Journey of Faith: Leaving Haran for God's Promise
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared a deeply personal aspect of my spiritual journey by revealing my prayer list, which includes the leadership and unity of our church, the spiritual growth of our congregation, and specific individuals who need our prayers. This act of vulnerability set the stage for a message about the journey from a place of spiritual stagnation to a land of promise, using the biblical story of Terah and Abram as a metaphor for our own spiritual journeys.
Terah, Abram's father, set out from Ur, a place of idolatry and sin, with the intention of reaching Canaan, a land symbolizing God's promise and blessing. However, he stopped in Haran, a place that mirrored the idolatry of Ur, and ultimately died there, never reaching the promised land. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of settling for less than God's best due to comfort or fear of the unknown.
The story of Terah is a reminder that we are often called to leave behind our past, our sins, and our comfort zones to pursue the greater calling God has for us. It challenges us to examine the areas in our lives where we might be settling for less than what God has promised. The journey to Canaan, or our spiritual promised land, requires faith and trust in God, even when the path is unclear.
Abram's story, on the other hand, is one of hope and obedience. Despite the uncertainties, Abram trusted God's call to leave Haran and journey to Canaan. His faith and obedience led to blessings not only for himself but for future generations. This illustrates the transformative power of faith and the blessings that come from trusting and obeying God's call.
As we reflect on these stories, we are encouraged to step out in faith, leave behind our own "Harans," and trust that God has a plan for us that is far greater than we can imagine. We are called to a life of blessing, not survival, and it is through faith and obedience that we can fully experience the promises of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The Danger of Settling: Terah's journey from Ur to Haran illustrates the danger of settling for less than God's promise. We must be vigilant not to stop short of the spiritual growth and blessings God has for us, even when the journey is challenging. [33:46]
- Leaving Sin Behind: Just as Terah was called to leave a place of sin, we too are called to leave behind our past sins and habits. Our identity is not tied to our past, and we have the power to break free and pursue a life aligned with God's will. [41:39]
- Faith Over Fear: Abram's willingness to leave Haran without knowing his destination exemplifies the faith required to follow God's call. Trusting God means stepping into the unknown, confident that He will guide and provide for us. [54:38]
- The Cost of Rebellion: Sin is not just a mistake; it is rebellion against God. Living in sin prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. We must choose obedience to break free from the curse of sin. [55:13]
- Trusting God's Provision: Like Abram, we must trust that God will sustain us beyond our current provisions. When we rely on God rather than our own understanding, we open ourselves to His abundant blessings. [58:07]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:34] - Personal Prayer List
[32:32] - Coming Out of the Mess
[33:46] - Called to Canaan
[35:06] - The Journey from Ur
[40:12] - The Idolatry of Haran
[41:39] - Breaking Free from the Past
[43:26] - Provision and Trust
[45:14] - Understanding Sin
[46:18] - The Curse of Sin
[49:07] - The Struggle with Sin
[50:08] - Terah's Tragic End
[53:26] - Trusting God's Call
[54:38] - Faith and Obedience
[55:13] - The Blessing of Obedience
[58:07] - Stepping Out in Faith
[01:02:55] - Trusting God's Plan
[01:08:22] - Responding to God's Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Genesis 11:31-32
- Genesis 12:1-4
Observation Questions:
1. What was Terah's original destination when he left Ur, and where did he end up settling instead? ([33:46])
2. How does the sermon describe the city of Ur and its religious practices? ([35:06])
3. What was the significance of the moon god, Sin, in the context of Terah's journey? ([40:12])
4. How did Abram respond to God's call to leave Haran, and what was promised to him? ([55:55])
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Terah have chosen to stop in Haran instead of continuing to Canaan, despite knowing it was a place of idolatry similar to Ur? ([33:46])
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "settling for less" in our spiritual lives through Terah's story? ([41:39])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and obedience in Abram's journey to Canaan? ([54:38])
4. How does the sermon explain the consequences of living in sin and the importance of breaking free from it? ([45:14])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to leave a "Haran" in your life. What steps did you take, or could you take, to move towards your "Canaan"? ([58:07])
2. Are there areas in your life where you might be settling for less than God's best due to comfort or fear? How can you address these areas? ([33:46])
3. How can you cultivate a faith like Abram's, willing to step into the unknown and trust God's provision? ([54:38])
4. What past sins or habits might be holding you back from fully experiencing God's promises? How can you begin to leave them behind? ([41:39])
5. In what ways can you ensure that your identity is not tied to your past, but rather aligned with God's will for your life? ([41:39])
6. How can you actively choose obedience to God in your daily life, even when it feels challenging? ([55:13])
7. Identify one specific area where you need to trust God's plan over your own understanding. What practical steps can you take to rely more on Him this week? ([58:07])
Devotional
Day 1: The Peril of Comfort Zones
In the journey of life, there is a constant temptation to settle for what is comfortable and familiar, even if it means missing out on the fullness of God's promises. Terah's story serves as a poignant reminder of this danger. He left Ur with the intention of reaching Canaan, a land of promise, but stopped in Haran, a place that mirrored the idolatry of Ur. This decision to settle ultimately led to his spiritual stagnation and death in Haran, never reaching the promised land. This narrative challenges us to examine our own lives and identify areas where we might be settling for less than what God has intended for us. It calls us to push beyond our comfort zones and trust in God's greater plan, even when the path is uncertain. [33:46]
Genesis 11:31-32 (ESV): "Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife, and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, but when they came to Haran, they settled there. The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel you have settled for comfort rather than pursuing God's best? How can you take a step of faith to move beyond this comfort zone today?
Day 2: Breaking Free from the Past
Leaving behind past sins and habits is a crucial step in pursuing a life aligned with God's will. Just as Terah was called to leave a place of sin, we too are called to break free from the chains of our past. Our identity is not tied to our past mistakes, and through God's grace, we have the power to overcome and pursue a new path. This journey requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of what holds us back. It is a call to embrace the new identity we have in Christ and to walk in the freedom He offers. [41:39]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past sin or habit do you need to leave behind to fully embrace your identity in Christ? What practical steps can you take today to break free from this past?
Day 3: Embracing the Unknown with Faith
Abram's willingness to leave Haran without knowing his destination exemplifies the faith required to follow God's call. Trusting God means stepping into the unknown, confident that He will guide and provide for us. This journey of faith is not without its challenges, but it is through these challenges that our faith is strengthened. Abram's story is a testament to the blessings that come from trusting and obeying God's call, even when the path is unclear. It encourages us to embrace the unknown with faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [54:38]
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 are hesitant to step into the unknown? How can you trust God more in this area and take a step of faith today?
Day 4: The Cost of Rebellion
Sin is not just a mistake; it is rebellion against God. Living in sin prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. The story of Terah and Abram highlights the importance of choosing obedience over rebellion. While Terah settled in Haran, Abram chose to obey God's call and journey to Canaan. This choice of obedience led to blessings not only for Abram but for future generations. It is a reminder that obedience to God is not just about following rules, but about aligning our lives with His will and experiencing the abundant life He offers. [55:13]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you been rebelling against God's will in your life? What steps can you take today to choose obedience and align your life with His will?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision
Like Abram, we must trust that God will sustain us beyond our current provisions. When we rely on God rather than our own understanding, we open ourselves to His abundant blessings. This trust requires a shift in perspective, from relying on our own resources to depending on God's provision. It is a call to live a life of faith, knowing that God is our provider and that He will meet our needs according to His riches in glory. This trust in God's provision is not just about material needs, but about trusting Him with every aspect of our lives. [58:07]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision? How can you shift your perspective today to rely more on His provision rather than your own understanding?
Quotes
1. "Oh, somebody, you just need to turn inwardly and say to yourself, I'm coming out of this mess. I'm coming out of this. My life wasn't designed to be like this. I'm coming out of this mess. Amen. I used to preach a message several years ago when I was evangelizing. I'm tired of being me. And my Lord friend, if you get tired of being you, and you get tired of the way things are going, you'll start making some adjustments in your life." [32:32] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And my Lord, friend, I've preached this verse before, I've studied this verse before, and it has always puzzled me. If there was a desire in your heart to go to Canaan, why would you stop in Haran? Why would you stop short? And so let's pray right now. I want to preach to you a message that I feel very heavy that the Lord has gave me this week. Called to Canaan. Called to Canaan." [33:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know what? You won't see them as bad choices. Why? Because you're surviving. But I've got a bigger question to ask some of us today. Did God call you to live in survival mode or did he call you to live in blessing mode? Amen. So I did a little bit more studying. And here's what Terah did. The Euphrates River starts here and it ends here. And so he just followed a thousand miles north to the Euphrates River. And when the river ran out, he stopped in Haran." [43:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can't live in sin and survive. You can't live in sin and be blessed. God can't pour out abundant blessings on your life when you're living in sin. Somebody said, well, what is sin? Sin's doing wrong. Listen, friend, we went to kindergarten too much with sin. Amen. Let's get real. Let's get real with it. All sin is rebellion against God. All sin is rebellion against God. All sin is a coup trying to overthrow His power." [45:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Tara trusted in the river, but when provision run out, Tara said, I got to go back to sin. Come on, somebody. You need to trust in a God that's calling you out of sin into a land of promise. It's hard to leave sin because we don't know what our new life looks like. God, if you'll tell me what my new life looks like, I'll trust you. God said, God said, faith doesn't work that way." [54:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You see, because we want to live for God in sin. God, you come to my territory. You come to Haran and I'll serve you there. But God said, you can't have it both ways. You can't serve sin and then serve me at the same time. You've got to get out of sin. You've got to get out of sin before you can get to where you can serve me. So he said, it's a blessing if you obey. But it's a curse if you rebel against me." [55:13] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I've got to trust you. God promised the blessings of Abraham if he obeyed him. and walk away from sin. Pick up in verse 2, and I'm trying to close here quickly. But hold on. And I will make of thee a great nation. This is what God's told her. He said, you leave sin, and I'll make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and I'll make your name great, and you shall be a blessing." [55:55] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You've got to trust him greater than your own mind. You've got to trust him greater than your own plan. You've got to trust him greater than anything that you have designed in your life. Because you have got to trust that if you will step out of sin, God will bless you. God will bless you. And you're already saying to yourself, this isn't where I belong." [01:02:55] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?