Introduction:
“Church, today we begin a journey—a journey of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s promises. Our focus is on the life of Abraham, a man called by God to leave everything familiar and step into the unknown. Open your Bibles to Genesis 12:1–9 and let us uncover what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.”
Exposition:
“In Genesis 12:1, we hear the voice of the Almighty speaking to Abraham:
‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’
Imagine being Abraham. He was 75 years old, settled, and living comfortably in Haran. Yet God calls him to leave it all behind—his family, his friends, his home. The call wasn’t accompanied by a detailed itinerary or a map. Instead, God simply says, ‘Go to the land I will show you.’
Why does God call Abraham in this way? Because faith requires trust. Abraham is asked to trust not in what he sees, but in the One who sees it all. And along with this call comes a promise—a remarkable one:
‘I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.’
God promises to bless Abraham, but not just for Abraham’s sake. He says, ‘All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ This blessing is not about material gain or personal comfort; it is about being a vessel for God’s redemptive plan.”
Application:
“Now, let’s pause and reflect. Abraham didn’t hesitate. Verse 4 says, ‘So Abraham went, as the Lord had told him.’ He obeyed without question, without delay. This is faith in action. He stepped out of his comfort zone, trusting that God would guide him.
What about us? What is God calling you to leave behind? Perhaps it’s fear, doubt, or a reliance on worldly security. Like Abraham, we are called to trust God’s promises in uncertain times. The road may be unclear, but God’s faithfulness is certain.
We live in a world that demands clarity and guarantees before we take a step. Yet faith often requires us to walk into the unknown, believing that God will show us the way. Abraham’s journey is a reminder that obedience is the key to unlocking God’s promises.”
Discussion Questions:
1. “What does God’s call to Abraham teach us about faith? Abraham’s story shows us that faith is not passive—it’s active. It requires movement, even when we don’t know the outcome. Are we willing to trust God like that?”
2. “How can we apply obedience like Abraham in our lives today? Perhaps it’s taking a step of faith in your career, relationships, or ministry. What would it look like for you to respond to God with, ‘So I went’?”
Closing Challenge:
“Church, Abraham’s story is our story. We are all called to leave something behind—whether it’s a physical place, a mindset, or a fear—and step into the unknown. But here’s the good news: we don’t walk alone. The God who called Abraham is the same God who calls us today. His promises are as true now as they were then. So, let us step out in faith, trusting that He will lead us to the land He has prepared for us.”
Let’s pray together.
