Embracing the Abrahamic Blessing Through Faith in Christ
Summary
The sermon today delved into the profound significance of the Abrahamic blessing and its relevance to us through Christ Jesus. We began by exploring Galatians 3:13-14, which highlights how Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, allowing the blessing of Abraham to extend to the Gentiles. This blessing, initially promised to Abraham, is now accessible to us through faith in Christ. The journey of understanding this blessing took us back to Genesis 12, where God called Abraham to leave his homeland, promising to make him a great nation and a blessing to all families on earth. This separation was necessary for Abraham to fully depend on God, illustrating that sometimes God separates us from familiar surroundings to fulfill His greater purpose.
We examined the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 17, emphasizing its everlasting nature and its extension to all generations. This covenant was not limited to the Israelites but was intended for all who would come to faith, including us. The sermon highlighted the strategic nature of God's plan, which was fulfilled through Christ, the true offspring of Abraham. Through Christ, we are grafted into this lineage, becoming heirs to the promise.
The sermon also explored why Abraham was chosen, focusing on his unwavering faith. Romans 4 reveals that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, making him the father of all who believe. His faith was so profound that he believed God's promises even when circumstances seemed impossible. This faith is a model for us, encouraging us to trust in God's promises despite challenges.
Finally, we looked at the role of Christ as our eternal high priest in the order of Melchizedek, as described in Hebrews 7. This priesthood signifies a change in the law, allowing us to partake in a better covenant. The Abrahamic blessing is not just spiritual but also encompasses material prosperity and longevity, as seen in Abraham's life. We are encouraged to claim this blessing, recognizing that it is our inheritance through Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Abrahamic Blessing Through Christ: The blessing of Abraham, initially for the Hebrews, is now available to us through Christ. This blessing is not just a historical promise but a present reality for believers, emphasizing the strategic nature of God's plan. [01:49]
2. Separation for Greater Purpose: Just as Abraham was called to leave his homeland, sometimes God separates us from familiar surroundings to fulfill His greater purpose. This separation is not just for our benefit but for future generations. [05:06]
3. Faith as Righteousness: Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, making him the father of all who believe. His unwavering trust in God's promises, despite impossible circumstances, serves as a model for our faith journey. [15:17]
4. Christ's Eternal Priesthood: Jesus, as our eternal high priest in the order of Melchizedek, signifies a change in the law, allowing us to partake in a better covenant. This priesthood ensures that the Abrahamic blessing is accessible to us. [27:02]
5. Claiming the Abrahamic Blessing: The Abrahamic blessing includes spiritual, material, and physical prosperity. As heirs of this promise, we are encouraged to claim this blessing, recognizing it as our inheritance through Christ. [34:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:49] - Introduction to the Abrahamic Blessing
- [05:06] - The Call of Abraham
- [10:16] - The Everlasting Covenant
- [11:32] - Inclusion of the Gentiles
- [15:17] - Abraham's Faith and Righteousness
- [16:43] - The Significance of Faith
- [20:51] - Abraham as the Father of Faith
- [27:02] - Christ's Role as High Priest
- [28:48] - The Better Covenant
- [34:21] - Material and Spiritual Blessings
- [35:15] - The Legacy of Abraham
- [36:49] - The Blessing in Our Lives
- [38:03] - Conclusion and Prayer
- [39:42] - Worship and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 3:13-14
2. Genesis 12:1-3
3. Hebrews 7:1-10
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Galatians 3:13-14, how did Christ redeem us from the curse of the law, and what is the significance of this redemption? [01:49]
2. In Genesis 12:1-3, what specific promises did God make to Abraham, and how do these promises relate to the concept of separation for a greater purpose? [05:06]
3. How does Hebrews 7 describe the priesthood of Melchizedek, and what is its significance in relation to Christ's eternal priesthood? [27:02]
4. What does Romans 4 reveal about Abraham's faith, and how was it credited to him as righteousness? [15:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Abrahamic blessing, initially intended for the Hebrews, become accessible to all believers through Christ, according to Galatians 3:13-14? [01:49]
2. What does the separation of Abraham from his homeland teach us about God's purpose and plan for our lives, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3? [05:06]
3. In what ways does the priesthood of Melchizedek, as described in Hebrews 7, signify a change in the law and a better covenant through Christ? [27:02]
4. How does Abraham's unwavering faith, as described in Romans 4, serve as a model for believers today in trusting God's promises despite challenges? [15:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to leave a familiar situation for a greater purpose. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [05:06]
2. In what areas of your life do you need to exercise faith like Abraham, trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible? [15:17]
3. How can you actively claim the Abrahamic blessing in your life, recognizing it as your inheritance through Christ? What steps can you take this week to live out this blessing? [34:21]
4. Consider the role of Christ as our eternal high priest. How does this understanding impact your relationship with God and your approach to prayer and worship? [27:02]
5. The sermon mentioned the material and spiritual prosperity included in the Abrahamic blessing. How do you balance seeking spiritual growth with material blessings in your life? [34:21]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace the Abrahamic blessing and live out their faith with the same conviction as Abraham? [15:17]
7. Reflect on the strategic nature of God's plan as discussed in the sermon. How does this perspective influence your view of God's work in your life and the world around you? [01:49]
Devotional
Day 1: The Abrahamic Blessing Through Christ
The Abrahamic blessing, once exclusive to the Hebrews, is now available to all believers through Christ. This blessing is not merely a historical promise but a present reality, emphasizing the strategic nature of God's plan. Through Christ's redemptive work, the curse of the law is lifted, allowing the blessing of Abraham to extend to the Gentiles. This inclusion signifies that through faith in Christ, believers are grafted into the lineage of Abraham, becoming heirs to the promise. The blessing encompasses spiritual, material, and physical prosperity, encouraging believers to recognize and claim it as their inheritance. [01:49]
Galatians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively recognize and claim the Abrahamic blessing in your life today, acknowledging it as your inheritance through Christ?
Day 2: Separation for Greater Purpose
Just as Abraham was called to leave his homeland, God sometimes separates us from familiar surroundings to fulfill His greater purpose. This separation is not only for our benefit but also for future generations. Abraham's journey of faith began with a call to leave the known for the unknown, relying solely on God's promises. This act of obedience set the stage for the fulfillment of God's covenant, illustrating that divine separation often precedes divine blessing. Believers are encouraged to embrace such separations, trusting that God's plans are strategic and purposeful. [05:06]
Genesis 12:1-2 (ESV): "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.'"
Reflection: Is there a familiar situation or environment that God might be calling you to leave behind for His greater purpose? How can you take a step of faith in this area today?
Day 3: Faith as Righteousness
Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, making him the father of all who believe. His unwavering trust in God's promises, despite impossible circumstances, serves as a model for our faith journey. Romans 4 highlights that Abraham's faith was not based on visible evidence but on the assurance of God's word. This kind of faith is transformative, aligning believers with God's righteousness. It challenges us to trust in God's promises, even when they seem unattainable, and to live in the reality of His faithfulness. [15:17]
Romans 4:20-22 (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. That is why his faith was 'counted to him as righteousness.'"
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to believe in your current circumstances? How can you strengthen your faith in this promise today?
Day 4: Christ's Eternal Priesthood
Jesus, as our eternal high priest in the order of Melchizedek, signifies a change in the law, allowing us to partake in a better covenant. This priesthood ensures that the Abrahamic blessing is accessible to us. Hebrews 7 explains that Christ's priesthood is superior and eternal, providing a direct and unbroken connection to God. This new covenant, established through Christ, offers believers a deeper relationship with God, characterized by grace and truth. It invites us to live in the fullness of the blessing, assured of our place in God's family. [27:02]
Hebrews 7:24-25 (ESV): "But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: How does understanding Christ's eternal priesthood change the way you approach God in prayer and worship today?
Day 5: Claiming the Abrahamic Blessing
The Abrahamic blessing includes spiritual, material, and physical prosperity. As heirs of this promise, believers are encouraged to claim this blessing, recognizing it as their inheritance through Christ. Abraham's life exemplifies the fullness of this blessing, marked by faith, obedience, and divine favor. Believers are called to live in the reality of this inheritance, embracing the spiritual and material aspects of God's provision. This involves a conscious acknowledgment of God's promises and an active pursuit of His purposes in our lives. [34:21]
Genesis 24:1 (ESV): "Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to actively claim the Abrahamic blessing today? How can you align your actions with this promise?
Quotes
1. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree. Verse 14, so that, so that, so that, that in Christ Jesus, the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles so that we might receive the promised spirit through faith. It's the first three or four words of verse 14, so that in Christ Jesus, the blessing. So the blessing of Abraham, comes to us through, or not through, it's in Christ. Amen." ([00:02:17] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "And when you just think about that, you think, my God, then this must be big. If you're mentioning the Abrahamic blessing, you're not mentioning the blessing of Joseph or anybody else. You're mentioning the blessing of Abraham. Why is that important? And that is what we're actually going to look at today. And three questions actually came to my mind when I was thinking about this. What's so special about that blessing?" ([00:04:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "So when we think about going back again to Galatians 3 13 and it says that it's in Christ that we then receive the blessings of Abraham now we're seeing that it's saying that in Abraham all the blessings basically will come upon each generation so we can see that there is a linkage there and God is just again he's just so amazing what he does when when he basically brings about such a blessing and thinking about this when we see in verse one where he says go from your country and your kindred to your you know from your father's house to a land I would show you when God was thinking about generations sometimes there is a separation this blessing was so great that it caused it needed Abraham to be separated from his family from anything that will basically be a hindrance God separated him and sometimes in our lives when we seem that we're going through some stuff and we're actually being separated it's not just for us at that time it's actually for our lives and it's actually for us at that time for generations to come." ([00:06:28] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "So this was actually so big that in effect, he had to be separated from the status quo, from everything that was going on around him. Also in that time, he had to learn how to be dependent on God. So this thing was so big, in effect, he had to, you know, be on his own, you know, learn to be completely dependent on God. As Rev Biles said about, you may have talents, you may have gifts. He couldn't depend on those. He had to be completely dependent on God." ([00:07:57] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "I mean, when we read these words, I mean, to be honest, these words do something to me because I'm like, God, you are so deep in your thinking that you are thinking so far ahead. Our little puny brain cannot even think as far to think beyond our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren, or maybe our great-great-grandchildren. But he's saying every generation on this earth that comes after you, in effect, I'm establishing my covenant with them. And he wasn't just thinking about the Israelite lineage. He was thinking about everybody else." ([00:11:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "So it says that this covenant was for God to be God to us in every generation. So it was the chosen ones, Israel were the chosen ones, but God then decided to choose us to be God too as well. Hallelujah. The fact that we can stand it and call God our God, we take it lightly. But you know, we are so privileged to have God as our God. But how then did he make it possible for us in this generation or the generations that were before us to basically partake of this covenant?" ([00:11:32] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "And it says, now the promises, were made to Abraham and his offspring. It does not say, and to his offsprings, referring to many, but referring to one and to your offspring who is who is so when he was talking about the offspring he was talking about Christ Jesus so we can see the link now that Abraham the direct linkage to Abraham and Christ and then again if we were to look at Hebrews 2 16 I'll just read it for brevity it says for surely it is not of angels that he helps but he helps the offspring of Abraham so you and I are the offspring of of Abraham I mean how profound is that you and I are classified as the offspring of Abraham and actually Jesus really is the key he's the true offspring of Abraham and then it says in Galatians chapter 3 verse 25 to 26 it says and it says for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith hallelujah we are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus this is for me this is just such a revelation of how God so loved us that when we go back to that foundational scripture Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law for becoming a curse for us so that we can partake of the blessing of Abraham he did this he weaved it through all the generations to enable us that once we become part of Christ Jesus that in effect we now become sons of God and ultimately we become sons of Abraham to be able to partake in that wonderful blessing glory be to God hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah" ([00:12:23] (125 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "And if we then look together at verse 29 of chapter 3 of Galatians and let's read this together with with a bit of conviction it says and if you are Christ then you are Abraham's offspring is according to the promise. Glory be to God. So we can see that we are now is because we're in Christ. Then we are Abraham's seed. Then that means we are also privileged to partake of that promise. Glory be to God. Now, why then was Abraham chosen? Because we can say that, well, you know, we had Moses, we had Joseph, we have many of the others that could have been chosen, but God decided to choose Abraham. Why?" ([00:14:40] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "Verse 16, let's read together of Romans chapter 4 and it says that is why it depends on faith in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring, not only to the adherent of the law but to those who share the faith of Abraham. Who is? Who is? Hallelujah. So we can see that Abraham was chosen because he had faith in God and in effect because of that faith he then becomes our father and we also have the faith of Abraham. Glory be to God. Hallelujah. Thank you Jesus." ([00:17:47] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "This now gives a greater illumination of Galatians 3 .29, which we say, which we know, and we quote, if we are Christ, we are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. But hopefully now we'll be able to see how important, how significant that means that when we say we are Christ and we are Abraham's seed, because we all have the faith of Abraham and we're supposed to be exercising the faith of Abraham in Jesus name. Hallelujah. Again, Abraham is mentioned in the hall of fame in Hebrews 11. And I won't go there, but we remember the story of Abraham, which we have read. It also mentions about Sarah in regard to her body and basically how she basically, received strength to conceive." ([00:20:53] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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