The Call of God and the Response of Faith - Genesis 11:27-12:9

The Christian life is a life of faith. It can be hard to have faith when confronted with difficulties and struggles. Last Sunday, we began a new sermon series through Genesis 12-50. This section of Scripture encourages us to trust God for God is faithful to His promises.

Our sermon series began by considering God’s call of Abram in Genesis 11:27-12:9. First, God called Abram out of sin. Abram had been living in the land of Ur and was worshipping false gods when God called him (Joshua 24:2). Second, God called Abram by His grace. Abram wasn’t seeking God when God called him. He did nothing to earn God’s favor, yet God chose Him. Third, God called him with a purpose. God intended to bless all nations through Abram, whose family line would one day produce Jesus the Messiah (Genesis 12:3).

In many ways, God’s call of Abram is like God’s call of every believer. God calls every believer out of sin. Ephesians 2:1-3 all people as dead in their sin and trespasses before God called us. God calls every believer by His grace. We have all rebelled against God and are deserving of death, not grace, mercy, and forgiveness. God calls every believer for a purpose. Our purpose is to glorify God, follow Him faithfully, and make disciples of all nations.

When God called Abram, Abram responded with faith. God did not tell Abram where He was taking Him. Abram simply trusted the promise of God and followed Him (Hebrews 11:8). Abram serves as an example of faith for each of us. Though Abram’s life was a life of great faith, we find that he sometimes failed to trust God’s promises. Still, God remained faithful to His word. The life of Abram shows us that we can always trust God, no matter what we face, for God is good and faithful.

When we face a moment of confusion, chaos, or uncertainty let’s cling to the promises of God. God is faithful. Let’s trust Him together.

Resources:

Reflection Questions:

  • How did God graciously call you to Himself?

  • Which of God’s promises do you struggle to believe?

  • How can you call God’s promises to mind when faced with difficulties and struggles?

Delight in the WordAustin SegarGenesis