The Winslow mail., 1923-04-06
LESSON FOR APRIL 8
ABRAHAM THE HERO OF FAITH

LESSON TEXT-Genesis 1915. He
brews 11:8-1O, 1913.
GOLDEN TEXT-Abraham believed
God and it was counted unto him for
teousness.-Romans 4:3.
REFERENCE MATERIAL-Romans
ALPS; Galatians 1863; James 2:21-24.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Abraham Obeying
God.
JUNIOR TOPIC-Abraham, the Man
Who Trusted God.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-Abraham, the Friend of God.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-Abraham, the Pioneer of Faith.
|. His Call Genesis II :1-5). The
human race, as such, had failed, and
now we see Gods purpose as to the re-
demptiOn of the race taking shape.
Therefore he singles out this lonely
man to make him the head of a nation
through whom redemption was to
come.
1. His Separation ". u. He was
called to go out Of his own country;
to separate from his kindred and go
to an unknown land. These were all
very dear to his heart but they were
to be given up that Abraham might
have God and be the father of all the
faithful. Abraham was living among
idOlaters; therefore, he must separate
from them. Even his kindred must be
left behind for they were idOlaters.
Following God costs much that is dear
nd fn TIC
unto the highest and best in the spirit
ual life many things which are pleas
ant to the carnal nature must be Sacri
feed.
2. Gods Gracious Promise to Him
wv. 2-3). Q) 81 will make of thee a
great nation" This was fulfilled in
natural way in a great posterity
wv. 13-16) and in spiritual seed. See
John s 80, Galatians 3:16-17. (2) 81
will bless thee" God has wonderfully
blessed Abraham in natural and
spiritual way and still greater realiza-
tion of this promise is to come to
Abraham's seed. (3) "Make thy name
great" Abraham was called the
friend of God. James 2 :23. Abraham
is a universal name. (4) "Thou shalt
be a blessing" Untold blessings have
come to the world through Abraham
and still a greater blessing will be
realized when the fullness Of Gods
purpose concerning that nation shall
be realized (5) ST will bless them
that bless thee" (6) 81 will curse
him that curseth thee" Abraham's
seed is Gods very tOuchstone. Ma
tions and individuals who have used
we'll Abraham's descendants have been
blessed and those who have cursed
them have in turn been cursed. Cd
''In thee shall all the families Of the
earth be blessed" This is the all
comprehensive promise of God because
it shall come to the world through the
Messiah. Galatians 3:16. While
Abraham had to give up much he
gained infinitely more than he lost.
8. His Obedience wv. 4-5). With
out question or delay Abraham took his
departure to the unknown land
Though he did not know whittier he
was going he knew that God had
promise Is enough for the child of
faith.
II. Abraham's Faith (Hebrews
11:S-1O).
l. It's Source Was the Word of God
He had heard Gods call. Because God
had spoken to him he went forward.
Faith takes God at his word.
2 It's Practice (vv. 9-10). He never
settled down anywhere even in
the land Of promise. He was a true
pilgrim. He was content to pass
through the land because his eyes were
fixed on a city which had foundations
whose builder and maker was God.
The Christian does not settle down in
this world as though he was going to
make his home. He lives in the world
but is not Of it. His citizenship is in
Heaven.
III. Abraham's Testing III :17-19).
1. At the Command of God He Offered
Up Isaac, His Only Son. ". 10. Going
out into an unknown country was sim
pie in comparison to laying his son on
the altar of sacrifice. But he who
had obeyed God in going out from his
country and kindred was now to pass
through the supreme test.
2. The Promise of Blessing Was
Wrapped Up in Isaac. wv 19). 1t was
not a promise which might take any
descendant Of Abraham but this par
ticular child. The way seemed dark
and the command conflicting with the
promise, but faith does not consider
difficulties.
g. The Supreme Venture ". 19)
Abraham so completely trusted God
that he was willing to go all the way
with Him, being assured that God
would even raise him as from the dead,
In order to make good his promise.