Abraham, the Spiritual Pilgrim:
Introduction: The study and life of Abraham is of great importance because he was chosen of God to become the father of a new spiritual race. Religious seeds were planted in the garden of his heart from which were to spring wonderful results in the church of the future.He was the file leader of a great spiritual host.
His divine call:While living with his father in Haran, he received a message from the Lord calling upon him to seperate himself from his old associations and go forth into a new country. He was promised the divine favor, a great posterity, and that he should become a blessing to all the families of the Earth.
He obeyed the call, and thus became the leader of that innumerable company of pilgrims who have sought a city whose builder and maker is God.
Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8-10;
Most of the important events in his career are connected with his journeys. A map is attached to the front page to show the main points in his itinerary. By comparing the numbers given in the outline, with those on the map, you will be able to trace the course of his journeys.
I. (1) to (2) Ur to Haran, Genesis 11:31-
Death of Abraham's father, Genesis 11:32-
II. (2) to (3) Haran to Shechem, Genesis 12:1-6 -
Divine appearance, altar built, Genesis 12: 7 -
III. (3) to (4) Shechem to Bethal, Genesis 12-7: Altar built, prayer offered.
IV. (4) to (5) Bethal to Egypt, Genesis 12:9-11: He denies that Sarah is his wife, Genesis 12:11-13
V. (5) to (4) Return to Bethal, offers prayer: Genesis 13:1-4
VI. (4)- (6) Bethal to Hebron, altar built: Genesis 13:18
VII. (6) - (7) Hebron to Damascus, pursues robbers, rescues Lot and recovers goods: Genesis 14:1-16
VIII. (7)- (6) Return to Hebron, gives tithes to Melchizedek: Genesis 14:16-20 Promise of a son renewed: Genesis: 15: 3-5, Ishmael born, Genesis: 16:15; covenant renewed, Genesis 17:1-8; Named changed, Genesis 17:5; Intercession for Sodom, Genesis 18:23-32
IX. (6) -(9), Hebron to Gerar; Genesis 20:1, covenant fulfilled, Isaac born, Genesis 21:1-3
X. (9)- (10), Gerar to Beer- sheba, covenant with Abimelech, Genesis 21: 27-34
XI. (10)-(8) Beer-sheba to Mt. Moriah, altar built, Isaac prepared to be offered as a sacrifice, Genesis 22: 1-14
XII. (8)- (10) Return to Beer-sheba, Genesis 22:19
XIII. (10)- (6) Beer-sheba to Hebron, Abreham's death and burial, Genesis 25: 8-10
The Outstanding Events and Experiences of his Life:
The devine call, Genesis 12:1
--------- Covenant, Genesis 12:2-3 & Genesis 17:1-6
--------- Delay, in the fulfillment of the promise of a son. (Compare Genesis 12:4 with Genesis 21:5. Over 25 years passed before Issac was born.
His great mistake, Genesis 16:3- Sarah's plan to aid the almighty.
His great intercession for the cities of the plain, Genesis 18: 23- 32
The fulfillment of his hopes in the birth of Isaac, Genesis 21:5
His severe test, Genesis 22:1-2
His remarkable faith and obedience, Genesis 22:3-10
His greatest need supplied, Genesis 22:11-13
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Characteristics of Abraham:
Incorruptibility- refused to received gifts for service rendered- Genesis 14:23
Incorruptibility (The quality of being incorruptible; incapability of corruption)
Mighty in prayer- Genesis 18:23-33
Wonderful in faith- Was willing to offer up his only son, Isaac, Hebrew 11:17
