Abram To Abraham.

Gen 17:1-14 Abram to Abraham.

I. The Revelation. 1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

i. The Timing - when Abram was ninety years old and nine 99

ii. The Testing - the LORD appeared to Abram,

iii. The Teaching - and said unto him, I am the Almighty God;

I am God all-sufficient - made known to us in Jesus Christ.

There is enough in Him to meet all our need, both sinners & saints

"Look unto Me; I am God all-sufficient."

iv. The Training - walk before me,

v. The Trusting - and be thou perfect.

(a) A Revelation Of His Person - "the Almighty God" "El-Shaddai". "Nourisher; Strengthener; Satisfier." the "All-sufficient One".

(b) A Revelation Of His Power - "the Almighty God"

i. The Ability Declared "El" - "the Strong One,"

"Shaddai" - "to be strong" All-powerful and able to do anything.

ii. The Attitude Demanded - "Since I am the Almighty God,

you should walk before Me, and live a life worthy of Me."

1 Pet 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy

iii. The Adoration Deserved 3 And Abram fell on his face:

(c) A Revelation Of His Promise - 4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. (d) A Revelation Of His Plan - 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. "Abram" - "Exalted Father", to "Abraham" - "Father Of A Multitude". No wonder Abraham worshiped the Lord!

2. The Commission. "Walk before Me, and be thou perfect." Not before Sarah - before Me

(a) Affecting His Life. "Walk before Me."

Live in the immediate presence of God Almighty.

(b) Affecting His Love. "Be thou perfect." - be whole-hearted.

Psalm 12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

(c) Affecting His Loyalty. 2 I will make my covenant between me and thee

1 Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

(d) Affecting His Labour. 2 and will multiply thee exceedingly.

Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

3. The Submission. 3 "And Abram fell on his face"

Job - I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Mary - said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her

Thomas - answered, My Lord and my God.

Paul - trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

John - And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.

4. The Transformation - 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. - Abram, the exalted, is changed into Abraham, the fruitful.

Complete surrender brings a complete change of nature. Jacob becomes Israel a prince and prevails.

Saul becomes Paul Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

It is by yielding to the Spirit we are transformed into His holy image.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.