November 5, 2006
“Abraham, a Sinner Saved By Grace”
Genesis 20

I. This is not the re-telling of an old story but the revisiting of an old sin –
1. It is a different place – Genesis 12:10 Egypt; Genesis 20:1 Gerar
2. There are different kings – Genesis 12:10 Princes & Pharoah; Genesis 20:2 Abimelech King of Gerar
3. Abimelech is given a dream by God – Genesis 20:3; while no dream is mentioned for Pharoah
4. Pharoah and his house is plagued with great plagues – Genesis 12:17; while Abilelech and Gerar have to deal with a closing of wombs – Genesis 20:17
5. Pharoah rewards Abram before he discovers Sarah is his wife – Genesis 12:16; while Abimelech rewards him after – Genesis 20:14
6. Pharoah kicks Abram and Sarai out – Genesis 12:19-20; while Abilelech invites them to stay – Genesis 20:15
7. In Genesis 12 it is “Abram” & “Sarai” in chapter 20 it is Abraham and Sarah

II. Now here are some seemingly important changes, yet were they?
1. Chapter 12 is the beginning of Abram’s walk with God, chapter 20 a full 25 years later
In between Abram / Abraham
A. Received the promise of Canaan – Genesis 13:14-17
B. Fought in a war – Genesis 14:14-16
C. Saw God confirm a promise with an awesome vision – Genesis 15:8-16
D. Sinned and had a child with Hagar according to Sarah’s wishes – Genesis 16
E. Was circumcised at age 99 sealing the Covenant Promises and told Sarah (new name) would have a child – Genesis 17
F. Meets with God and witnesses the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and …Genesis 18-19
2. Is he older and wiser; is he better because of circumcision or the witness of God’s fierce wrath?
3. Does old age or experience make us better, automatically? Answer: Not necessarily, Abraham is dealing with the same old sin! David fell as an established older King, not as a Shepherd boy / Hezekiah fell at a time of ease rather than when he was tried or ill!

NKJ Deuteronomy 2:3 'You have skirted this mountain long enough; turn northward.

NKJ 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

III. Here is God’s grace shown toward Abraham in spite of His sin –
1. God reveals the truth to Abimelech – Genesis 20:3-7
2. Abimelech gives Abraham a good / deserved yelling at / questioning – Genesis 20:8-10
3. Abraham presents some lame excuses:
A. He was not sure of the fear of God in Gerar – Genesis 20:11 (He did not trust God)
B. She truly is my sister – Genesis 20:12 (Half-truth)
C. God called me to step out in faith / this has been my sinful habit since / my practice – Genesis 20:13 (blaming God / not changing)
4. Grace is shown even in Abimelech
1. Gifts bestowed on Abraham – Genesis 20:14
2. Sarah given back – Genesis 20:14
3. Land given to dwell – Genesis 20:15
4. A sarcastic but gracious rebuke of Abraham and Sarah for their nasty trick / lie – Genesis 20:16
5. Abraham’s prayer for Abimelech – Genesis 20:17-18
6. Isaac born – chapter 21, see Romans 9:1-9

Application:
1. Do not think growth in grace is automatic
2. Do not trust in changes of places or circumstances
3. Do not lean on your own understanding – Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Rejoice in God’s great grace – Philippians 4:4