Home
- Bible
- Genesis
- Chapter 18
- Verse 18
Genesis 18:14
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? - היפלא מיהוה דבר hayippale meihovah dabar, shall a word (or thing) be wonderful from the Lord? i.e., Can any thing be too great a miracle for him to effect? The Septuagint translate the passage, Μη αδυνατησει παρα τῳ Θεῳ ῥημα; which St. Luke adopts almost literatim, only making it an affirmative position instead of a question: Ουκ αδυνατησει παρα τῳ Θεῳ παν ῥημα, which we translate, "With God nothing shall be impossible," Luk 1:37. Many copies of the Septuagint insert the word παν before ῥημα, as in St. Luke; but it makes little difference in the sense. It was to correct Sarah's unbelief, and to strengthen her faith, that God spoke these most important words; words which state that where human wisdom, prudence, and energy fall, and where nature herself ceases to be an agent, through lack of energy to act, or laws to direct and regulate energy, there also God has full sway, and by his own omnific power works all things after the counsel of his own will. Is there an effect to be produced? God can produce it as well without as with means. He produced nature, the whole system of causes and effects, when in the whole compass of his own eternity there was neither means nor being. He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. How great and wonderful is God!
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is anything too hard for the Lord?.... Whose power is infinite; or "too wonderful" (x), so wonderful and beyond all belief, that it can never be thought it will be done by him; and why then should it be thought incredible or impossible that Sarah should have a child, though she is old? Or, is "anything hidden from the Lord" (y)? Nothing can be, not Sarah's laughter. At the time appointed will I return to thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son; which words are repeated not merely for the confirmation of Abraham's faith, which staggered not, but to remove Sarah's unbelief, and to encourage her faith in the divine promise. (x) "nunquid mirabile vel mirificabitur", Munster, Piscator, Schmidt. (y) "Nunquid abscondetur", Pagninus, Cartwright; "an potest occultari", Junius & Tremellius, Fagius; so the Targum of Jonathan and Aben Ezra.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? The question is rhetorical. God is able to do marvelous things. Nothing is incredible to those in covenant fellowship with the Lord, because nothing is too difficult for him.
Genesis 18:14
Sarah Laughs at the Promise
13And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ 14Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Our God Can Fix Anything - Part 1
By David Wilkerson4.2K30:08GEN 18:14PSA 100:4MAT 19:26MRK 9:23LUK 18:272CO 12:9PHP 4:6HEB 11:6JAS 1:6Pastor Wilkerson of Times Square Church welcomes worshippers from various nationalities and encourages them to draw closer to Jesus through worship and preaching. The sermon emphasizes the belief in God's ability to fix any situation, drawing from the story of Abraham and Sarah to illustrate the power of trusting in God's ability to do the impossible.
The Danger of a Compromised Life
By Greg Laurie2.9K1:01:23CompromiseGEN 17:1GEN 18:14EXO 6:2EXO 6:9EXO 7:10EXO 7:13JHN 15:15In this sermon titled "The Danger of a Compromised Life," Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights how the Israelites initially did not believe Moses because they were worn out and resentful due to their cruel bondage. Pastor Greg also mentions the various plagues that God sent upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites, including the insect invasion. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Moses remained obedient to God's calling. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not compromising our faith and remaining steadfast in our obedience to God.
Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
By C.H. Spurgeon2.8K44:13GEN 18:14ISA 55:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and faithfulness of God. He assures the listeners that if they obey God's commands, He will take responsibility for their actions and guide them through any difficulties. The preacher encourages the audience to have faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises, using the example of the future conversion and restoration of the Jews. He urges them to expect the unexpected and engage in great endeavors for God, relying on His omnipotence. The sermon concludes with the importance of personally experiencing and embracing the truth of God's power and faithfulness, rather than simply acknowledging it intellectually.
(Genesis) Genesis 17:19-27
By J. Vernon McGee2.6K04:20GEN 17:19GEN 18:14GEN 18:22GEN 21:12GEN 21:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. God assures Abraham that he will have a son, Isaac, and that through him, a great nation will be born. The preacher emphasizes that God is faithful to his promises and will fulfill them without fail. He also highlights the importance of knowing when to stop petitioning God and trusting in His plan. The sermon concludes with the mention of Abraham circumcising himself, his son Ishmael, and all the men in his household as a sign of their covenant with God.
Why Should We Pray?
By Jerry Bridges2.6K38:05Prayer LifeGEN 18:14MAT 6:33LUK 1:372CO 1:8HEB 9:6HEB 10:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about coming home from a trip and the importance of prayer. He mentions having two notebooks, one for speaking and one for prayer. He talks about the story of Jeremiah in the Bible, where God tells him to buy a field despite the impending destruction of Jerusalem. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependency on God and how He can work through providential circumstances rather than miracles.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
The King Is Coming: Faith 2: Church Life and His Return
By Hoseah Wu1.3K1:12:55Church LifeGEN 18:14LUK 18:8JHN 1:38In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging the shrinking world we live in due to mass media and instantaneous communication. He emphasizes the blessings of being able to connect with brothers and sisters from different parts of the world. The speaker then focuses on the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18, specifically highlighting the promise of a son and Sarah's initial disbelief. He concludes by posing the question of what we seek when we come to conferences or meetings, urging listeners to examine their motives and seek the Lord Himself.
New Covenant- the First Body of Christ -Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.2K08:49GEN 15:5GEN 18:14MAT 3:11LUK 1:37LUK 1:45This sermon emphasizes the real power of the Holy Spirit, focusing on the importance of submission and faith in God's promises. It highlights the need for believers to surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing God to produce the life of Jesus within them, just like how the earth yielded fruit at God's command. The message stresses the significance of believing in God's promises and the fulfillment of His word, drawing parallels between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in terms of faith and supernatural possibilities.
Attributes of God - Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence
By William MacDonald1.1K37:06Attributes of GodGEN 17:1GEN 18:14EXO 34:23JOB 42:2PSA 139:16MAT 19:26LUK 1:37EPH 2:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we are defenseless and surrounded by enemies, such as the Hittites, Hivites, Amorites, Canaanites, and Philistines. However, God promises to cast out these nations and enlarge our borders if we obey Him. The speaker highlights that God's power is evident in creation and in sustaining the universe. He shares a conversation with a scientist who couldn't explain what holds matter together, emphasizing the limitations of human knowledge. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that man cannot successfully fight against God, and the speaker reflects on his own past struggle with being ashamed of Jesus.
Extraordinary Faith
By Jim Cymbala1.1K20:56FaithGEN 18:14ISA 53:5ISA 56:7MAT 15:21MAT 21:13MRK 2:1JHN 4:46JAS 5:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of vicarious praying and extraordinary faith. He uses the story of four men who bring a paralyzed man to Jesus by digging a hole in the roof to illustrate this idea. The speaker emphasizes the importance of identifying with others and feeling their struggles in order to pray effectively. He also highlights the role of faith in salvation, noting that while someone else's faith can lead others to Jesus, personal faith is necessary for salvation. The sermon concludes with the example of a royal official who asks Jesus to heal his dying son and receives a miraculous answer to his prayer.
Manifest Presence - Part 4
By Richard Owen Roberts94728:37GEN 18:14EXO 32:9EXO 33:14PSA 27:8MAT 6:33JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and how it is different from utter destruction. He uses the example of Moses pleading with God not to destroy the people and instead offering a remedial judgment. The preacher emphasizes that while God has the right to destroy America, He has chosen to judge instead. He warns that evangelicalism in America has become complacent and unaware of the Lord's departure, urging the congregation to prioritize drawing near to God and reaching out to those who do not know Him.
Abraham Friend of God - Abraham, the Generous Host
By J. Glyn Owen45646:33AbrahamGEN 18:1GEN 18:14GEN 18:16MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis chapter 18 and highlights three scenes. The first scene depicts Abraham as the host and Jehovah as his guest. Abraham goes above and beyond to show hospitality to the three men, not realizing that they are actually God in human form. This scene emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and honoring our covenant with Him. Abraham's willingness to offer the best he has sets the stage for a deeper fellowship with God.
The Holy Spirit (John 14)
By G.W. North4431:24:53Holy SpiritGEN 18:14EXO 33:11MAT 6:33LUK 1:15JHN 14:15GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of going through terrible trials and tragedies. Despite the hardships, the speaker finds great joy and sings praises to God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and completely surrendering to God. They also mention the baptism of the Holy Spirit and how it empowers believers to speak in tongues and magnify God. The speaker encourages the audience to trust in the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in their lives.
Is Anything Too Hard for God
By Shane Idleman1854:48Faith in God's PromisesThe Power of IntercessionGEN 18:14PRO 14:26ISA 40:31EZK 22:30MAT 6:6MAT 7:7ROM 1:20PHP 1:6HEB 11:6JAS 5:16Shane Idleman emphasizes that nothing is too hard for God, using the biblical examples of Abraham and Sarah to illustrate God's power to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. He encourages a corporate fast to seek God's will and highlights the importance of intercession, urging believers to align their prayers with God's timing and purpose. Idleman warns against the dangers of complacency and the need for a genuine relationship with God, stressing that true faith requires seeking, surrendering, and serving. He calls for a revival in the church and a return to fervent prayer, reminding the congregation that God is waiting for them to seek Him earnestly.
Wait on God's Time
By Charles E. Cowman0GEN 18:14GEN 21:2PSA 33:11ISA 40:4JHN 16:20Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of waiting on God's set times, using the story of Abraham and Sarah as an example of God fulfilling His promises at the appointed moment. He encourages believers to trust in God's timing, even when the wait seems long and challenging, reminding them that God's counsel stands forever. Cowman emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that come when God's promises are finally realized, turning sorrow into joy and making rough paths straight.
Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Genesis
By John Nelson Darby0CovenantCreationFaithGEN 1:1GEN 2:7GEN 3:15GEN 12:1GEN 15:6GEN 17:4GEN 18:14GEN 21:1GEN 22:18GEN 28:14John Nelson Darby explores the foundational themes of Genesis, emphasizing its unique character as the beginning of the Bible and the introduction of key principles regarding God's relationship with humanity. He discusses creation, the fall of man, and the unfolding of God's promises, highlighting the significance of Abraham as the father of faith and the establishment of God's covenant. Darby illustrates how Genesis encapsulates the essence of human sin and divine grace, setting the stage for the rest of Scripture. He notes the importance of faith and obedience in the lives of the patriarchs, particularly in the context of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah. Ultimately, Genesis serves as a profound introduction to the overarching narrative of redemption throughout the Bible.
Nothing Is Too Hard
By Charles E. Cowman0GEN 18:14JER 32:27MRK 9:23LUK 1:37Charles E. Cowman preaches about God's loving challenge to believe in His power to fulfill our deepest desires, even those we have given up hope on. He emphasizes that if our desires align with God's will, He intends to make them a reality, no matter how impossible they may seem. The key is to have faith, do His will, and trust in His ability to do the impossible for us, as seen in the story of Abraham and Sarah.
A Most Unlikely Evangelist
By Denis Lyle0GEN 18:14GEN 50:20LEV 13:45DEU 6:71SA 2:201KI 20:1PSA 121:4ISA 24:15ROM 8:28HEB 1:1Denis Lyle preaches about the story of a most unlikely evangelist, a little maid in Naaman's house, who despite being a captive, displayed unwavering faith, compassion, and confidence in God, leading to the supernatural recovery of Naaman from leprosy and his conversion to the true and living God. The sermon emphasizes that God does not require a specific mold for those He uses, but rather looks at the heart and faith of individuals, showcasing His infinite variety and unique purposes for each person.
Vision of the Throne
By Denis Lyle0GEN 18:14EXO 28:17PSA 45:6PSA 115:3ISA 6:1MAL 3:6COL 3:111PE 2:5REV 4:8REV 4:10Denis Lyle preaches on the importance of true spiritual worship, emphasizing the need to worship God by recognizing His worth and glory. The sermon delves into Revelation 4-5 to understand how to worship God and give Him the glory He deserves. It explores the absence of the church during the Tribulation period, the significance of the trumpet call for believers, and the heavenly perspective of God's throne, highlighting His greatness, glory, grace, and government. The sermon also discusses the twenty-four elders around God's throne, representing redeemed saints, and the praise offered to God by the four living creatures, showcasing His holiness, sovereignty, omnipotence, eternality, self-existence, and immutability.
Responding Properly to God's Promises
By Bob Hoekstra0GEN 16:2GEN 18:10GEN 18:14NUM 23:19PSA 145:13ISA 55:112CO 1:20HEB 11:11Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of responding properly to God's promises, using the example of Sarah who, despite initial doubts and attempts to fulfill the promise on her own, eventually trusted in God's faithfulness and received strength to conceive a child in her old age. Sarah's faith was not based on human willpower but on God's reliability, as she judged Him faithful who had promised. The proper response to God's promises is to believe them, as all who trust in the Lord to fulfill His promises will experience His faithfulness at work in their lives.
A Soft Pillow for Troubled Hearts and Suffering Bodies
By Lehman Strauss0GEN 18:14PSA 119:71JHN 13:7ROM 8:281CO 13:121CO 15:51PHP 3:211JN 3:2Lehman Strauss preaches on the profound truth that understanding God's promises intellectually is different from experiencing them firsthand. Through the lens of Romans 8:28, he shares his personal journey of realizing the depth and reality of God's work in his life, emphasizing the importance of unwavering faith in God's sovereignty even in the midst of trials. Strauss delves into the significance of believers loving God and being called according to His purpose, highlighting the transformative power of God's providence in all circumstances. He explores the process by which God orchestrates all things for the good of those who trust Him, ultimately aiming for believers to be conformed to the image of Christ both now and in eternity.
Reflections on the Historic Impasse Between Church and Synagogue
By Reggie Kelly0GEN 18:14Reggie Kelly preaches about the profound history and mystery of Israel, highlighting its role as a key to understanding prophecy and the supernatural in the context of divine design and destiny. The sermon delves into the tension between Israel's prophetic hope and its persistent persecution, culminating in the Holocaust as both judgment and divine sacrifice. It explores the intricate relationship between Israel and Messiah, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the covenant relationship and the eschatological significance of Israel's national redemption.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? - היפלא מיהוה דבר hayippale meihovah dabar, shall a word (or thing) be wonderful from the Lord? i.e., Can any thing be too great a miracle for him to effect? The Septuagint translate the passage, Μη αδυνατησει παρα τῳ Θεῳ ῥημα; which St. Luke adopts almost literatim, only making it an affirmative position instead of a question: Ουκ αδυνατησει παρα τῳ Θεῳ παν ῥημα, which we translate, "With God nothing shall be impossible," Luk 1:37. Many copies of the Septuagint insert the word παν before ῥημα, as in St. Luke; but it makes little difference in the sense. It was to correct Sarah's unbelief, and to strengthen her faith, that God spoke these most important words; words which state that where human wisdom, prudence, and energy fall, and where nature herself ceases to be an agent, through lack of energy to act, or laws to direct and regulate energy, there also God has full sway, and by his own omnific power works all things after the counsel of his own will. Is there an effect to be produced? God can produce it as well without as with means. He produced nature, the whole system of causes and effects, when in the whole compass of his own eternity there was neither means nor being. He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. How great and wonderful is God!
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is anything too hard for the Lord?.... Whose power is infinite; or "too wonderful" (x), so wonderful and beyond all belief, that it can never be thought it will be done by him; and why then should it be thought incredible or impossible that Sarah should have a child, though she is old? Or, is "anything hidden from the Lord" (y)? Nothing can be, not Sarah's laughter. At the time appointed will I return to thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son; which words are repeated not merely for the confirmation of Abraham's faith, which staggered not, but to remove Sarah's unbelief, and to encourage her faith in the divine promise. (x) "nunquid mirabile vel mirificabitur", Munster, Piscator, Schmidt. (y) "Nunquid abscondetur", Pagninus, Cartwright; "an potest occultari", Junius & Tremellius, Fagius; so the Targum of Jonathan and Aben Ezra.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? The question is rhetorical. God is able to do marvelous things. Nothing is incredible to those in covenant fellowship with the Lord, because nothing is too difficult for him.