Abram is called. Genesis 12

I. The call of Abram.

a. Seperated and set apart. ( verse 1)
b. Called to faithful obedience. ( verse 1b)
c. Called to be a blessing. ( verse 2-3)
d. Promise of greatness. ( verse 2)
Notice the stark contrast between what God considers great, (what actually makes on great), and what the world considers great.

a. What the world considers great seen in Genesis 11- (" let us make a name for ourselves.)

b. What God considers great.

1. I will make your name great. ( Greatness is not siezed it is granted by God.)
2. You will be a blessing.
3. In you all nations of the earth will be blessed. (The greatest in God's eyes is the one who serves by being used by God)

Quote- Warren Wiersby's definition of ministry. "Ministry is accomplished when human needs are met by Divine resources, through loving chanels to the Glory of God.

II. Abraham's three fold response to God. ( verses 4-9)

a. He went. (verse 4)
b. He believed the promise ( verse 7).
c. He worshipped. ( verse 7-9)

III. Abram's lapse.

a. Famine- Everyone goes through trials. How will we respond to them?
b. Weak faith and compromise. ( He failed to trust God and depended on His own schemes)
c. God protected and blessed him in spite of His lapse.
d. Rebuked by Pharoah. ( God uses a pagan to rebuke Abram.)
e. Abram gets back on the right track again.
f. For those who have lapsed, this serves as an encouragement. Even though you experienced a failure, God is not done with you yet. He who called you is still calling you. Confess ( 1 John 1:9), repent, and go back to doing the first works, just as Abram did, and God will bring you back to where you need to be.

1 John 2:1- My little children, these things I write to you that you sin not. If any man sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.

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