Bible Study Guides - Abraham

October 9, 2011 – October 15, 2011

Key Text

“Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.” Isaiah 51:1, 2.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 4, 523, 524; Patriarchs and Prophets, 125–131.

Introduction

“Abraham’s unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith to be found in all the Bible.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 126.

1 A MAN WHOM GOD COULD TRUST

Describe Abraham’s background and what distinguished him. Genesis 11:26–32.

Note: “Although his [Abraham’s] own father was vacillating between the true and the false worship, and with his knowledge of the truth false theories and idolatrous practices were mingled, Abraham kept free from this infatuation. He was not ashamed of his faith, and made no effort to hide the fact that he made God his trust.” The Youth’s Instructor, March 4, 1897.

How was God eventually to describe the trust He placed in this patriarch? Genesis 18:17–19.

Note: “God designed that Abraham should be a channel of light and blessing, that he should have a gathering influence, and that God should have a people on the earth. Abraham was to be in the world, reflecting in his life the character of Jesus. When he received the divine call, Abraham was not a man of renown, neither a lawgiver, nor a conqueror. He was a simple herdsman, dwelling in tents, but employing a large number of workmen to carry on his humble employment. And the honor which he received was because of his faithfulness to God, his strict integrity and just dealing.” The Youth’s Instructor, March 4, 1897.

2 FATHER OF A PECULIAR NATION

What was the first major step of faith that Abraham was called to perform, and why? Genesis 12:1–7; II Corinthians 6:14–18.

Note: “God selected Abraham as His messenger, through whom to communicate light to the world. The word of God came to him, not with the presentation of flattering prospects in this life, of large salary, of great appreciation and worldly honor. … He forsook his country, his home, his relatives, and all pleasant associations connected with his early life, to become a pilgrim and a stranger. …

“Before God can use him, Abraham must be separated from his former associations, that he may not be controlled by human influence, or rely upon human aid. Now that he has become connected with God, this man must henceforth dwell among strangers. His character must be peculiar, differing from all the world.” Gospel Workers (1892), 23, 24.

What was Abraham seeking? Hebrews 11:8–10. How are we to follow his example?

Note: “With only the naked promise that his [Abraham’s] descendants should possess Canaan, without the least outward evidence, he followed on where God should lead, fully and sincerely complying with the conditions on his part, and confident that the Lord would faithfully perform His word. The patriarch went wherever God indicated his duty; he passed through wildernesses without terror; he went among idolatrous nations with the one thought, ‘God has spoken; I am obeying His voice; He will guide, He will protect me.’

“Just such faith and confidence as Abraham had, the messengers of God need today. But many whom the Lord could use will not move onward, hearing and obeying the one voice above all others. The connection with kindred and friends, the former habits and associations, too often have so great an influence upon God’s servants that He can give them but little instruction, can communicate to them but little knowledge of His purposes; and often after a time he sets them aside, and calls others in their place, whom He tests in the same manner. The Lord would do much more for His servants if they were wholly consecrated to Him, esteeming His service above the ties of kindred and all other earthly associations.” Gospel Workers (1892), 24.

3 A FAMILY’S FAITH TESTED

Why were the names of both Abram and Sarai changed? Genesis 17:1–8, 15, 16.
What reveals the tremendous spiritual growth of Sarah? Genesis 18:1, 10–14; 21:1, 2, 6, 7; Hebrews 11:11, 12.
What was the greatest test ever to befall Abraham? Genesis 22:1–3, 10–14.

Note: “Isaac had been a comfort, a sunbeam, a blessing to Abraham in his old age, and although this gift of God seemed so precious, so dear to him, he was now commanded to return it to the Giver.” The Signs of the Times, April 3, 1879.

Why was this test given to Abraham? John 8:56.

Note: “This terrible ordeal was imposed upon Abraham that he might see the day of Christ, and realize the great love of God for the world, so great that to raise it from its degradation, He gave His only-begotten Son to a most shameful death.

“Abraham learned of God the greatest lesson ever given to mortal. His prayer that he might see Christ before he should die was answered. He saw Christ; he saw all that mortal can see, and live. By making an entire surrender, he was able to understand the vision of Christ, which had been given him. He was shown that in giving His only-begotten Son to save sinners from eternal ruin, God was making a greater and more wonderful sacrifice than ever man could make.” The Desire of Ages, 469.

“Abraham’s test was the most severe that could come to a human being. Had he failed under it, he would never have been registered as the father of the faithful. Had he deviated from God’s command, the world would have lost an inspiring example of unquestioning faith and obedience.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 6, 1901.

4 LESSONS FROM ABRAHAM’S TEST

What enabled Abraham to pass his greatest test victoriously? Hebrews 11:17.
Why should we be inspired by all that Abraham actually believed about the creative power of God? Hebrews 11:18, 19.

Note: “The lesson was given to shine down through the ages, that we may learn that there is nothing too precious to be given to God. It is when we look upon every gift as the Lord’s, to be used in His service, that we secure the heavenly benediction. Give back to God your intrusted possessions, and more will be intrusted to you. Keep your possessions to yourself, and you will receive no reward in this life, and will lose the reward of the life to come.

“God tries His people today to test their faith and obedience. There are many who have never made an unreserved surrender of themselves to God. They have not a right idea of the infinite sacrifice made by God to save a ruined world. If God should speak to them as He did to Abraham, they would not be sufficiently acquainted with His voice to know that He was calling upon them to make a sacrifice, in order to test the depth of their love and the sincerity of their faith.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 6, 1901.

“God has a right to every one of us, and it is not for anyone to question whether it is right, whether God should take this course or that course with us. Those who have perfect confidence in the Lord God of heaven will never question any of His dealings with His children. He has important experiences to give His children and He gives them this experience in His own way. Now Abraham verily believed and made the sacrifice to all intents and purposes in his heart. And that very faith was counted to him for righteousness. He thought and taught Isaac that God was able to raise him up from the dead and could see the end from the beginning. This is the very faith that we should have, every one of us, in the Lord God of heaven. We have the history of Abraham, and the ground the Lord brought him over, in order to give us strength and courage and faith. The Lord wants every one of us to believe that He is the very best friend we have. Abraham trusted God at every step and his faith was perfect.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, 119, 120.

5 ABRAHAM—AND US

Whom does Heaven view as the true children of Abraham—and therefore the actual heirs of the Divine promises given to him? John 8:39; Galatians 3:8, 9, 14.

Note: “Heart union with Christ makes believers heirs of God, and laborers together with Him. At home, at church, and in the world, the believer is to show forth the praises of Him who has called him out of darkness into His marvelous light.” The Review and Herald, March 14, 1893.

What qualities are we to reflect from this father of the faithful? Isaiah 51:1, 2.

Note: “Abraham’s unselfish life made him indeed a ‘spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men’ [1 Corinthians 4:9]. And the Lord declared He would bless those who blessed Abraham, and that He would punish those who misused or injured him. Through Abraham’s experience in his religious life a correct knowledge of Jehovah has been communicated to thousands; and his light will shed its beams all along the path of those who practise [sic] the piety, the faith, the devotion, and the obedience of Abraham. …

“As Abraham and other holy men of old were a light in their generation, so must God’s people be a light in the world. The beams of heaven’s attractive loveliness are to shine forth from us, showing the only good and right way, and ever showing the superiority of God’s law above every human enactment.” The Youth’s Instructor, March 4, 1897.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What made Abraham different from his forebears?

2 In what aspects of my life do I need to follow Abraham’s example of separation?

3 Why does the greatest trial of one’s life often turn out to be the greatest blessing?

4 Why was Abraham so successful in his spiritual life?

5 How can the spiritual blessings we receive from heaven be more far-reaching as Abraham’s were?