Trusting the Promise

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-7

Genesis 12:1–7 NIV84

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

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The Adventure Begins: God's Call to Abraham

Bible Passage: Genesis 12:1–7

Summary: Genesis 12:1-7 tells the story of God calling Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new land that God would show him, establishing a covenant that promises blessings for Abraham and his descendants.

Application: This passage teaches children about the importance of trusting God and being willing to follow His plans, even when they are not clear. It encourages them to think about how they can listen to God's voice in their own lives and step out in faith.

Teaching: This sermon could teach children about obedience, faith, and the significance of God's promises. It highlights the importance of leaving behind our comfort zones to follow God's direction in our lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: Abraham's calling foreshadows the larger narrative of salvation that culminates in Christ. Just as God promised to bless all nations through Abraham, Jesus fulfills that promise by making salvation available to everyone.

Big Idea: When we are called by God, we can trust Him to lead us into new adventures that fulfill His promises.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider exploring commentaries on Genesis 12 that discuss the cultural context of Abraham's calling. Look for insights relating to the significance of land and promise in the Old Testament, as well as how these elements relate to the New Testament themes in the calling of believers today. Pay particular attention to how different translations articulate God's promise to Abraham and its implications.

1. Adventure Awaits: Answer the Call

Genesis 12:1-3

Perhaps you could emphasize that God's call to Abraham to leave his country, people, and father's household is the start of a great adventure based on faith. Teach children how stepping out of their comfort zones can lead to amazing things because God's promises are bigger than our fears. Encourage them to think about what it means to trust God to lead them into new places and situations, just like Abraham did. Highlight how this foreshadows Jesus calling His disciples to leave everything and follow Him.

2. Action in Obedience

Genesis 12:4-5

You could focus on Abraham's obedience as he sets out on his journey, demonstrating faith in action. This sermon point can teach children the importance of following God's plans and how faith means taking steps even if we don't know all the details. Compare this to how we follow Jesus in times of uncertainty and decision-making, trusting in His guidance just like Abraham did. Highlight the support system Abraham had, with his family going with him, showing that we are not on this journey alone.

3. Assurance of God's Promises

Genesis 12:6-7

Maybe you will want to underline how God affirms His promises to Abraham when he arrives in the land of Canaan, teaching kids the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness. Show them how altars, like the one Abraham built, can be reminders of God's promises and faithfulness. Relate this to how, through Jesus, we can be assured that God's promises will never fail, encouraging children to think of ways they can remember and celebrate what God has done in their lives.

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