Abraham's Journey: Trusting God's Call into the Unknown
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we delved into Genesis 12:1-3, marking the beginning of our series on Abraham's life, titled "Into the Unknown." This series is about faith, particularly Abraham's faith as he walked into unknown circumstances, trusting God's promises. We explored how God called Abraham out of his homeland, promising him a new place, a new identity, and a new purpose. This calling was not based on Abraham's righteousness but solely on God's grace and favor.
We began by understanding the historical context of Genesis, written by Moses during the Israelites' time in the wilderness. The book of Genesis is a literal historical account meant to point us to Jesus and remind us of God's faithfulness. As we transitioned into Genesis 12, we saw a shift from the origins of shared human history to the origins of God's chosen people, the Hebrews. Abraham's story is pivotal as it sets the stage for the lineage that leads to Jesus, the Messiah.
God's call to Abraham involved three significant changes: direction, identity, and purpose. First, God changed Abraham's direction by calling him to leave his country and go to a land that God would show him. This required Abraham to trust God completely, even without knowing the destination. Similarly, Jesus calls us to follow Him, leaving behind our old lives and trusting in His promises.
Second, God changed Abraham's identity by promising to make him a great nation. This promise was not just about physical descendants but about establishing a holy nation set apart for God's purposes. This parallels our identity in Christ, where we are made into a new people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation.
Finally, God changed Abraham's purpose by promising that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him. This global blessing points to the Great Commission, where we are called to share the good news of Jesus with the world. Abraham's calling is a reflection of our own, as we are given a new direction, identity, and purpose in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Call Requires Trust and Obedience: Abraham was called to leave his homeland without knowing his destination, demonstrating complete trust in God's guidance. Similarly, Jesus calls us to follow Him, often into unknown circumstances, requiring us to trust in His promises and guidance. This trust is foundational to our faith journey. [42:52]
2. Our Identity is Rooted in God's Promises: God promised to make Abraham a great nation, establishing his identity as the father of God's chosen people. In Christ, we are given a new identity as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Our worth and purpose are rooted in God's promises, not in our achievements or status. [55:10]
3. God's Promises are Fulfilled by His Power: The promise of a great nation seemed impossible for Abraham and Sarah, yet God fulfilled it by His power. Similarly, God's promises to us, such as forgiveness and eternal life, are fulfilled by His power and grace, not by our efforts. This assurance strengthens our faith and hope. [57:42]
4. We are Called to be a Blessing to Others: God's promise to Abraham included being a blessing to all the families of the earth. This reflects our purpose as Christians to share the gospel and be a blessing to others. Our lives should reflect God's love and grace, pointing others to Him. [01:05:12]
5. God's Call Transforms Our Lives: Abraham's calling changed his direction, identity, and purpose. Similarly, when we respond to God's call, our lives are transformed. We are given a new direction, a new identity in Christ, and a new purpose to glorify God and advance His kingdom. This transformation is a testament to God's grace and power. [01:07:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:09] - Introduction to Genesis 12
[35:00] - Series Title: Into the Unknown
[35:53] - Reading Genesis 12:1-3
[36:29] - Prayer and Context of Genesis
[37:20] - Historical Account and God's Faithfulness
[38:19] - Shift in Genesis: Abraham's Story
[39:23] - God's Plan of Redemption
[40:12] - Connection to the Gospel of John
[41:05] - Abraham's Faith and God's Promises
[42:02] - Seven "I Will" Statements
[42:52] - God Changes Our Direction
[46:14] - Abraham's Sacrifice and Trust
[47:46] - Jesus' Call to Follow
[49:06] - Abraham's Spiritual Understanding
[50:50] - Promise of a New Place
[52:35] - Living as Sojourners
[53:28] - Promise of Eternal Life
[54:21] - God Changes Our Identity
[55:10] - Promise of a New People
[56:02] - God's Unconditional Grace
[57:42] - Struggle and Fulfillment of God's Promise
[58:33] - Establishment of Israel
[59:23] - Spiritual Greatness of Israel
[01:00:16] - Spiritual Promises to the Church
[01:01:04] - Advancing God's Promise
[01:01:53] - Jesus' Promises to Believers
[01:02:39] - New Direction and Identity in Christ
[01:03:14] - Belonging to God's Family
[01:03:53] - God Changes Our Purpose
[01:04:29] - Global Blessing and Mission
[01:05:12] - Paul's Explanation in Galatians
[01:05:57] - Proclaiming the Gospel
[01:06:42] - Great Commission Grounded in Genesis 12
[01:07:34] - Parallel to Our Calling
[01:08:20] - Reflection and Challenge
[01:09:05] - Engaging in God's Mission
[01:09:57] - Invitation to Receive Christ
[01:10:43] - Promises of New Life in Christ
[01:11:31] - Struggles and God's Promises
[01:12:23] - Righteousness Through Christ
[01:13:02] - Contrast with Other Religions
[01:14:19] - Righteousness of Christ
[01:14:58] - Christianity's Unique Message
[01:15:45] - Invitation to Believe
[01:16:26] - Time for Reflection and Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Genesis 12:1-3
- Romans 4:20-21
- 1 Peter 2:9
### Observation Questions
1. What three significant changes did God call Abraham to make according to Genesis 12:1-3? ([35:53])
2. How does the sermon describe Abraham's initial life and background before God's call? ([44:23])
3. What are the three points the pastor highlights about how God changes our lives, as seen in Abraham's story? ([42:52])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Abraham's call to leave his homeland without knowing his destination demonstrate trust and obedience? ([42:52])
2. In what ways does the promise to make Abraham a great nation relate to our identity in Christ as described in 1 Peter 2:9? ([55:10])
3. How does the promise that all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? ([01:06:42])
### Application Questions
1. Abraham was called to leave his homeland and trust God without knowing the destination. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you respond to that call? ([42:52])
2. The sermon mentioned that our identity is rooted in God's promises, not in our achievements or status. How does this truth impact the way you view your self-worth and purpose? ([55:10])
3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's promises being fulfilled by His power, not by your efforts. How did this strengthen your faith? ([57:42])
4. The sermon emphasized that we are called to be a blessing to others. Can you identify a specific way you can be a blessing to someone in your community this week? ([01:05:12])
5. Abraham's calling transformed his direction, identity, and purpose. How has responding to God's call transformed your life? Are there areas where you still need to embrace this transformation? ([01:07:34])
6. The pastor challenged believers to reflect on how they are engaged in God's mission. What steps can you take to be more actively involved in sharing the gospel and advancing God's kingdom? ([01:09:05])
7. The sermon mentioned that God's call to Abraham was based on grace, not righteousness. How does understanding God's grace change the way you approach your relationship with Him and others? ([45:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Call into the Unknown
Description: Abraham was called to leave his homeland without knowing his destination, demonstrating complete trust in God's guidance. Similarly, Jesus calls us to follow Him, often into unknown circumstances, requiring us to trust in His promises and guidance. This trust is foundational to our faith journey. [42:52]
Hebrews 11:8 (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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a practical step today to trust Him more in that area?
Day 2: Our Identity in God's Promises
Description: God promised to make Abraham a great nation, establishing his identity as the father of God's chosen people. In Christ, we are given a new identity as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Our worth and purpose are rooted in God's promises, not in our achievements or status. [55:10]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your purpose? What is one way you can live out this identity today?
Day 3: God's Power in Fulfilling Promises
Description: The promise of a great nation seemed impossible for Abraham and Sarah, yet God fulfilled it by His power. Similarly, God's promises to us, such as forgiveness and eternal life, are fulfilled by His power and grace, not by our efforts. This assurance strengthens our faith and hope. [57:42]
Romans 4:20-21 (ESV): "No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised."
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that seems impossible in your life. How can you remind yourself of God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?
Day 4: Being a Blessing to Others
Description: God's promise to Abraham included being a blessing to all the families of the earth. This reflects our purpose as Christians to share the gospel and be a blessing to others. Our lives should reflect God's love and grace, pointing others to Him. [01:05:12]
Galatians 3:8 (ESV): "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed.'"
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can be a blessing to today? What specific action can you take to show them God's love and grace?
Day 5: Transformation Through God's Call
Description: Abraham's calling changed his direction, identity, and purpose. Similarly, when we respond to God's call, our lives are transformed. We are given a new direction, a new identity in Christ, and a new purpose to glorify God and advance His kingdom. This transformation is a testament to God's grace and power. [01:07:34]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on how God's call has transformed your life. What is one area where you still need to embrace this transformation more fully? How can you take a step towards that today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God will never ask you to give something up where he won't provide any lack that may result. He's going to take care of you if he asks you to give something up." [49:52] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we walk in that promise, when we repent and believe in Jesus, not only do we receive a new direction, or better yet, a new destination, we also get a new identity. We're made into a great nation. We no longer walk in the ways of the world. We no longer belong to the world, as Paul says in Ephesians 2. We belong to Christ Jesus, and we become a member of his family." [01:02:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you belong to Jesus, your identity, it's found in him. And your people, your family that you belong to, it's the people of God, the people around you, the people in other churches that have been changed, by the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit, the people of God." [01:03:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have to understand that the God we're reading about here in Genesis 12, it's not some distinct God. It's the same God that indwells us even now. His heart. It's always been his heart. It's the essence of his calling when he called Abraham out of darkness. And it's the essence of his calling when he calls us out of darkness." [01:07:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Christianity, it's the complete opposite. It's about acknowledging your brokenness, your sin, your defeat, your pain, your sorrow, your hurt, your inability to save yourself. And guys, it's all about what Jesus has already did. That's it." [01:14:58] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's call changes his direction completely. And God's promise of a new place, it reoriented his life. And in the same ways, Jesus' call on us, on our life, Jesus' promise of an eternal kingdom, of eternity with him in a physical city that he will perfect, it should reorient our life." [54:21] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The calling of Abraham, it's one of the most important moments between the garden and the cross. And yet this account, Moses, he records that God simply visits Abraham, again, who's living in a land of idolatry, who's living in a land who worships pagan gods, and he chooses him on one simple basis. God's own favor and choice." [45:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Great Commission, what Jesus laid out in Matthew 28, 19 and 20, it's all grounded in the Genesis 12 promise. All of us who are Abram's spiritual offspring, we get to share the good news about Jesus. And listen, I say we get to, we don't have to. We get the great privilege of sharing as believers." [01:06:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's purpose here, it's all about his will and what he wishes to accomplish, which is exactly why God's first and last words to Abraham, at least in our text, they begin with an imperative or command. It's go, and then the last one is take." [46:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's promise to make Abram into a great nation, it advances closer and closer to ultimate fulfillment. Do you realize that? Listen, just as God promised, God promised Abram a blessing that was beyond natural possibility. I mean, the same can be said of God's promises to us in Jesus." [01:01:04] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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