4. FIRST DEMONSTRATION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (GENESIS 11:10-25:10)

Abram whose name meant "exalted father" had a barren wife (verse 30). God meant this for good, and all the testings and triumphs of the faith of Abram and Sarai came out of this.

The journey to Haran (verses 31-32) by Terah was caused by the faith of his son Abram - Abram, called through an appearance of God to him, sought to obey God's orders. (Genesis 12:1 ). Evidently Abram's determination to go, moved Terah his father, to join and take command of the procession, holding up Abram at Haran for some years. Abram set out for Canaan and got held up at Haran. Abram was obeying God, but he acknowledged his earthly father's rightful position. A worldly father stood in the way of a godly son's obedience to God. The words "and Terah died in Haran" have some significance.

Chapter 12 begins the first phase of Abraham's story as father of the faithful. His call (verse 1), his promises (verses 2,3) his obedience (verses 4, 5), his journey and further promises (verses 6-9), his escape from famine into Egypt, and serious compromise (verses 10-20). We will look at some of the highlights of the chapter.

By the Holy Spirit, Stephen declares that the call of God came to Abram while still in Ur (Genesis 12:1. Acts 7:3 ). Clearly the Lord took the initiative as always in pursuance of His purpose of redemption.

The command of verse 1 meant literal, physical and geographical severance of ties and become a pilgrim - one giant step of faith. The call of God involves a break with the old life, social or political, certainly it means a break with the old thought life, worldly ambitions and worldly outlook, in the initial call as the just to live by faith, and in any specific call to service.

Literally Abram was being led out of Ur into Canaan. Spiritually he was being led out to a heavenly country. He confessed he was a stranger and a pilgrim in the earth. The same life of faith is ours. (Isaiah 65:17 2; Peter 3:13; Hebrews 11:14-16; Revelation 21:1. )

In verses 2-3, we have seven promises made to Abram. There was a flash of that greatness under David and Solomon. Now, those who belong to Christ are Abraham's seed (Galatians 3:29 ), a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9 ). We have no difficulty in seeing the fuller fulfilment of this promise in His redeemed people, immensely great in numbers (Revelation 7:9 ).

This promise contained more than provision, prosperity. Its fulfilment was in his justification by faith, as we shall see in Genesis 15:6. Our fullest blessing is in His forgiveness and salvation in Christ.

His name has become a universal name, and his name is bound up with all the promises of God, and used some seventy-four times in the New Testament.

As the prominent human channel through whom Christ Jesus came into the world. In the Person of Christ Jesus Abraham became a blessing. In Christ God makes us a blessing, and by receiving the promised Holy Spirit by faith.

Galatians 3:13,14 "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."

Eternity will reveal how true this has been in the history of the nations. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus regarding the future judgment of the nations.

Matthew 25:40 "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

This goes naturally with the previous promise.

Genesis 12:3 "And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Peter shows Israel to be the first to be blessed. Therefore not exclusively blessed (Acts 3:26 ). Paul says the promise relates to the justification of the gentiles by faith, and it is believers who are blessed with faithful Abraham (Galatians 3:8,9 ) No other meaning is put upon this promise in Scripture.

Verses 4 and 5 of Genesis 12 give us the record of Abram's obedience to the Lord's call - it was by faith that he obeyed (Hebrews 11:8 ). May we, like Paul, also be obedient to the heavenly vision (Acts 26:19 ).

Lot voluntarily went with conviction, called in 2 Peter 2:7, "righteous Lot." He was to prove a disappointment and a hindrance. He could well illustrate worldly believers.

They started and they arrived - and passed through the land (verse 6). The Canaanite was in the land. Likewise we have a foe to displace. (Ephesians 6:12 ). New supplies of grace will meet us at every point of conflict.

Our source of supplies always at hand. Reassurance is given. "To your descendants I will give this land." Genesis 12:7. Abram's response, he built an altar unto the Lord; his thank - offering to the Lord, the only Lord.

Moved to a mountain east of Bethel (verse 8), meaning 'house of God'. By Calvary we come into the house of God. Two important acts - something temporary for himself - a tent, and something permanent for God - an altar.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What was the purpose of God in calling Abram, a single individual, from the corrupt mass to make of him a nation?
2. Abram means "exalted father." His wife Sarai was barren. Did God turn this for good in the testing and triumph of their faith?
   • Are your adversities turned by God from stumbling blocks to stepping stones to the development of faith, and triumphant achieving of His purposes?
   • Have you a "for instance" or two?
3. Abram heard God and left Ur with his father Terah. Did Abram's determination to go influence his father, only to be held up at Haran?
   • Is Abram to be blamed for giving his father his rightful place?
   • What would you do if you were being held back in this way?
   • Do the words "and Terah died in Haran" have some significance?
4. Who, in the light of Genesis 12:1 and Acts 7:3, took the initiative in getting Abram to leave Ur, and then Haran?
   • When God calls it means a severance with the old life. Have you found this to be so?
   • Have you left the old way of thinking, the old ambitions, the old motivation etc?
5. Do you see in Abram's being led literally to Canaan, that he perceived he was being led spiritually to a heavenly city?
   • Did his confession that he was a stranger and a pilgrim in the earth confirm this?
6. When you consider the seven promises made to Abram, are some of those promises to receive fuller fulfilment in the Lord's redeemed people?
7. In which way have you personally received the blessing of Abram?
8. Abraham by faith obeyed; (Hebrews 11:8) doing as the Lord has spoken is faith in action. Are you, like Paul, obedient to the heavenly vision?