SUGGESTED VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION & MEDITATION
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. (Genesis 12:1)
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. (Genesis 12:4)
So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (Galatians 3:9)
OPENING THOUGHT
The life of Abraham revolves around the incredible faith of this Old Testament man of God; therefore, our discussions about his story will ultimately be focused upon the subject of faith. It is critical that we frequently talk about the importance of faith in the life of the Christian because we are all saved by grace through faith. This makes faith essential in our belief in Jesus Christ. After all, it is an enormous act of faith to trust the death of one man two thousand years ago to pay the penalty of our sins before God.
In this first section of our study, we learn the story of how Abraham came to know the LORD as God. Though Abraham was a pagan and probably considered cursed, God’s grace has no bounds, and it came to Abraham before he ever began to walk in faithful obedience to the LORD. Another grace of God is seen in how Abraham responds to God’s calling; he simply begins to walk, not knowing where the LORD was taking him. Abraham trusted God to take him where he needed to be. This is incredible faith!
The story of Abraham’s conversion is really built into a couple of movements. First, we see the LORD calling to him, commanding him to follow and promising blessing. Second, Abraham responds in faith by obedience. Third, Abraham gratefully worships God, through sacrifice and proclaiming the name of the LORD. Finally, Abraham journeyed on. His story did not stop after beginning to follow God. These movements also occur in the life of each Christian. Thus, as we study Abraham’s conversion, let us recall and re-evaluate our walk of faith with the LORD.
Read verses 1-3 and answer discuss the following.
- The LORD came to Abram with a command and a promise. How does this resemble Jesus’ call to His disciples? How does this resemble the moment that you first believed the gospel?
- Biblically, being blessed means God being pleased with us, or having God’s favor. Is this how you think of being blessed by God? Why or why not?
- The promise of blessing (the favor of God) came at the cost of Abram leaving behind his family and his security. What have you left behind in order to follow the greater treasure that is Jesus Christ?
Read verses 4-7 and discuss the following.
- Abram obeyed the LORD, having faith that God would fulfill His promises. What obedience have you seen in your life as evidence of your faith in God’s Word?
Read verses 7-8 and discuss the following.
- Abram worshipped the LORD by building altars (and likely making sacrifices) out of thanksgiving to God. Does your worship, especially through giving and serving, come from a heart of obligation or one of gratitude?
- After promising to make Abram’s name famous, Abram called upon the name of the LORD (probably meaning that he proclaimed God to the people around him). Do you proclaim the name of the LORD, the God who saved us from our sins? How often do you share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around you?
Read verse 9 and discuss the following.
- Abram’s journey only began with his initial conversion. In what ways have you continued to follow the LORD after your first believing of the gospel?
ACTIONS TO CONSIDER
- Consider idols in your life that hinder you from fully walking with the LORD. Communicate these with a friend, mentor, or small group leader to make practical plans for leaving those things behind to follow Christ.
- Commit to praying regularly for people you know that do not have faith in Christ.
- Think of ways that you can serve and/or give as sacrificial worship to God, whether personally or in the church.
B. C. Newton 