It must be noted that God blessed Abraham not primarily for his enjoyment but so he could be a blessing to many. However, in Abrahams case, God says, I will make your name great. While Abraham lived in the land, he became very wealthy and was treated as a great prince by the Canaanites (cf. 2 I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. To this he replied: Brothers and fathers, listen to me! How would God do this? I gave him Isaac. Num 24:9b). One of the wonderful things about God is that he is persistent. As we follow Gods call, he promises to bless those who bless us and curse those who curse us. Similarly, Romans 12:19 says to believers, Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. In considering Gods blessings, Scripture says that even a bottle of water given to one of his people will be rewarded (Matt 10:42). Mark 4:2425 says, Consider carefully what you hear, he continued. (a) How do we know that humans can become God's friends? The kind of faith that God blesses is the faith tha We dont know. Some would say if we were elected before time that means we do nothing for our salvation and are just robots. Interpretation Question: Throughout Abrahams narrative we commonly see him build altars. After this, Jacobs children sold his son, Joseph, into slavery, and lied to Jacob about it for years. Maybe, God spoke to him through a fiery bush, through a cloud, a blinding light, or a soft whisper. Essentially, this means that the promises in Scripture are given to make us holy and deliver us from sin. B&H Publishing Group. No man comes to the father but through me (John 14:6). However, even Noahs descendants became sinful. In these times, he says that his grace is sufficient for you because his power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:6)he is enough. He was not a timid, quiet worshiper. As believers, we groan for our heavenly dwellingwe are but pilgrims here. God called Abraham out of the millions of people on the earth to be the object of His blessings. With that said, we see this general promise reiterated throughout Scripture to those who faithfully obey God. God prospers him with wealth; he gives him a baby when he and his wife were past childbearing age. Like Paul, God stops Abraham right in the midst of his sin and calls him. Because Sarah believed God was faithful, she gave birth to a son well past her childbearing years. However, Abraham was not seeking his own glory, and God promised to exalt him. Who was Abraham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org We are pilgrims. You must follow me. (John 21:2022). How should it affect how we look at ourselves? The altar symbolized his worship. We see this several times in Abrahams narrative. When Abraham began to follow God, he became a worshiper. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. FROM the cradle to the grave, our greatest need is love. When God calls us or moves in our lives, many times he doesnt give us reasons or calm the waves of our curiosity. Blessing has to do with approval. We can build our altars wherever we go. Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of Knowledge to be like God, and God disciplined them. Again, God has given a general call in Scripture for everyone to obeylike meditating on his Word day and night, sharing the gospel, using our spiritual gifts to serve the church, and turning away from sin. 2 "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Second Corinthians 5:2 says, Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.. Application Question: How have you experienced God using you more when you faithfully obey him? All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. (Romans 3:1112), the sinful mind is hostile to God. Are you obeying? How have you experienced his grace when stepping out in faith? Similarly, Jacob, Abrahams grandson, was a compulsive liar. Gods call for us is to share the messiah with others. What happens when believers never mature (cf. Bible Study Guides - Abraham's Calling - Steps to Life and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.. -I will make you a blessing to others. Abraham's Early Life - Chabad.org Ur, though a prosperous city, was full of idolatry and Abrahams family worshiped idols. Genesis 12:1-4; Acts 7:4. Because Abraham loved and obeyed God, Gods displayed his love to Isaac, then to Jacob, then to Jacobs children. Scripture says it is Gods kindness that draws men to repentance (Rom 2:4). Everything can be worship as we offer it to the Lord in prayer, as we work at it with all our heart, and as we seek to honor the Lord through it. God will constantly call you to depend on him and trust him more. By one persons count, the Bible contains over 3,000 promises. Often, God is not only the God of second chances, but of third, fourth, and fifth chances as well. Genesis 17 NLT - Abram Is Named Abraham - Bible Gateway Are you trying to make your name great? What did Abraham do to strengthen his friendship with God? (Genesis 11:3132). Some commentators, like F. B. Meyer, believe that Abraham, like Noah before him, was a faithful follower of God.2 However, it seems that Abraham is included with the idolaters, as he was one of Israels forefathers. His call seems to be more like Pauls. Some of the greatest rewards that God gives are to our children and our childrens children. Paul taught that the very faith that we demonstrate in our salvation is only a result of grace. Here is what God promised to do. Chuck Swindoll adds: Historical records indicate that the Canaanites had shrines in groves of oak trees, and Moreh may have been one of their cult centers. [7] Worshipers of fertility gods believed that large trees were evidence of the reproductive power associated with the area; they thought one could become more fertile by worshiping there.10, This must stand out to us. I felt Gods call to preach at nine years old. God also promises to bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him. Paul the apostle described it this way in Romans 8:2223: We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. We are pilgrims. Also, he left his job, house, culture, and many other securities. God always protected Abraham (cf. Abraham would be approved by God for his obedience. With the tower of Babel, people tried to make a name for themselves, and God shattered their ambitions by confusing their languages. How can you imitate Abraham in building a friendship with Jehovah? Life of Abraham Timeline - Bible Study 4. Abraham and Sarah, The Couple Who Believed God for The Impossible Like the rich man, they want to keep their idols with them as they follow Christ. It can be translated happy. Gods blessing brings joy in the life of a personno matter the circumstances. Through some difficult trials in my life, God softened my heart and prepared me to say, Yes. Whatever Gods will for my life was; I was ready to follow. It isnt fair. But those who do not obey, God takes away. The Bible traces Abraham's steps from Ur to Haran (north of Canaan), through the land of Canaan, into Egypt, and back into Canaan (which later became Israel). There is no other way for people to have eternal life except through him. his pleasing and perfect will. Are there any specific ways he is calling you to sacrifice now? Application Question: Are there any ways God is calling you to leave behind the world and sin to fulfill your call? What aspects of Gods specific call has the Lord already revealed to you? There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. [13] Haran was the father of Lot, who was Abram's nephew; the entire family lived in Ur of the Chaldees. Who is Abraham in the Bible and Why is He Important? He may call someone to faith; that is, to believe in him. And its the same with Abraham. Salvation could not happen any other way. They cried out and said, Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth (Gen 11:4). I dont buy new curtains, covers, or a stereo system. They worship themselves, others, or other things, but they do not worship God (cf. No, doubt God called Abraham to leave his family and country to separate him from those temptations. "He considered that . God will call you to serve in a ministrymany times, one you feel ill equipped for. What is God calling you to sacrifice in order to fulfill his call? The question really is, Do we really hunger for righteousness?. (Genesis 12:69). Abraham was in a world full of idols and idolaters; however, as part of his call, he boldly worshiped the true and living God. Matt 6:20). The mind of man is so corrupted that he is hostile to God and cannot submit to his law. First Peter 5:6 says, Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Certainly, this is what we saw in Christ. Most miss out on this part of their call by staying in spiritual immaturity. Want to have the faith that Abraham had? Sometimes, this will even lead to persecution. Was it because they were more obedient, more spiritual, or more faithful? It is no surprise to see that as Abraham lied about his wife being his sister twice (Gen 12 and 20), this same sin was later found in his child as well. God called him out of a rebellious world to be a conduit for salvation. In 1 Peter, these Christians were forced to leave their homes and land because of Roman persecution. Application Question: What are your favorite promises in the Bible and how do they help you to fulfill Gods call? To him be the glory forever! The history of the Jewish people begins in Bronze Age times in the Middle East when God promised a nomad leader called Abram that he would be the father of a great people if he did as God . This is true because he is the only way to salvation. 9 God is on several accounts called the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God led Abram to the land of Canaan. For example, I know God is not calling me to be a chefbecause I dont have any cooking skills. Essentially, he teaches us how to depend on him and live the life of faith. 6 Guzik, David (2012-12-08). We believed in Christ as our Lord and Savior because of grace, and we received this grace because of Gods election. One person will be called to be a missionary sent to live in poverty and give his life for the gospel, while another Christian will live prosperously in a wealthy city with no overt persecution. He rejects those who fight to gain the world, and he gives the world and all its riches to the meek (Matt 5:5)those who will not fight for their rights. Why are things this way? Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition. What can we learn about Gods call through this? In fact, something that distinguishes the world is the fact that they do not worship Godat least not the true God. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, Lord, who is going to betray you?) When Peter saw him, he asked, Lord, what about him? Jesus answered, If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? Observation Question: What promises did God give Abraham? Christ uses similar logic. Yes, obeying Gods call means, at times, being uncomfortable. What about the Israelites? Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. This, in fact, is one of the reasons why many wont heed Gods call. Abraham never received the land while living in it. Abram's life depended upon how well he listened to what God said. They died in the wilderness, and instead, God gave the land to their children. Here, God promises to remove that shame and not only give them a child but to bring a great nation from him. 1. Isaac lied about his wife to Abimelech (Gen 26). (1 Corinthians 2:14). Genesis (Kindle Locations 22032205). Will you leave it? Greg Brown has served twenty years in pastoral ministry, including twelve in his current position as a chaplain and professor at Handong Global University and the teaching pastor at Handong International Congregation. We get another picture of this persistent call in the story of Jonah. Gen 11:31), but also because he left much of his resources in Ur. (Genesis 12:19). However, the Lord will not allow it. Absolutely not. Interpretation Question: In what ways was God calling Abraham to faith and dependence upon him? Kindle Edition. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. He humbled himself to the lowest of the low in order to serve God and others, and God gave him a name above every name (Phil 2:511). A specific call deals with things that are not clearly revealed through his Wordsuch as who to marry, what job to take, and how to serve. 1, p. 120). Amen. Then Abrahams wife was returned along with wealth once again. He blessed those who blessed him and cursed those who cursed him. While Paul was on his way to persecute Christians, Christ appeared to him in a shining light and converted him (Acts 9). We are simply preparing and waiting for our eternal home. Joshua 24:23 says. Abraham was an unrighteous person who was raised in a different, pagan culture. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. We can learn a great deal about Gods call as we consider Abrahams call. As we study him, we will learn a great deal about living a life of faith (cf. Many Christians cannot fully follow Christ because they still want to hold onto sin and sinful relationships. I commonly attribute this to the natural groaning in all believers. Application Question: In what ways have you seen or experienced generational blessing or generational cursing in your own family or others? Abraham. The messiah would be both divine and human. Abraham | Facts & Significance | Britannica He did not leave everything God commanded. What is my next step? BBC - Religions - Judaism: Abraham What did God call Abraham to do? - Answers Application Question: What are some of these great promises God has given to help guide us in our callings? God showed up and called an idolater, a liar, and a future polygamist to be the father of those who believe because of election. Gen 23:6). God Calls Abraham | Bible Stories This is the very reason God created man in the first place. Men of Character: Abraham: Holding Fast to the Will of God (Kindle Locations 179181). James 4:6). Acts 7:24 says. Genesis Chapter 12 Abraham and the Land of Canaan Abraham descended from Shem, Noah's son, and was Noah's great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandson. At that point, I could say like Christ, Not my will, but your will be done.. But he does give us promises to help along the way, and many of these promises are conditionalcoming after our obedience. After Israels rebellion, they wandered in the wilderness until they died. This is true for us as well. The nation of Israel is truly a great nation because of the spiritual lineage that came through them. This is not a groaning that the world can have, it is only a groaning that true Christians have. When we are faithful with what God has already revealed, he gives us more. The National Promise: "A great nation." 3. All rights reserved. No doubt, the Canaanites said, Who is this Abraham guy and who is his God?. This is a difficult doctrine, but unless we accept it, we will find ourselves confused at much of Scriptures teachings. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.. But if you humble yourself and seek the Lord, you will be exalted. Other versions include English Standard Version, New Living Translation, New American Standard Bible, and King James Version. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. What makes him special is Gods election. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. If anyone is going to follow Christ, he must deny himself and take up his cross. God calls Abraham Flashcards | Quizlet Answer Abraham is called the friend of God, the father of the Jews, and the father of the faithful. God used Abraham to play a pivotal role in the outworking of the story of redemption, culminating in the birth of Jesus. Abraham was called to leave his country, his people, and his fathers household. Also, he would need to consider his own talents and desires. By being faithful to Gods general will, one can discern Gods specific will. Abraham: One Nomad's Amazing Journey of Faith (Kindle Locations 390393). "Unto a Land That I Will Show Thee" In that culture, it was shameful to not have any children. Enduring Word Media. Jesus said, In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16). In this communication from God to Abram, we discover three distinctive promises and we may refer to the three as - the land promise, the national promise and the spiritual promise. -I will make your name great. This is our call as well. Abram listened carefully to all of God's directions. Election reminds us of Gods graceit keeps us humble. How Faith Can Empower Us To Fulfill Our Ultimate Calling March 28, 2023 by Kenneth Garcia The question of why did God choose Abraham is not uncommon. He calls it the great tree of Moreh. The title Moreh means teaching. This was the the great tree of Teaching.9 Most likely, this was a Canaanite shrine where people gathered to worship some deity and also listen to the deitys teachers. Because God is King, he can do whatever he wants, but also since man is sinful and in total rebellion towards God, he must elect some to obedience and salvation. Psalm 1:3 describes the man who is blessed by God as a tree that produces fruit in season.