Genesis 12:1-8

Basic Proposition: 

God called Abram to go where he did not know, but he faithfully obeyed and it was credited to him as righteousness.  Many times God asks us to do things that seem contrary to what is logical, but if we obey we will find true and lasting riches.

The Calling -

God called Abram to leave Haran and go somewhere he did not know.  This was not a logical decision because of its uncertainty.  God often calls us to a place and a decision that does not seemingly make sense.  Most often it is a challenge to the things we hold dearest in our lives.

1. The Direction – “Get you out…” When God calls it always involves a leaving behind old ways.  God wants us to Go and not stay. 
2. The Departed – “…and from your kindred, and from your father’s house…” Abram was asked to leave behind some valuable things such as any property he would inherit, family, friends and maybe some possessions.  When God calls it means sacrifice, but He also promises reward. 
3. The Destination – “…to a land that I will show you.”  Abram did not know where he was going, but just that he was to go.  Many times God calls and tells us to go without telling us the final destination.  It requires great faith to follow the calling.

The Covenant -

God made a covenant with Abram.  God has made a promise with all mankind that if we obey Him, He will bless us.   A covenant requires two sides, and both sides have responsibilities.  Since we cannot see the covenant with God we must believe by faith that He will not forsake us and therefore obey.           

1. The Parties – God was the author of the covenant and Abram was the recipient.  It is amazing that too often times we try to make the covenant with God, “I will do this or that if God will …” How often do we try to make a promise with God if only He would give us this or that.
2. The Pledge – (Genesis 12:2-3) God pledges to Abram that if he obeys, He will (1) make him a great nation, (2) will bless him, (3) make him a great name and (4) a blessing to others.  What a pledge that only God can do. 
3. The Participation – “So Abram departed…”  When God makes a covenant, it is not without responsibility on our part.  Notice the response of Abram, it was:
• Quick – He did not delay.  Sometimes we think that if we ignore the call it will go away.
• Without Objection – Abram did not declare that God was unfair in his calling. (He was 75!)

The Credit -

God credited Abram's faith in obeying as righteousness.  The most difficult thing to do is obey first and understand later.  This, however, is what God demands of us (Hebrews 11:6). The key to pleasing God is to believe in God’s sovereignty to the point that you are persuaded into the action of obedience. Notice three things about the credit:

1. It’s Timing – Credit is something that is not immediately received, but is something for the future.
2. It’s True Value – Abram could have received a pleasured filled life in Ur with all its amusements, but he understood the true value of a lasting reward God had promised.
3. It’s Trust Worthiness - When God gives credit for something you can take it to the bank!

Personal Application

When called we need to follow God no matter where it takes us.  If we hold dearly to something in life, we can be rest assured that God will challenge us on that point to see if we have faith to obey Him no matter what.  Do I have a faith that would be credited as righteousness before God?