David Macdonald - September 15th, 2024

David Macdonald - September 15th 2024 - Studies in Genesis Part 11: The Call of Abram Genesis 12 Genesis 1 – 11 : Events – 2000+ years of History Formation of Universe & Life (Ch. 1-2) Formation of mankind – male & female (Ch. 1-2) Fall of mankind into sin & first promise of Deliverer (Ch. 3) First children & first murder (Ch.4) Ferocious reign of Sin/death (“and he died” “every imagination of the heart of man only evil continually”) Ch. 5-6 Flood – judgment of sin –– first mention of grace (Ch. 7-8) Fresh start – covenant with Noah (Ch. 9) Further rebellion – tower of Babel (Ch. 11) Formation of languages (Ch. 11) Genesis 12 – 50 : People – 300 years of History Formation of a nation Begins with Abram (Abraham) Name = אברם = exalted father Father of those who believe Revered by 3 major religions He is held as example in NT of justification by faith (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11) Called Friend of God (2 Chronicles 20, Isaiah 41, James 2) Genesis 11: 26 to 12: 9 Abram’s Testimony Descended from Shem (Noah’s son) Father was Terah – lived in Ur in Mesopotamia Idolators Ur center of idolatry (moon god) Terah may have been seller of idols Brother dies in Ur – Abe becomes guardian of Lot Joshua 24:1-3 Married Sarai (11:30) Name means “princess” Sarai is barren ~ 75yrs old Began journey in partial obedience Delayed Took family with him (father, Lot) (N)KJV – the Lord had said to Abram Acts 7:2-4 God’s Promises -Genesis 12:1-3 Promised a land, a nation and a blessing Had to leave his past behind Had to go to where God was sending him Israel is in the future Had to leave his past behind Had to go to where God was sending him Israel has been greatly blessed All promises pointing to the greatest blessing The Messiah would come from this nation All the families of the earth would be blessed What do you do with the promises of God? Abram’s Testing – and Failure -Genesis 12:10 - 20 Famine in the land that was to be his – a test! Chose to go to Egypt instead Not directed by God Schemes with Sarai Lies to Pharoah Plagues upon others “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” What can we learn? Meditate on the Word of God Mortify Sin Move in Step with God Serve Him and Him only