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Abraham: Vital Lessons learned about walking with God

Text: Genesis 12-17
14 January 2007

(I) INITIAL WALK WITH GOD

“So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him… And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed Haran.” Genesis 12:4

1. Commencement of walk with God

a) Older age- Seventy five years old

b) Obedience to God’s word

c) On-going communion with God

“Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said…” Genesis 12:7

2. Commendable efforts

“…And there he built an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.” Genesis 12:7

“…he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.” Genesis 12:8

a) Responding in appreciation

b) Responding in worship

c) Responding consistently

(II) INCONSISTENCY AND INCONGRUITY

1. Under trying circumstances in Egypt (Genesis 12:11-16)

a) Succumbing to fear

b) Selfish survival instincts kicks in

c) Special mercy and protection extended

2. Under another set of trying circumstances

a) Marrying Hagar

b) For the sake of obtaining an heir

c) Special problems arising from this situation

(III) INVITATION TO WALK BETTER

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.” Genesis 17:1

1. Another appearance

a) Many appearances already

b) Yet another one was made

2. Another chance

“…walk before Me and be blameless…” Genesis 17:1

a) Abraham not blameless

b) Learning from mistakes

c) Challenge to walk blamelessly

i) Sinless perfection not in mind

ii) In greater consciousness

iii) With greater faith

iv) With deeper understanding