Trust And Obey

God Chose and Guided Abraham (Genesis 11:27-12:20)

Illustration:Peter T. Forsythe was right when he said, "The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master".

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Integrity Crisis, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991, p. 22.

1. Aim: To lead the people to understand how God chose and guided Abraham because of his faith and obedience

2. Explanation of the Aim: Everyone needs to know that God has specially created them for a unique purpose. God chose and guided Abraham as an example of how He blesses those who trust and obey Him.

God not only calls Abraham out of his familiar surroundings but sets him apart for special service, blessings and future multiplication purposes.

Ask God to help you realize all the ways that Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God. Instead, Abraham chose to grow more mature in faith by going to a land that he knew nothing about.

Let us learn how to give God greater glory through a remarkable faith as demonstrated in our obedience to His promises.

(Gen. 11:27-12:20)

Great people of faith act in such a way that they have a confident expectation that God will do what He says. Abraham experienced some anxious moments, but refused to give in to fear and looked beyond the superficial difficulties to move where God directed him to go.

Faith is the evidence of things not seen and the assurance of things hoped for. As a result, Abraham has been known as the Father of faith. His life is an example of how we should trust God to use us in great ways since the things that are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 1:37)

Whenever God tells us to do something we can be assured that even though it may not make human sense at the time, it will always result in our best interests.

Just as God fulfilled all of His promises to Abraham so we can claim all the promises in Christ according to 2 Cor. 1:20 which says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken to us to the glory of God.”

Allow the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s promises to be appropriated in all aspects of your life, relationships and ministries.

Understand some of the difficulties that Abraham faced in leaving his home to a strange land.

How would you feel if you were told that you must prepare to leave everything behind and go to a place they had never heard of before?

The BIBLE STORY focuses on Abraham’s faith and obedience that God blessed in ways that demonstrate the Lord’s complete dependability regardless of outward circumstances.

Concentrate on looking at the trust and obedience that God blessed in the heart of Abraham.

HOw can we grow in our trust and obedience to God. Even if you have been a Christian for a long time you can mature in your trust and obedience as you seek to be more like Jesus in every way. Perhaps you need to express your faith and willingness to obey God in regards to studying your Bible, witnessing, praying and following the directions of those who are over you in the Lord.

What are some of the things that frighten people about having to go to a new place that is completely strange to them? Why?

What are some of the reasons why a person like Abraham might hesitate to go to a completely strange land when he has everything he needs in his own area?

Why do you think that God often tests our faith? How do you think people are able to grow in their faith?

What are some of the ways that you can determine if a person has great faith in God and in His promises?

One time Abraham was directed by God to go to a strange land and he went, not knowing what was ahead. God rewarded Abraham’s faith and obedience and will do the same for anyone who will take Him at His word.

The Bible Story (Gen. 11:27- 12:20)

1. Abraham’s faith is tested when God directs him to leave the things he loves the most, his land, his security and his dearest friends. But God knew what was best because Abraham’s land had become idolatrous, his family and friends were a constant temptation to him and he could not continue there without being infected by his surroundings.

2. God’s directives are always best even though they may seem difficult to adhere to at the time. Whenever we leave our human dependencies and rely completely on God and His word we will never be disappointed. Learn to replace all the negative human responses of our old sinful nature with the positive aspects of faith, love, and hope that come from the Spirit that empowers us to do whatever God asks of us.