Abraham: A Journey of Faith and Assurance
Summary
In today's exploration of the life of Abraham, we delve into the profound faith and assurance that characterized his journey with God. Abraham's story, as recounted in Genesis and further illuminated in the New Testament, serves as a powerful testament to the life of faith and the assurance of God's promises. Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and venture into the unknown, a journey that required immense trust and obedience. This call was not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, where Abraham's faith was continually tested and strengthened.
Abraham's faith was not a blind leap into the dark but a confident trust in God's promises. He believed in God's purpose and plan, even when the fulfillment of those promises seemed distant or impossible. This belief was counted to him as righteousness, making him the father of all who live by faith. His life exemplifies the principle that true faith is accompanied by obedience. Abraham's willingness to leave everything familiar and follow God's call demonstrates a profound trust in God's character and promises.
The assurance of faith that Abraham experienced is available to us today through the Holy Spirit. This assurance is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, personal conviction that God is faithful and His promises are true. It is this assurance that empowers us to live boldly and confidently in a world that often contradicts our faith. As we reflect on Abraham's life, we are challenged to examine our own faith and assurance. Are we living with the same confidence in God's promises? Are we willing to step out in obedience, trusting that God will lead us and fulfill His purposes in our lives?
Key Takeaways:
- Faith and Obedience: Abraham's journey illustrates that true faith is inseparable from obedience. His willingness to leave his homeland and follow God's call demonstrates a profound trust in God's promises. This obedience is a hallmark of genuine faith, showing that belief in God must translate into action. [37:06]
- Assurance of God's Promises: Abraham's life teaches us the importance of having assurance in God's promises. Despite not seeing the immediate fulfillment of God's promises, Abraham trusted that God would fulfill them in His time. This assurance is a source of strength and peace, enabling us to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. [49:25]
- Friendship with God: Abraham was called the friend of God, a title that signifies intimacy and trust. This relationship was marked by God's willingness to share His plans with Abraham, highlighting the depth of their connection. As believers, we are invited into this same intimacy with God, where He reveals His heart and purposes to us. [17:10]
- Living by Faith: Abraham's life exemplifies the principle of living by faith, not by sight. He looked beyond the immediate circumstances to the eternal promises of God, seeking a city with foundations whose builder and maker is God. This perspective challenges us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing God's kingdom over earthly concerns. [34:04]
- Trusting God in the Unknown: Abraham's journey into the unknown teaches us to trust God even when we don't understand His ways. His faith was rooted in the knowledge of God's character, allowing him to walk confidently into uncertainty. This trust is essential for navigating the complexities of life, knowing that God is with us and will guide us. [45:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - God's Call to Abraham
- [01:10] - Abraham's Journey to Canaan
- [02:22] - God's Covenant with Abraham
- [04:42] - New Testament Reflections on Abraham
- [06:39] - Assurance of Being God's Children
- [08:06] - The Joy of Christian Assurance
- [10:01] - Faith of the Ancients
- [11:32] - Abraham's Faith and Assurance
- [13:42] - God's Promises to Abraham
- [16:14] - Abraham: Friend of God
- [18:37] - Old Testament Assurance
- [22:05] - New Testament Assurance
- [25:06] - The Secret of Abraham's Faith
- [41:07] - Blessings of Assurance
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Life of Abraham
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 12:1-5
2. Genesis 15:1-6
3. Hebrews 11:8-12
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did God give to Abraham when He called him to leave his homeland? How did Abraham respond to these instructions? ([00:13])
2. In Genesis 15, what promise did God make to Abraham regarding his descendants, and how did Abraham react to this promise? ([02:02])
3. According to Hebrews 11, what was Abraham's attitude as he lived in the land of promise, and what was he ultimately looking for? ([46:36])
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and obedience in Abraham's life? ([37:06])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Abraham's willingness to leave his homeland demonstrate the connection between faith and obedience? What does this suggest about the nature of true faith? ([37:06])
2. The sermon mentions that Abraham was called the "friend of God." What does this title imply about Abraham's relationship with God, and how might this influence a believer's understanding of intimacy with God? ([17:10])
3. In what ways does the assurance of God's promises, as seen in Abraham's life, provide strength and peace to believers today? How can this assurance impact one's daily life? ([49:25])
4. How does the concept of living by faith, as exemplified by Abraham, challenge modern believers to prioritize God's kingdom over earthly concerns? ([34:04])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out in faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Abraham's example of obedience? ([37:06])
2. Abraham trusted God's promises even when they seemed distant or impossible. Is there a promise from God that you find difficult to trust? How can you cultivate a deeper assurance in God's faithfulness? ([49:25])
3. Consider your current relationship with God. How can you deepen your intimacy with Him, similar to how Abraham was called the "friend of God"? ([17:10])
4. Abraham lived with an eternal perspective, seeking a city whose builder and maker is God. How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal priorities in your daily life? ([34:04])
5. Abraham's journey into the unknown required trust in God's character. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God more fully, even when the path is unclear? How can you take a step of faith this week? ([45:06])
6. How can you apply the principle of faith leading to action in your life? Identify one area where you can demonstrate your faith through obedience this week. ([37:06])
7. Abraham's life challenges us to examine our own faith and assurance. What steps can you take to strengthen your confidence in God's promises and live boldly in your faith? ([49:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
True faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's call. Abraham's journey exemplifies the inseparable link between faith and obedience. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland, he responded with unwavering trust, stepping into the unknown with confidence in God's promises. This act of obedience was not just a physical departure but a profound spiritual journey that showcased his deep trust in God's character. Abraham's life teaches us that genuine faith is not passive but active, requiring us to act on our beliefs and trust in God's guidance. [37:06]
Hebrews 11:8-9 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith and obedience? How can you take a concrete step towards that today?
Day 2: Assurance in God's Promises
Abraham's life is a testament to the assurance found in God's promises. Despite not seeing the immediate fulfillment of these promises, Abraham's faith did not waver. He trusted that God would fulfill His word in His perfect timing. This assurance provided Abraham with strength and peace, enabling him to navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. As believers, we are invited to embrace this same assurance, trusting that God's promises are true and will be fulfilled in our lives. [49:25]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Is there a promise from God that you are struggling to believe will be fulfilled? How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness and trust in His timing today?
Day 3: Intimacy with God
Abraham was called the friend of God, a title that signifies a deep intimacy and trust. This relationship was marked by God's willingness to share His plans with Abraham, highlighting the depth of their connection. As believers, we are invited into this same intimacy with God, where He reveals His heart and purposes to us. This friendship with God is not just about receiving guidance but about cultivating a relationship where we know and are known by Him. [17:10]
James 2:23 (ESV): "And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper friendship with God this week? What specific steps can you take to spend more time in His presence and listen to His voice?
Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Abraham's life exemplifies the principle of living by faith, not by sight. He looked beyond the immediate circumstances to the eternal promises of God, seeking a city with foundations whose builder and maker is God. This perspective challenges us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing God's kingdom over earthly concerns. By focusing on the eternal, we can navigate life's challenges with hope and purpose, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. [34:04]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What earthly concerns are currently distracting you from focusing on God's eternal promises? How can you shift your perspective to prioritize God's kingdom today?
Day 5: Trusting God in Uncertainty
Abraham's journey into the unknown teaches us to trust God even when we don't understand His ways. His faith was rooted in the knowledge of God's character, allowing him to walk confidently into uncertainty. This trust is essential for navigating the complexities of life, knowing that God is with us and will guide us. By trusting in God's character, we can face the unknown with courage and assurance, confident that He is leading us according to His perfect plan. [45:06]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are facing uncertainty? How can you actively choose to trust in God's character and guidance in that situation today?
Quotes
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 show 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. [00:00:13]
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed and he went out not knowing whether he went. By faith he sergeon in the land of promise as in a strange country dwelling in Tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob. [00:05:23]
Abraham believed God and it was imputed unto him for righteousness and he was called the friend of God. Now that's a wonderful thing. We've seen that Enoch walked with God, that Noah walked with God, and we saw something of the content of that. [00:16:27]
The highest form of assurance is not an assurance that you deduce yourself from the Scriptures. It is an assurance that is given to you by God. The spirit himself beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God. That is the assurance that every Christian should be enjoying. [00:15:01]
Abraham believed God concerning his great purpose. Now here is a very wonderful theme that runs right through the Bible. We've already seen a way back in the case of Abel in contrast with Cain that this at once became the fundamental division of the whole human race. [00:28:53]
Abraham believed God and he obeyed him. It's not a small thing to suddenly get up and leave the place in which your forefathers have lived for so long. You leave all your associations, you leave all your relatives, you leave all your friends, you just get up and you go out. [00:37:06]
Abraham was senior to Lot and he had the right of choice, but he didn't take it. Abram's one desire was to please God. He could see the fruitful Valley, but he could also see Sodom and Gomorra. Lot couldn't see the condition of Sodom and Gomorra. [00:39:56]
The greatest blessing of all that Assurance brings us is that we know God. We know his character. There's all the difference in the world believing things about God and rarely knowing him. Now Assurance gives the knowledge. God speaks to people and God makes himself manifest. [00:41:07]
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which you should have to receive for an inheritance, obeyed and he went out not knowing whether he went. He had no idea where he was going, but he went. [00:45:06]
Abraham believed God though the promise is not actually fulfilled in his own day himself. He knows it's true. He knows it's his. He knows it's going to be his descendants, though actually himself he has not given it as an actual possession. [00:49:25]
Abraham believed God and he knew God. He didn't understand the purpose fully, but he said it's all right. This is his way. I'll walk it whatever it is. Nothing matters to me except his word. I know he's going to fulfill it in his own time and in his own way. [00:49:25]
The Christian is a man who is meant to know that he's a child of God. He's meant to know his father and he's meant to know him so well and so thoroughly that whatever happens he is able to say whatever my God ordains Is Right. [00:51:32]
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