CHARACTER STUDY OF ABRAHAM (ABRAM) – FATHER OF THE FAITHFUL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 12:1-3
"Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 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: 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."
Supporting Texts: Romans 4:16-22, Hebrews 11:8-10, Galatians 3:6-9, Isaiah 51:2, James 2:23
INTRODUCTION:
Abraham, originally known as Abram, is one of the most significant figures in the Bible. He is often called the "Father of the Faithful" because of his unwavering trust in God. His story spans from Genesis 12 to Genesis 25, detailing his journey of faith, obedience, and covenant with God. Through Abraham, God established a promise that impacted the entire world, leading to the birth of Israel and, ultimately, the coming of Jesus Christ.
The life of Abraham is a testimony of how God honours faith and obedience. When God called him to leave his homeland and follow Him to an unknown land, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. This act of faith set the foundation for God's covenant with him, making him the father of many nations. His life was not without challenges, but his reliance on God ensured that he overcame every obstacle.
In this study, we will examine the life of Abraham, highlighting his calling, faith, obedience, and covenant relationship with God. We will also look at his strengths, weaknesses, and the key lessons we can learn from his life.
1. ABRAHAM'S CALL AND OBEDIENCE
Abraham's journey began with a divine call from God. He was instructed to leave his homeland, Ur of the Chaldeans, and go to a land that God would show him.
a) God's call was a call to separation (Genesis 12:1)
God commanded Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household to follow His divine plan.
b) Obedience without knowing the full picture (Hebrews 11:8)
Abraham obeyed God even though he did not know where he was going.
c) Faith in God's promises (Genesis 12:2-3)
God promised to make Abraham a great nation and bless him.
d) A journey of total dependence on God (Romans 4:18-21)
Abraham's journey required him to trust God completely for direction and provision.
e) Biblical Example: The calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:19-22)
2. ABRAHAM'S COVENANT WITH GOD
God established a covenant with Abraham, which became the foundation of His relationship with Israel.
a) The covenant of land and descendants (Genesis 15:18-21)
God promised Abraham numerous descendants and the land of Canaan.
b) Circumcision as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:10-11)
God instructed Abraham to circumcise all male members of his household.
c) God changed his name from Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5)
His new name signified his destiny as the father of many nations.
d) Sarah's role in the covenant (Genesis 17:15-16)
God promised that Sarah would give birth to the promised child, Isaac.
e) Biblical Example: God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16)
3. ABRAHAM'S FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, setting an example for all believers.
a) Righteousness by faith, not works (Genesis 15:6)
Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
b) The test of faith—offering Isaac (Genesis 22:1-12)
Abraham demonstrated absolute trust in God by being willing to sacrifice Isaac.
c) Believing the impossible (Romans 4:19-21)
Despite old age, he believed God's promise of a son.
d) A model for New Testament faith (Galatians 3:6-9)
Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have faith.
e) Biblical Example: The faith of the Centurion (Matthew 8:8-10)
4. ABRAHAM’S ROLE AS A FAMILY MAN AND LEADER
Abraham was both a spiritual and family leader, influencing generations.
a) A Loving Husband to Sarah (Genesis 12:11-13)
Despite his mistakes, he cared deeply for Sarah and followed God’s promises for their marriage.
b) A Generous and Peacemaking Spirit (Genesis 13:8-9)
He resolved conflict peacefully with Lot by allowing him to choose first.
c) A Warrior Who Rescued His Nephew (Genesis 14:14-16)
Abraham courageously rescued Lot from captivity, showing his leadership and courage.
d) Teaching His Household the Ways of the Lord (Genesis 18:19)
God commended Abraham for instructing his family in righteousness.
e) Biblical Example: Joshua’s Leadership in His Household (Joshua 24:15)
Like Abraham, Joshua prioritised serving God with his family.
5. ABRAHAM'S INTERCESSION FOR SODOM AND GOMORRAH
Abraham showed his heart for others by interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah.
a) Abraham’s concern for the righteous (Genesis 18:23-25)
He pleaded with God to spare the city if righteous people were found.
b) Persistent prayer and negotiation with God (Genesis 18:26-32)
Abraham kept asking God to lower the number needed for deliverance.
c) God honours intercessory prayer (James 5:16)
Abraham’s prayers showed the power of intercession.
d) The destruction of Sodom and the deliverance of Lot (Genesis 19:16-29)
Despite Abraham’s intercession, Sodom was destroyed, but Lot was saved.
e) Biblical Example: Moses' intercession for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14)
6. ABRAHAM'S HOSPITALITY TO ANGELS
Abraham demonstrated kindness by welcoming strangers, who turned out to be angels.
a) Entertaining strangers with generosity (Genesis 18:1-5)
Abraham quickly offered food and shelter to his guests.
b) A reward for hospitality (Genesis 18:10)
The angels confirmed that Sarah would bear a son.
c) Hospitality as a Christian virtue (Hebrews 13:2)
The New Testament encourages believers to show hospitality.
d) Receiving divine visitations through kindness (Luke 6:38)
Those who give generously receive blessings.
e) Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath and Elijah (1 Kings 17:8-16)
7. ABRAHAM’S LEGACY OF FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
Abraham’s life left an enduring impact on generations to come.
a) The Father of Many Nations (Genesis 17:4-6)
God fulfilled His promise, making Abraham the ancestor of Israel and many nations.
b) An Example of Faith for Believers (Galatians 3:6-9)
His faith set the standard for all who believe in God’s promises.
c) A Blessing to All Nations (Genesis 12:3)
Through Abraham, all families of the earth are blessed, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
d) A Friend of God (James 2:23)
Abraham’s relationship with God was intimate, and he was called God’s friend.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Legacy of Faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Like Abraham, Paul left a spiritual legacy that continues to impact believers today.
8. ABRAHAM'S STRENGTHS
Abraham had many commendable qualities that made him a great man of faith.
a) Unwavering faith in God (Hebrews 11:8)
b) Obedience to divine instructions (Genesis 12:4)
c) A heart of intercession and compassion (Genesis 18:23)
d) Generosity and hospitality (Genesis 18:1-5)
e) Biblical Example: Job’s faith and endurance (Job 1:20-22)
9. ABRAHAM'S WEAKNESSES
Despite his great faith, Abraham had moments of weakness.
a) Fear and deception about Sarah (Genesis 12:10-20, 20:1-2)
b) Impatience in waiting for God’s promise (Genesis 16:1-4)
c) Influence of Sarah in making wrong decisions (Genesis 16:2)
d) Doubt in God’s promise at times (Genesis 17:17)
e) Biblical Example: Peter’s moment of doubt (Matthew 14:28-31)
10. LESSONS FROM ABRAHAM’S LIFE
We can learn valuable lessons from Abraham's walk with God.
a) Faith requires obedience and action (James 2:22)
b) God’s promises never fail (Numbers 23:19)
c) Intercession is powerful (1 Timothy 2:1)
d) Trust in God's timing (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
e) Biblical Example: Mary’s faith in God's promise (Luke 1:38)
CONCLUSION:
Abraham's life teaches us that faith and obedience are key to walking with God. His covenant with God brought blessings to generations.
As believers, we must emulate his faith, trust God's promises, and be willing to follow His instructions without hesitation.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, help me to walk in unwavering faith like Abraham, trusting in Your promises.
2. Lord, give me the grace to obey Your instructions without hesitation or fear.
3. Father, every delay in my life’s journey, let it be divinely accelerated in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, make me a channel of blessing to my generation, just as You made Abraham.
5. Every seed of doubt and fear in my heart, be uprooted by the power of the Holy Spirit.
