Lesson 3: "Abraham's Plan 'Goes South'" Genesis 12:10-20
"Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well…" Genesis 12:13
Lord, what's happening?
Ever face a trial after a success? (Remember Elijah?)
Abram has just arrived in the new land. He's left his homeland, his family, his strange gods, and what happens? Famine. Uh, Lord?
Unfortunately, Abram seems to have taken matters into his own hands. (Remember David?) Do we ever do that? Under what circumstances?
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
In the Bible, Egypt has been a place of refuge for some; Joseph, Jacob and family, Jesus. But Abram was worried about what he would find there. (12:11-13). Remember, Romans 1 may describe that world.
So, Abram tells a half-truth (or half-lie? See 20:12) Was this wrong?
Are there any missed opportunities by acting on our own?
Consider the background of Abram and Sarai. Does that justify their actions? Consider the importance of environment on behavior. How do we raise our kids? Eye and Ear Gates…
Because of Abram's actions, other people suffered (12:17)
God's patience and faithfulness
God knew Abram needed to learn a few things about serving Him, so God was patient.
God's grace was evident in that Abram was allowed to keep the servants and animals Pharaoh had given Abram for Sarai. Abram left much wealthier than when he came.
What should Abram have done? What should we do?
Consulting God is a start. What else?
Scriptures
Mature Christians
Carefully consider circumstances
Be cautious about feelings
In 13:1-4, Abram calls out to God at the place where he built his first altar. He's learning…
4 Principles
#1) We will face periodic crises in our Christian lives, even when we are following God fully.
#2)
When we face crises, we will be tempted to go to extremes in solving our problems.
#3)
God's faithfulness and patience continues in our lives no matter what our decisions.
#4)
We must follow God's divine order in determining His will for our lives.
