Just wandering around Gen
Just wandering around Gen. 12:10-
EBC 10/19/08
Life can be difficult,” wrote Amy Carmichael, missionary to India. “Sometimes the enemy comes in like a flood. But then is the time to prove our faith and live our songs. Job 23:10 God’s purpose in allowing trials is not only to verify our faith but also to purify it and remove the dross. God knows what kind of faith we have, but we don’t know; and the only way to advance in the “school of faith” is to take examinations.
Like Abraham we will all face special tests. These tests are circumstances, people and things.
I. Circumstances (12:10)
A. In leaving his family and traveling towards and unknown land Abraham took a giant leap if faith.
B. For the most of us, that would probably handle faith for awhile. Abraham and Sarah probably thought they could settle down and enjoy the new land- not so God had other plans.
C. God permitted a famine in the land. Abraham may have never been through a famine before and now he had a large contingent that was depending on him.
D. Why did God allow this to happen? We need to understand:
a. Tests follow triumphs
1. 1 Kings 18-20- Elijah- saw God feed him thru a raven and a poor widow, then saw God overcome Baal. 19:1-4 trials came and he wanted to die.
2. 1 Sam. 27:1- David had been appointed King by God. Saul was after him – in a lapse of faith David joined himself to the Philistines (the enemy). David had sunk so low that he was willing to fight his own Nation (28:1). Don’t think you can’t sink that low---.
3. 1 Cor. 10:11-13-
E. Instead of remaining in the land and trusting God, Abraham went down into Egypt. Egypt is a type of the world. Turning to Egypt is turning to the word system for help. When we are in the furnace of testing, remain where you are until God tells you to move. God is in control of your circumstances.
II. People (11-20)
A. In Egypt Abraham had to deal with another set of problems, a proud ruler and his Officers.
1. Warren Wiersbe- if you run away from one set of problems you’ll likely face another set.
B. Abraham moved from trusting to scheming. When you stop trusting God you listen to man’s wisdom (Prov. 3:5-6).
C. Abraham moved from confidence to fear.
1. When you are in the place of God’s choosing you don’t need to be fearful
a. Isa. 12:2-
D. Abraham moved from others to self (12:13). He lied so it might be well with him.
1. 1 Peter 3:7-
E. On the surface it might look like Abraham did swell in Egypt- Pharaoh gave him much- but you read the chapter and you’ll see that everything Pharaoh gave him caused much sorry later. There are no benefits from disobedience.
III. Things (13:5-18)
A. Wonder how many fights have been started because of money. People who used to love each other now start attacking each other over money.
B. Money can buy stuff but it can’t buy peace and blessings of families.
C. The problem between Abraham and Lot was a problem of the heart. Every problem is a problem of the heart.
D. It was bad enough that there was a dispute between two Christians, but the worst part was that the neighbors were listening (13:7-8).
How should we live our lives today- Phil. 2:4- Satan wants to use circumstances, people, and things to tempt you and bring out the worst in you; but God also wants to use them to test you and bring out the best in you.