Sermon Central
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The Three Sides Of Abraham Series
Contributed by Carl Allen on Mar 31, 2009 (message contributor)
Summary: Well this passage today reveals three sides of the life of Abraham. In this passage, he is visited personally by the Lord. During this visit we are given a glimpse at three sides of this great man’s life.
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Following In the Footsteps of Faith
THE THREE SIDES OF ABRAHAM
Genesis 18:1-33
Intro: Everyone in this room wears many different hats. For instance, I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a Pastor, a friend, among many other things. Well this passage today reveals three sides of the life of Abraham. In this passage, he is visited personally by the Lord. During this visit we are given a glimpse at three sides of this great man’s life. As Abraham is revealed to us here, we see some characteristics in his life that need to be seen in every life here this morning. For a few minutes, I want to look into this personal encounter between the Lord and Abraham. I want to preach to you about THE THREE SIDES OF ABRAHAM and have us examine our lives to determine whether or not we are made of the same stuff as this great man of God.
I. THE MINISTRY OF A SERVANT (vv. 1-8)
• It is important as we look into this text that we look at the identity of Abraham’s visitors.
o One of these beings was the Lord Jesus Himself.
o The other two were angels.
• It seems that Abraham recognized the heavenly origin of his guests, because he sprang into action to serve them when they appeared.
o That reaction sets a good example for us because you never know when the Lord will show up at your place!
o When He does, He is looking for the same servant heart He found in Abraham.
• Notice with me the three aspects of that servant’s heart:
A. The Quickness of His Ministry (vv. 1-6)
• Abraham springs into action speedily trying to supply every need of his heavenly visitors.
o He may be 100, but there is not hesitation as he flies from one task to the next, until all is completed.
• Here is a man who recognized his duty and set about to do it as quickly as possible!
o May I just remind you that the Lord deserves the best service we can give Him!
o When we are serving Him, regardless of how menial the task, we should do our best to recognize who we are serving and we should seek to do the best possible job for the glory of the Lord!
• It simply comes down to this: If it is worth doing for the Lord, it is worth doing right.
B. The Quality of His Ministry (vv. 7-8)
• Not only was Abraham swift in his service to the Lord, but he was also sacrificial in his service to the Lord.
o He went to his flock and personally selected, killed and prepared a calf for their meal.
• You haven’t really become a servant until your service costs you personally.
o Being willing to sacrifice for your master is a sign that you are possessed of a servant’s heart.
o Whether the service is time, tithe or talents, it is willingly rendered at the request of the Master and for His glory.
o The greatest sacrifice you can offer, of course, is yourself
o That is a sacrifice that no one else can give to Him!
o By the way, when He has you, He has everything you have anyway!
C. The Quietness of His Ministry (v. 8)
• While his visitors were eating their meal, Abraham stood quietly by to serve them in any way they might need.
o He simply stood beside them, adopting the pose of a servant, listening for the voice of his Lord!
• Imagine the reaction of Abraham’s servants as they watched him assume the role of a servant to the Lord.
o What a powerful testimony it was to them!
o By the way, others are watching!
o So we need to make sure our service and testimony are all they should be!
• Real servants of God are those individuals who make themselves ever available to the Lord and His work.
o They are ready and willing to serve Him on a moments notice.
o When there are no orders to follow, they continue to do the last thing He told them until new orders come.
o They are His and they have no will of their own, but they are dedicated to His will for their lives!
o That is a servant’s heart!
II. THE MESSAGE FOR A SAINT (vv. 9-21)
• God always rewards the faithful service that is rendered to Him.
o In Abraham’s case, He does this by reassuring Abraham regarding the birth of Isaac.
• Verses 18-19 tell us of the great affection, knowledge and care God possessed for this man Abraham.
o God knew what caliber of man Abraham was.
o He knew that Abraham would stand the test and be all that God wanted him to be.
