Preaching on Abraham: Father of Many, faith and Spiritual Pilgrim
To the remarkable life of Abraham, the father of many, a man whose faith and journey serve as a powerful example for us today.
1. The Call to the Journey of Faith (Genesis 12:1)
"Now the Lord had said to Abram, 'Go out from your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.'" Genesis 12:1 marks the beginning of Abraham's extraordinary journey. It began with a divine call, a summons to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown. Abraham's faith began with obedience. God calls us out of our comfort zones to follow His direction.
2. The Promise of a Great Nation (Genesis 12:2)
"And I will make a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." Genesis 12:2 reveals the magnificent promise God made to Abraham. God's call was not a call to emptiness, but to blessing. He calls us not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing to others.
3. The Walk Without Seeing the Destination (Hebrews 11:8)
"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he would later receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going." Hebrews 11:8 highlights the nature of Abraham's faith: a walk without visible evidence. He trusted God's direction, even without knowing the destination. Our walk with God requires the same level of trust, even when the future is unclear.
4. The Altar: The Life of Worship on the Way (Genesis 12:7)
"And he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him." Genesis 12:7 shows that wherever Abraham went, he built altars to God. His life was marked by worship and communion. Our lives should also reflect this devotion, a constant offering of praise to God.
5. The Proof of Patience and Trust in God (Genesis 15:6)
"And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6 underscores the importance of patience. Abraham had to wait years for God's promise to be fulfilled. True faith involves trusting in God's timing, even when everything seems impossible.
6. The Deviation from Faith: The Error with Hagar (Genesis 16:1)
"Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children, and she had an Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar." Genesis 16:1 reveals Abraham and Sarah's attempt to "help" God by having Ishmael through Hagar. This serves as a cautionary tale. We must trust in divine promises without seeking human shortcuts.
7. The Fulfillment of the Promise: The Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1)
"And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said: and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken." Genesis 21:1 testifies to God's faithfulness. He always fulfills His promises, even when they seem impossible. Isaac's birth was proof that God's word never fails.
8. The Greatest Test of Faith: The Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:2)
"Now take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." Genesis 22:2 reveals the ultimate test of Abraham's faith. He obeyed God without hesitation, demonstrating complete surrender. God honors those who obey Him completely, even in difficult circumstances.
9. The Inheritance of Faith for Generations (Genesis 22:18)
"And in your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." Genesis 22:18 shows that Abraham's faith impacted future generations. Our faith decisions today can bless generations to come.
10. The Father of Faith and Our Spiritual Journey (Galatians 3:9)
"So then they which are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." Galatians 3:9 confirms that Abraham is an example for every Christian. His faith made him righteous before God. Our spiritual journey must follow in his footsteps: faith, obedience, and trust in God.
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Conclusion
Let us learn from Abraham's life. Let us answer God's call with obedience, trust in His promises, and walk by faith, even when we cannot see the destination. Let us build altars of worship, wait patiently for God's timing, and surrender our lives to His will. May we, like Abraham, be blessed and be a blessing to the world. Amen.
