The Life of the Upright: Learning from Abraham’s Journey
In this exploration of Abraham’s life, Pastor Bill Brannan reveals profound truths about living uprightly through faith and grace. By examining the complexities of Abraham’s experiences, we gain insights into how our relationship with God shapes our understanding of righteousness and hope, even amidst our failures.
The Life of the Upright
Abraham’s journey represents a profound exploration of faith, grace, and the complexities of human nature. His story is not merely one of triumph but also of failure, revealing the depths of God’s mercy and the importance of striving to live uprightly. The lessons we glean from Abraham’s life highlight the significance of our choices and the impact they have on our relationship with God and others.
Abraham and Sarah
The relationship between Abraham and Sarah is foundational to understanding the narrative of faith. Their journey together was marked by moments of doubt and incredible faith. When God promised them a child, it seemed impossible due to their advanced age. Yet, this promise was a testament to God’s power to do the extraordinary.
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Abraham’s faith was not without its challenges. In a moment of fear, he misrepresented Sarah as his sister, leading to dire consequences. This act underscores a critical point: even the most faithful can falter. However, it is God’s response to their failures that reveals His character. Rather than abandon them, God intervened, illustrating the theme of redemption throughout their story.
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God’s Intervention
God’s intervention in the lives of Abraham and Sarah demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His promises. When Abraham found himself in a precarious situation because of his own choices, God did not leave him to face the consequences alone. Instead, He acted decisively to protect Sarah and ensure the fulfillment of His promise.
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This divine intervention serves as a reminder that God is intimately involved in our lives, even when we stray from His path. The narrative shows that our mistakes do not disqualify us from God’s plan. Abraham’s life exemplifies how God can redirect our paths, restoring hope and purpose, regardless of our past errors.
Can God Get Your Life on Track?
The question of whether God can get our lives back on track is central to understanding His nature. Abraham’s experience illustrates that no situation is beyond God’s reach. Even when it seems that we have derailed our destiny, God remains faithful to His promises.
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When we find ourselves in turmoil, it is essential to remember that God’s grace is sufficient. Abraham’s story encourages us to trust in God’s ability to restore and redirect our lives. He can turn our failures into stepping stones towards a greater purpose, demonstrating that our worth is not determined by our mistakes but by God’s calling on our lives.
Abraham and AIMC
The interaction between Abraham and King Abimelech (AIMC) reveals profound insights about integrity and accountability. After realizing the gravity of his actions, AIMC sought answers from Abraham. This dialogue emphasizes the importance of transparency and honesty in our relationships.
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Abraham’s response to AIMC showcases a mix of humility and vulnerability. Rather than justifying his actions, he acknowledged his fears. This moment is crucial as it illustrates that even the father of faith had moments of weakness, yet God still regarded him as a prophet. This relationship between Abraham and AIMC serves as a model for how we should navigate misunderstandings and conflicts in our lives.
Don’t Overgeneralize People
Abraham’s fear of AIMC was rooted in a generalized perception of people, shaped by the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This narrative teaches us the dangers of overgeneralization. It is easy to form assumptions based on past experiences, but such generalizations can lead us to misjudge individuals.
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In our interactions, it is vital to approach each person as an individual rather than a stereotype. By doing so, we open ourselves to genuine connections and understanding. Abraham’s story reminds us that character varies, and we should seek to see the good in others rather than letting fear cloud our judgment.
God Heals AIMC and His Household
The healing of AIMC’s household after Abraham prayed is a powerful testament to God’s restorative power. This act not only highlights God’s mercy but also illustrates the ripple effect of Abraham’s faithfulness. Despite his failings, Abraham was still a conduit for God’s blessing.
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God’s healing extended beyond AIMC to his entire household, demonstrating that our actions can have far-reaching effects. When we walk uprightly, our lives can positively influence those around us. Abraham’s intercession for AIMC serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of standing in the gap for others.
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In conclusion, the life of Abraham provides a rich tapestry of lessons on faith, grace, and the human experience. His story encourages us to embrace our imperfections while trusting in God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. As we navigate our journeys, let us remember that our past does not define us, but God’s promises and our responses to His calling do.
Abraham Saw Jesus’s Day and Rejoiced
In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us that Abraham rejoiced to see His day. This statement carries deep theological significance, illustrating Abraham’s foresight and faith. He glimpsed the future fulfillment of God’s promises, understanding that his journey was part of a much larger narrative.
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Abraham, despite never witnessing the complete realization of God’s promises in his lifetime, held onto the hope of what was to come. Like Moses, who saw the promised land from a distance but never entered it, Abraham’s vision allowed him to rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s plans. His life exemplifies a faith that looks beyond the present circumstances to the eternal promises of God.
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This perspective encourages us to cultivate a similar faith. We, too, are called to recognize that our lives are part of a grander story, one that transcends our immediate experiences. Embracing this truth can inspire us to live with hope and joy, knowing that God is at work in ways we may not fully understand.
The Life of the Upright: A Heavenly Country
The life of the upright is characterized by a longing for a heavenly country, a city whose builder and maker is God. This desire shapes our identity and guides our actions as we navigate the challenges of life. Abraham’s journey illustrates this longing; he lived in tents, a symbol of his transient existence, while his heart yearned for something greater.
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Living as pilgrims on this earth can be challenging. It requires us to remain focused on our true home, which is not of this world. Our earthly experiences may be filled with trials, but they also serve to deepen our reliance on God and our anticipation of the eternal promises ahead.
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As we embrace our identity as citizens of a heavenly kingdom, we reflect the values of that kingdom in our everyday lives. This perspective empowers us to be agents of change in a world that desperately needs hope and healing. Our actions become a testament to the love and grace of God, pointing others toward the eternal hope we possess.
The Old Testament: A People of the Heavenly Jerusalem
The Old Testament is rich with examples of individuals who lived with their eyes set on the heavenly Jerusalem. These were people who understood that their relationship with God was foundational to their identity. They navigated their lives with a profound awareness of His presence and guidance.
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Throughout their journey, they faced trials and tribulations, yet their faith sustained them. They looked forward to a day when God would establish His kingdom fully on earth. This hope is echoed in the New Testament, where we see the realization of those promises through Jesus Christ.
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As modern believers, we can draw strength from their examples. Their stories remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that our faith can carry us through the darkest of times. By anchoring our hope in the promises of God, we can navigate our lives with confidence and purpose.
The River of Living Water
Jesus’ invitation to come and drink of the living water is a powerful metaphor for spiritual nourishment and renewal. This river symbolizes the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit, which flows through those who believe in Him. It is a source of strength, healing, and transformation.
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In John 7:37-39, Jesus proclaims that out of the hearts of believers will flow rivers of living water. This promise highlights the transformative power of the Spirit in our lives. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we become conduits of His grace and love, impacting those around us.
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As we seek to deepen our relationship with God, we must remain attentive to our spiritual thirst. Just as our bodies require water to sustain life, our souls long for the refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit. By coming to Jesus and drinking deeply from this well, we can experience the fullness of life He offers.
Prayer for the Holy Spirit
In our pursuit of spiritual renewal, prayer plays a vital role. It is through prayer that we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us, guiding our thoughts and actions. We must approach God with open hearts, asking Him to saturate our lives with His presence.
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Asking for the Holy Spirit is not merely a one-time event; it is an ongoing dialogue with our Creator. We should continually seek His guidance, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. This process involves surrendering our will and embracing His plans for our lives.
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In prayer, we cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence. It is through this connection that the rivers of living water flow, empowering us to live uprightly and impact the world around us. Let us be diligent in our prayers, inviting the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.
Post-Service
After a time of worship and teaching, it is essential to take moments of reflection and fellowship. These moments allow us to process the truths we’ve encountered and share our experiences with one another. Community plays a vital role in our spiritual journey, providing support and encouragement as we strive to live out our faith.
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As we gather together, let us encourage one another to seek the living water that Jesus offers. Share testimonies of how God has moved in your life and pray for one another’s needs. These connections strengthen our faith and remind us that we are part of a larger body of believers.
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Ultimately, our journey as believers is not meant to be walked alone. Together, we can navigate the challenges of life, celebrating victories and offering support in difficult times. Let us commit to fostering a community where we can all thrive in our relationship with God and with each other.
Preaching Outline
The Life of the Upright
(Preaching Notes)
1) Several Sundays ago we discussed the book of the upright.
a) Discussion of the destruction of the second temple
b) Scriptures create a vision for living well in the world – Today we are going to read an episode about Abraham.
c) The Promise & Sodom and Gomorrah
d) Genesis 20:1–2 (NKJV) — 1 And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. 2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.
e) Genesis 20:3–7 (NKJV) — 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also? 5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. 7 Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”
f) Genesis 20:8–9 (NKJV) — 8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. 9 And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.”
g) Genesis 20:10–13 (NKJV) — 10 Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?” 11 And Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. 12 But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. 13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”
h) Genesis 20:14–18 (NKJV) — 14 Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelech said, “See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” 16 Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody.” Thus she was rebuked. 17 So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; 18 for the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.
i) My hope is that this story stirs our passion to walk with God.
2) The Legacy of Abraham
a) John 8:56 (NKJV) — 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”
b) Hebrews 11:8–16 (NKJV) — 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
3) We have received what Abraham sought!
a) Share with you the passage we read at life group on Thursday:
b) John 7:37–39 (NKJV) — 37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
c) Moreover, these ceremonies of the Feast of Tabernacles were related in Jewish thought both to the Lord’s provision of water in the desert and to the Lord’s pouring out of the Spirit in the last days. Pouring at the Feast of Tabernacles refers symbolically to the messianic age in which a stream from the sacred rock would flow over the whole earth[1]
d) The water-pouring ceremony is interpreted in these traditions as a foretaste of the eschatological rivers of living water foreseen by Ezekiel (47:1–9) and Zechariah (13:1)[2]
4) The Life of the Upright
[1] D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 322.
[2] D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991), 322.
