God's Words to the Faithful

Introduction

Abraham is a central figure not only in the book of Genesis, but throughout the whole Bible.

In fact, Abraham is the exemplar of what means to live by faith.

We see in his life shortcomings and failures, but we also see him overcome those failings to become a man of great faith.

God appeared to Abraham on several occasions to make promises to him and to remind him of those promises. is one such occasion.

God’s words are encouraging, not only to Abraham, but to us as well. Read .

Choose Faith, Not Fear

In the New Testament, Abraham is shown to be a great example of faith - , ;

However, even the strong in faith might face the temptation to doubt God.

Jesus offered encouragement to Paul -

Abraham seemed to be in need of reassurance of God’s promises - ;

Abram was 75 years old; at the time of Ishmael’s brith, he was 86 years old - ;

Abram was doubting and fearful that his time was spent of having a child of his own -

He even indicts God, “since You have given me no offspring to me...” -

Abram was shifting blame to God. It seemed that God was not doing as He said He would.

This opens with Abraham choosing fear. He is doubtful. He is struggling. He is blaming God.

God’s words are calming and corrective: “Do not fear, Abram.”

God assures Abram that he will have a son -

With that assurance, Abram believed God -

There were moments in Abraham’s life where doubts and fears were stronger than his faith.

Lying to pharaoh and Abimelech about Sarah only being his sister was motivated by fear - ;

Abraham conceded to Sarah’s plan to give Abraham a child (through Hagar), “Abram listened to the voice of Sarai” -

I have heard people say something to the effect that “Abraham does nothing in . He just believes” (cf. ). However, we see the faith of Abraham developing and growing strong from onward (). He then model of a strong faith in God.

Worships God - ;

Sacrifice of Isaac - ;

There are things that will cause us to be afraid. Temptation to sin might cause us to be afraid; the temptation might be so strong that our faith will not hold up under the pressure. So we lie, do drugs, commit fornication. Other things might cause us to be afraid: loss of reputation and influence; financial problems; family problems; health and well-being.

Choose faith!

Enjoy God’s Protection

God reminded Abraham that He is a shield of protection for Abraham -

The term “shield” is related to the word “delivered” in .

The New American Commentary: Genesis 11:27–50:26 (1) The Word of the Lord in a Vision (15:1–6)

The Lord identifies himself in terms of his relationship to Abram (“your shield,” “your … reward”); the security fostered by this relationship explains why Abram should take courage. A similar combination of “do not be afraid” and “I am with you” (e.g., 26:24; Isa 41:10) emphasizes divine guardianship. As the echo of “who delivered” (miggēn) in 14:20, “shield” (māgēn) assures Abram that in the face of hostilities he can rest in the protection that grants him victory.

In , Lot and Abraham had separated because there was not enough land for their great flocks and cattle to share with one another. Lot went towards Sodom. Abraham went east toward Hebron.

Then in there was a coalition of kings that went to war against one another. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were involved with this rebellion, escaping the power of the king of Elam.

The kings of were all towards the north, east of the Euphrates (4 kings)

The kings of in the valley, south of the Dead Sea (5 kings). These kings rebel from the kings east of the Euphrates.

The kings of the south being forced to retreat, and the kings of the north captured some of the armies. Lot, Abraham’s nephew was one that was captured -

So Abraham took 318 of his men and went north of Damascus to rescue Lot -

Abraham was just one man; yes, he was well off, having 318 servants in his charge. But you have 9 kings total, and 4 kings who Abraham is opposing, who are in war against one another. The number of soldiers must have been considerable. Abram’s servant-army would be just a fraction of the total number of soldiers involved in this war.

So how did Abraham have such great success?

The king of Salem and a priest of God Most High tells us the secret to Abraham’s success: God delivered all of the enemies into Abraham’s hand -

One of the greatest blessings we have in Christ is that we are able to enjoy God’s protection. He is a shield around us.

David said God was his Rock and Shield -

We have the shield of faith in our spiritual battle as we put on the full armor of God -

Through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, we are more than conquerors -

Receive a Great Reward

As God encourages Abraham to not fear and to trust in the Lord’s might, He assures him that he will receive a reward.

Because Abraham trusted in God’s promise to give him a son, Abraham was counted as righteous -

Abraham was given a son -

God promised him a land for his descendants who would become a great nation - ,

God connected this land promise to Abraham’s faithfulness and obedience -

Abraham was given a promise by God about something that he himself did not attain. But by faith, he trusted in God’s word. The Hebrew writer shows us what kept Abraham going: the promise of a heavenly dwelling - ,

We are given an assurance of a future reward with God, as well.

A place that is eternal in the heavens.

God granted that great reward to Abraham - ;

He attained the heavenly city!

Abraham’s faith points to something that we have— something better. We have the promise of a great reward as well -

The promise of a dwelling with God

The promise of receiving the crown of life.

Conclusion

God gives great and precious promises that we all hope to attain.

God is our shield, our protector, and defender. He is with us and He will deliver us from evil.

We must demonstrate our faith and courage to God, living lives of faithfulness, loyalty, and obedience to Him.

When we do so, we can attain to the final reward that God has promised to all who believe in Him!