Scripture References: Genesis 12:2-3; Galatians 6:6-10
In today’s sermon, we delve into the profound blessing that was bestowed upon Abraham and how it extends to us as believers. The passages from Genesis and Galatians highlight the principles of sowing and reaping, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith and actions. The term "communicate" in this context translates to "give," emphasizing the importance of generosity and perseverance in our spiritual journey.
I. Be Not Weary in Well Doing
Genesis 12:2-3
2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
1. God's promise to Abraham was not just for him, but for all his descendants, including us.
2. This promise calls us to be a blessing to others through our good works and unwavering faith.
Galatians 6:6-9 AMP – Read
• Galatians 6:6 the word “communicate” = ??????e´?
koino¯neo¯ koy-no-neh'-o
From G2844; to share with others (objectively or subjectively): - communicate, distribute, be partaker.
1. To communicate simply means to “give…”
II. In Due Season You Will Reap
Genesis 12:2-3 (Re-Cap)
1. God’s timing is perfect. Abraham had to wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises, teaching us patience and trust in His divine plan.
2. Gen 24:1 “And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.”
Galatians 6:9 AMP – READ
• "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
• This passage reassures us that persistence in righteousness and generosity will ultimately lead to a bountiful harvest.
• It is a reminder that God's rewards are assured to those who remain steadfast in their faith and deeds.
III. If You Faint Not
Genesis 12:2-3 (Re-Cap)
• Abraham faced numerous challenges and delays but remained faithful to God's promise.
Abraham, regarded as a patriarch of faith, faced several delays on his journey to the promise God had given him. Here are some notable instances, along with their corresponding Scriptures:
1. Delay in Haran:
• Scripture: "Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there." (Genesis 11:31)
• Explanation: After leaving Ur, Abraham’s journey was delayed in Haran where his family settled for a period until his father's death.
2. Lot's Separation:
• Scripture: "So Abram said to Lot, 'Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.'" (Genesis 13:8-9)
• Explanation: Disputes between their herdsmen necessitated separation from Lot, causing a diversion from his direct journey.
3. Famine in the Land:
• Scripture: "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe." (Genesis 12:10)
• Explanation: A severe famine in Canaan forced Abraham to temporarily relocate to Egypt.
4. Deception in Egypt:
• Scripture: "Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you." (Genesis 12:13)
• Explanation: Abraham’s deception regarding Sarah led to complications and a delay in Egypt until Pharaoh discovered the truth and sent them away.
5. Hagar and Ishmael Incident:
• Scripture: "So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife." (Genesis 16:3)
• Explanation: The birth of Ishmael through Hagar, at Sarah’s behest, represented a deviation from God’s promised plan, resulting in further delay until Isaac’s birth.
6. Intercession for Sodom:
• Scripture: "Then Abraham approached him and said: 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?'" (Genesis 18:23)
• Explanation: Abraham’s intercession for Sodom demonstrates his role in seeking God's mercy, which temporarily diverted his focus from the promise.
DELAY IS NOT DENIAL!
• These delays illustrate the testing and growth in Abraham's faith and obedience, integral to his journey toward fulfilling God's promise.
• His endurance serves as an inspiration to us, illustrating the importance of unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
Galatians 6:10
• "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
• The call to "not faint" is a call to remain diligent in our spiritual practices and acts of kindness.
• By continuing to do good, we align ourselves with God's will, ensuring that we partake in the blessings promised to Abraham.
Conclusion:
The blessings of Abraham are not just historical promises but living assurances for us today. By:
• remaining steadfast in well-doing, (Be not weary in well doing)
• trusting in God's perfect timing, and (in due season you will reap)
• persevering in our faith, (if you faint not)
we will experience the fulfillment of His promises.
