Faith and Obedience: Abraham's Journey of Divine Calling

 

Summary

In the book of Acts, chapter 7, we find the profound speech delivered by Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stephen was on trial, accused of blasphemy and opposing the temple and the law. However, the core of the charges against him was his preaching of Jesus Christ. Stephen's defense begins with the story of Abraham, a pivotal figure for the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin, who were proud of their descent from him. Stephen's intention was to show that by rejecting Jesus, they were contradicting the very essence of what Abraham stood for. Abraham's life, as recounted in Genesis, is a testament to the gospel's timeless truth: God has always had one way of dealing with humanity, and Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises made to the fathers.

Abraham's story is not just a historical account but a profound illustration of the gospel. Abraham, a man of great stature and faith, lived a life centered on God. His journey from paganism in Mesopotamia to becoming the friend of God is a testament to the transformative power of divine intervention. God appeared to Abraham, called him out of his old life, and revealed His grand plan for salvation. This divine initiative is the essence of the gospel: God seeking humanity, not the other way around.

The Christian life, as exemplified by Abraham, is one of faith and separation from the world. It is a life of walking by faith, not by sight, trusting in God's promises even when they seem distant or unfulfilled. Abraham's willingness to leave everything behind and follow God, despite having no tangible inheritance at the time, is a powerful example of living by faith. This life of faith is not without trials and tribulations, but it is sustained by the hope of a future city, whose builder and maker is God.

The call of the gospel is twofold: to come to Christ for salvation and to follow Him in a life of obedience and faith. It is a call to leave behind the old life of sin and self-centeredness and to embrace a new life centered on God. This life is characterized by a deep, abiding relationship with God, a life of holiness and separation from the world, and a steadfast hope in the eternal promises of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Divine Initiative: The story of Abraham illustrates that it is God who takes the initiative in seeking and calling us. Just as God appeared to Abraham, He seeks us out, inviting us into a relationship with Him. This divine initiative is the foundation of our faith, reminding us that our journey begins with God's call, not our own efforts. [08:32]

- Faith and Obedience: Abraham's life exemplifies the essence of faith—trusting in God's promises even when they seem distant. His willingness to leave everything behind and follow God's call is a powerful testament to the life of faith and obedience that we are called to live. [13:02]

- Separation from the World: The Christian life involves a separation from the world and its values. Like Abraham, we are called to leave behind our old ways and live a life that is distinct and set apart for God. This separation is not about isolation but about living a life that reflects God's holiness. [28:17]

- Walking by Faith, Not by Sight: The Christian journey is one of walking by faith, trusting in God's promises even when they are not immediately visible. Abraham's life teaches us to rely on God's word and to persevere through trials, knowing that our ultimate reward is in the eternal city of God. [40:06]

- Hope in the Eternal: Abraham's focus on the eternal city reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in this world but in the world to come. As Christians, we live as strangers and pilgrims, with our eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God, knowing that our true home is with Him. [44:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Stephen's Speech
- [01:09] - Stephen's Trial and Charges
- [02:24] - The Life and Ministry of Jesus
- [03:36] - Stephen's Defense Begins
- [04:51] - Abraham's Significance
- [06:29] - The Gospel in Abraham's Life
- [08:03] - God's Initiative in Abraham's Call
- [10:22] - God's Plan Revealed to Abraham
- [12:28] - The Necessity of Faith
- [14:33] - Justification by Faith Alone
- [16:10] - The Christian Life Beyond Salvation
- [18:13] - The Call to Follow Christ
- [20:01] - God-Centered Living
- [22:28] - Separation from the World
- [25:01] - The Christian's New Perspective
- [27:32] - The Life of Faith and Trials
- [30:36] - Abraham's Example of Separation
- [33:08] - The Positive Life in Christ
- [36:17] - Independence from the World
- [39:19] - Walking by Faith in Darkness
- [42:45] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [44:19] - The Ultimate Hope in Eternity
- [47:23] - The Call to Follow Christ
- [49:33] - Hymn of Commitment
- [51:16] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 7:1-8
- Genesis 12:1-4
- Hebrews 11:8-10

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the charges brought against Stephen, and how did he respond to them? ([01:23])
2. How does Stephen use the story of Abraham to defend his preaching of Jesus Christ? ([05:22])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of Abraham's faith and his response to God's call? ([13:19])
4. How does the sermon describe the Christian life in relation to Abraham's journey? ([16:10])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Stephen begin his defense with the story of Abraham, and what point is he trying to make to the Sanhedrin? ([05:22])
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "divine initiative" through Abraham's story, and what implications does this have for understanding the gospel? ([08:32])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Christian life involves separation from the world, and how is this exemplified in Abraham's life? ([28:17])
4. How does the sermon explain the idea of "walking by faith, not by sight," and what does this mean for Christians today? ([40:06])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to step out in faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Abraham's example? ([13:19])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a God-centered life. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life is centered on God rather than on worldly pursuits? ([21:10])
3. Consider the concept of separation from the world. Are there specific areas in your life where you feel called to be more distinct and set apart for God? How can you begin to make those changes? ([28:17])
4. Abraham's journey was marked by faith in God's promises, even when they seemed distant. How can you cultivate a similar trust in God's promises in your own life? ([40:06])
5. The sermon discusses the hope in the eternal city. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make to live with an eternal focus? ([44:19])
6. How can you actively respond to the call to follow Christ in a life of obedience and faith, as described in the sermon? What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God? ([18:13])
7. Reflect on the idea of divine initiative. How have you experienced God seeking you out in your life, and how can you remain open to His call in the future? ([08:32])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Pursuit of Humanity
God's initiative in seeking and calling humanity is a profound truth illustrated in the life of Abraham. In the biblical narrative, God appears to Abraham, calling him out of his old life in Mesopotamia and revealing a grand plan for salvation. This divine initiative underscores the essence of the gospel: it is God who seeks humanity, not the other way around. This foundational truth reminds believers that their spiritual journey begins with God's call, not their own efforts. The story of Abraham serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of divine intervention, as God reaches out to humanity, inviting them into a relationship with Him. [08:32]

Genesis 12:1-3 (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. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt God was calling you to something new. How did you respond, and what steps can you take today to be more open to His calling in your life?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Promises
Abraham's life exemplifies the essence of faith—trusting in God's promises even when they seem distant or unfulfilled. His willingness to leave everything behind and follow God's call is a powerful testament to the life of faith and obedience that believers are called to live. Abraham's journey was not without trials, yet he persevered, trusting in the promises of God. This narrative encourages believers to walk by faith, not by sight, relying on God's word and promises even when they are not immediately visible. Abraham's story is a reminder that faith involves action and obedience, stepping out in trust even when the path is unclear. [13:02]

Hebrews 11:8-10 (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. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

Reflection: What is one promise from God that you find difficult to trust in right now? How can you take a step of faith today to trust Him more fully in this area?


Day 3: Living a Life Set Apart
The Christian life involves a separation from the world and its values, as exemplified by Abraham. Believers are called to leave behind their old ways and live a life that is distinct and set apart for God. This separation is not about isolation but about living a life that reflects God's holiness. Abraham's willingness to leave his homeland and follow God's call is a powerful example of living a life set apart. This call to holiness involves a deep, abiding relationship with God and a commitment to living according to His standards, rather than conforming to the patterns of the world. [28:17]

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself conforming to the values of the world? What practical steps can you take today to live a life that is set apart for God?


Day 4: Persevering Through Trials
The Christian journey is one of walking by faith, trusting in God's promises even when they are not immediately visible. Abraham's life teaches believers to rely on God's word and to persevere through trials, knowing that their ultimate reward is in the eternal city of God. This journey of faith involves enduring hardships and challenges, yet it is sustained by the hope of a future with God. Abraham's story encourages believers to keep their eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God, persevering through difficulties with the assurance that God is faithful to His word. [40:06]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: What is a current trial you are facing, and how can you choose to trust God and persevere through it? What steps can you take to keep your focus on His promises?


Day 5: Hope in the Eternal Promises
Abraham's focus on the eternal city reminds believers that their ultimate hope is not in this world but in the world to come. As Christians, they live as strangers and pilgrims, with their eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God, knowing that their true home is with Him. This hope in the eternal is a source of strength and encouragement, enabling believers to endure the challenges of this life with the assurance of a future with God. Abraham's story serves as a reminder that the Christian life is not about earthly success or comfort, but about living with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's promises for the future. [44:19]

1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Reflection: How does your current lifestyle reflect your hope in the eternal promises of God? What changes can you make today to live with a more eternal perspective?

Quotes



Steven starts a way back with the story of Abram why well he's got many objects in doing this one is of course that these Jews the Sanhedrin were Jews it was the great Jewish Council they were very proud of Abraham as their father proud of their descent from Abraham whenever any charge was brought against them they always fell back on this and said we be Abraham seed. [00:04:51]

God told him the secret that's what he said to Abraham that's why Steven starts with this so that later on the Lord Jesus Christ says Abraham Rejoice to see my day he saw it and was glad God you he revealed the secret to this man Abraham the father of the Jewish Nation what did he tell him well what he told him was this that though the devil had dragged mankind down into the misery which it was experiencing it was his purpose deliberate determined purpose to save mankind. [00:11:12]

The way whereby we are saved and delivered is simply to believe this message that's you see the thing we get in that fourth verse God said to Abraham get thee out of thy country from thy Kindred and come into the land which I shall show the then this is the astounding thing then came he Abraham out of the land of the calans and dwelt in Ken he did it simply on the word of God nothing else at all. [00:13:10]

To believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he has died on the cross for my sins is just the entry into the Christian Life it's the introduction I'm not a Christian at all without this but you see Christianity doesn't end there it only begins there it is equally important that we should realize the object of that death on the cross that we should understand something of the ne nature and the character of the life which he has made possible for us. [00:16:06]

The Great thing that Abraham discovered after God met him and spoke to him was this that all his troubles rarely were due to the fact that he was living a self-centered life he lived a life according to his own ideas he' inherited them of course we all like to think we are original we are not we're not original in anything we repeat the sins of our fathers we accept the prejudices of our fathers Kindred and Nation. [00:21:21]

The Christian is a man who God centered everybody else is World centered self-centered it's the same thing everybody in the world is self-centered and what makes us a Christian a Christian is that he becomes God centered he lifts up his eyes he doesn't mer look horizontal he looks upwards God has appeared and he looks back and he keeps on looking he sees there is truth there is reality it's everything I want and so he becomes a god- centered and a god controlled men. [00:23:12]

The Christian is a man who submits himself entirely to this teaching that God alone gives and he does so not only with his mind but with his heart his desires you see he he's a man who's discovered that he can't trust himself I dare not trust the sweetest frame but holy lean on Jesus name desires can be treacherous and he's almost afraid but now having met with God he says I desire nothing except that which is well pleasing in thy sight. [00:26:34]

The Christian is a man who may be tempted by these things and tempted severely until he's almost fallen he may even fall and yet he knows it's wrong if you want to live like abrah if you want to live a life of blessing here is the word of John to you in his first epistle love not the world nor the things that are in the world if any man love the world the love of the father is not in him for all that is in the world the lust of the Flesh and the lust of the eye and the pride of life is not of the father but is of the world. [00:32:15]

The Christian is a man who always lives in the light of that knowledge he says here of we no continuing City but we seek one to come he sees the old world going round and round in its circle of sin trying to buy itself up and trying to be optimistic but always falling back into cynicism and final despair he says it's now good the world is against God and God is against the world I must come out of it I must separate myself I must live for God I must live for the glory that is to come. [00:46:00]

The Christian is a man who has seen plainly and clearly that he will never have ultimate satisfaction in this life and in this world but he knows he's going to receive it in the world that is to come this is the great wat sh the Christian is a man who knows that he's only a stranger and a pilgrim in this world you see Peter puts it dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims now the world hates this idea the world doesn't like to talk about death it says it come soon enough without you're talking about it. [00:44:19]

The Christian is a man who submits himself entirely to this teaching that God alone gives and he does so not only with his mind but with his heart his desires you see he he's a man who's discovered that he can't trust himself I dare not trust the sweetest frame but holy lean on Jesus name desires can be treacherous and he's almost afraid but now having met with God he says I desire nothing except that which is well pleasing in thy sight. [00:26:34]

The Christian is a man who submits himself entirely to this teaching that God alone gives and he does so not only with his mind but with his heart his desires you see he he's a man who's discovered that he can't trust himself I dare not trust the sweetest frame but holy lean on Jesus name desires can be treacherous and he's almost afraid but now having met with God he says I desire nothing except that which is well pleasing in thy sight. [00:26:34]

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Transcript
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