September 3, 2006
“The Call of Abram”
Genesis 12
I. The Call of Abram is a Call from Darkness into Marvelous Light –Joshua 24:2-3 &14; Isaiah 51:1-2
1. This darkness is the darkness of sin – Colossians 1:13
2. This is a darkness where we have all dwelt – Romans 3:10-11; Isaiah 9:1-2
3. Christ is the Answer, the Light, even Abram saw – John 8:56-58
II. The Call of Abram is a Call to Walk by Faith not by Sight – II Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:8-11
1. This was not a call to ease – Genesis 12:1; Matthew 7:13-14
God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
2. This is a call that is called “crazy” – Matthew 5:11
There was a time godly people who walked by faith were called “Abrahams”
3. We have no continuing city – Hebrews 13:14, this is a CALL that CALLS us AWAY from finding our LIFE in this world – John 12:23-26; this is the CALL of Christ – 1 John 2:15-17
III. The Call of Abram is a Call to Christ – Genesis 12:2-3
1. Blessings available and brought to the world, ultimately through Christ – Revelation 5:9-12
2. God’s plan of redemption is foreshadowed in Abrams life –
A. Abram in Egypt – Genesis 12:10-20
B. Abraham’s offering up Isaac – Genesis 22; John 3:16
IV. The Call of Abram was also Sarah’s Call –
1. She followed Abram when he was right – Genesis 12:1-9
2. She stood by Abram even when he was wrong – Genesis 12:10-20
3. She had a beauty expressed in obedience and demeanor - 1 Peter 3:1-6
V. The Call of Abram is a Call for All of God’s People -
1. A call out of this world – Hebrews 13:14; Romans 12:1-2
2. A call to embrace God, His purposes, to seek His blessings – Colossians 3:1-3
3. A call to “CRAZY” HOLINESS – 1 Peter 1:15-16
1. True Holiness requires the new birth, regeneration John 3:5-6
2. True Holiness implies a hunger for the heavenly Matthew 5:6
3. True Holiness will evidence itself in an ever-increasing liveliness in the worship and service of God - Revelation 4:8
4. True Holiness marks every aspect of a person’s life -
2 Corinthians 5:17
5. True Holiness is dependent upon a vital union with Christ and leads to (has as its goal) an increasing conformity to His image
John 15:5; 1 John 2:6
6. True Holiness makes us odd-balls in this sin filled world
John 15:18
7. True Holiness is our one thing NEEDFUL! Hebrews 12:14
8. True Holiness is not equivalent to sinless perfection – Genesis 12
4. A call God will BLESS – Romans 8:31-39
Across the will of nature Leads on the path of God;
Not where the flesh delighteth,The feet of Jesus trod.
0 bliss to leave behind us The fetters of the slave;
To leave ourselves behind us The grave-clothes and the grave!
Tersteegen
