So we read of another study between God and Abram. Last post we discussed the fourfold command that had a great promise attached to it. This post we will see a little different conversation. We will see that God basically reassures the promise of the “great nation.”
1. “After these things” Chapters 13 & 14 are packed full of things. Abram separated from Lot, went into war, was tempted with possessions, and met Melchezadek. That is what is meant by “after these things”
“Word of the Lord” This statement often meant that it was a prophetic statement. This word is in the OT over 1500 times and it is translated at least 85 different ways, but it is usually in reference to words, speech, saying, news, command, promise, etc This is the same word that is used it the 10 Commandments. Ex 20:1
The point is that, like in our New Testament, God reveals himself to us through His Word, may we never lose sight of that. If we do not know His Word, we have no chance of knowing God or His will!
GOD TELLS ABRAM HE 2 THINGS
A. “I am your shield” I like this because when we look at the events leading up to this we know Abram doesn’t know where they were going. He gave up all the things that have shaped his life. He has just been involved in a war. After all this God reminds Abram that He is Abrams shield! We a provided a shield today as well in Eph 6:16! We too must have the same kind of faith that Abram displayed when he left all to go to an unannounced place. We must study God's Word so our shield of faith will be strong.
B. “your exceedingly great reward” The greatest thing in all of life is having a relationship with God!!! There is no bigger reward!
“reward” literally means benefit, wages, reward. It comes from the word that means payment of contract. Abram entered into a covenant with God and the payment is a relationship with him! Today we have a similar thing in the Holy Spirit. Eph 1:13,14 says we are sealed on the Holy Spirit and he is our “gurantee” of our inheritance. The Holy Spirit is the down payment, or reward, of what it come to us in our covenant with God. Which is our inheritance, or the resurrection! Have you ever felt like not going to a worship service, but you went anyway? On the way home, you're filled with joy, take a deep breath, exhale it aloud, and say, "Boy, I'm glad I went." That feeling is just a down payment of what it will feel like when we receive our resurrection in heaven.
Abram responds
Later we learn that Abram had six sons by a concubine named Keturah. Gen 25:1–6 That relationship with Keturah must have occurred after the events of this chapter. We also see the affects or results of getting ahead of the Lord. Ps 27:14 tells us to be patient and wait on the Lord. This is a great lesson.
This is significant because remember the promise of last week. Gen 12:1,2
Today we read of an Abram that is childless and landless. It’s a reminder that earthly things are not our shield and reward, God is!!!
“Eliezer of Damascus?” It was customary that a man who was childless would adopt someone, perhaps a slave, to be his principal heir. If the man later had a child, then the natural child would replace the adopted son as the principal heir.
4. Eliezer was not a physical son of Abram; God promised that Abram himself would father a child, even in his advanced age.
5. Only God can count the stars. Ps 147:4 What is said here that the descendants of Abram would be innumerable.
“So shall your descendants be” Some try to make a big deal of the first Illustration God used was dust on the earth, and now he uses stars in the sky. They say this is illustrating to “descendants” or “Israels.” The former being fleshy and of the earth. (Adam was formed from the dirt) and the latter being spiritual and in heaven. Ancient times the word sky didn’t exist. They called in heaven!
6. This is one of those verses that is always taught incorrectly. Many today teach this verse says we are justified by faith alone! They say you do not have to do a single thing to receive justification, a mere convincing of the mind and heart is sufficient.
They use as a proof text. Rom 4:1-6
KEEP IN MIND PAUL IS REFERRING TO “WORKS” OF THE LAW He is making an argument that the Old Testament law does not save you! He is not making an argument in favor of faith only!!!
I agree that this justification was prior to the law being given. The Bible says that from the promise to the Law is 430 years in Gal 3:17! I do not argue that. What I argue is justification without OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CAMMONDS!!!!!
The last post we said God COMMANDED him to do four things! This “justification” here DOES NOT happen until Abram obeyed them all! No more land of idolatry, no more kindred, no more father’s house (lifestyle), and he is on his way (go)! Abram has now obeyed God’s commands of Chapter 12 and now he is justified! JUSTIFICATION & FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM PERSONAL WORKS!! Jas 2:17;26 faith without works is dead! Jas 2:21
You see in Gen 15:6 his belief was “accounted to him as righteousness.” Which means it was stored up for him. When Isaac was to be offered is where this belief is put into action and then “God knows you fear Him” GE 22:12
“fear” here comes from a root word that means reverent fear that is displayed in worship. When we obey God at all costs that is worshiping from a Holy Fear!!!
Today, are you ready to obey God? Many people say, "Accept Jesus" I really do not like that saying. Today I am asking you to submit to Jesus and He will accept you!
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?
Hear The Word- Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4
We Must Believe or Have Faith- Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31
We Must Repent- Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30
We Must Confess Christ Before Others- Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37
We Must Be Immersed Into Christ (Baptized)- 1Pe 3:21; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38
We Must Remain Faithful- Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22
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