Abram: Anxious For God’s Promise Belief that makes one Righteous Genesis 15:1-6 Created by David Turner

What Are We Anxious About? Finances? Food? Clothing? Having friends? Security for the future? War? Political Issues? The Environment? Our Children? What was Abram Anxious About and how is he our example?

Genesis 15:1–6 (NET) 1 After these things the word of the L ORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield and the one who will reward you in great abundance.” 2 But Abram said, “O sovereign L ORD, what will you give me since I continue to be childless, and my heir is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram added, “Since you have not given me a descendant, then look, one born in my house will be my heir!” 4 But look, the word of the L ORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but instead a son who comes from your own body will be your heir.” 5 The L ORD took him outside and said, “Gaze into the sky and count the stars – if you are able to count them!” Then he said to him, “So will your descendants be.” 6 Abram believed the L ORD, and the L ORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty.

What is Abram’s Concern? Genesis 15:1 (NET) 1 After these things the word of the L ORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield and the one who will reward you in great abundance.” Even victories can be followed by anxiety. Is Abram afraid of possible enemy reprisals? Is Abram worried about provisions for he and his household? The natural man is concerned for physical well being and security. What makes you anxious?

The Man of faith concerns Himself with God’s promise 2 But Abram said, “O sovereign L ORD, what will you give me since I continue to be childless, and my heir is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram added, “Since you have not given me a descendant, then look, one born in my house will be my heir!” Abram’s anxiety is not physical protection or security. Abram is more concerned about the details of God’s promise. A servant is in line to inherit the promise. Word play here in Hebrew, “The son of my possessions (ben meseq) is Eliezer of Damasus (dmeseq).” Genesis 13:14–16 14 After Lot had departed, the L ORD said to Abram, “Look from the place where you stand to the north, south, east, and west. 15 I will give all the land that you see to you and your descendants forever. 16 And I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone is able to count the dust of the earth, then your descendants also can be counted. Am I anxious about physical health and security, or God’s promises? A DONAI Y AWEH

God’s promise is better than our expectations. 4 But look, the word of the L ORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but instead a son who comes from your own body will be your heir.” Abram’s faith doesn’t question the promise, just the specifics. It’s not going to be your nephew Lot or your servant Eliezer. It will be a son from your own body. God’s promise included this all along but Abram needed clarification. Trust God, His plans are better than your expectations.

God’s plans infinitely surpass our expectations. 5 The L ORD took him outside and said, “Gaze into the sky and count the stars – if you are able to count them!” Then he said to him, “So will your descendants be.” You’re concerned about one child, but I’m giving you more descendants than you can count. God’s Plans for you Infinitely Surpass your Expectations

Faith is honored with the gift of righteousness. 6 Abram believed the L ORD, and the L ORD considered his response of faith as proof of genuine loyalty. (NASB95) 6 Then he believed in the L ORD ; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. Believing means: – Trusting that what God says is true even when it seems impossible. – Trusting that He will do what he said. Abram did not receive because he was righteous. God counted him as righteous because he believed God. Abram’s faith began when he left Ur. It is stated here because it is foundational for the Covenant. Righteous Abram was counted as righteous because he believed God. Do you believe God?

Believe God and Be Righteous Romans 4:2–3 2 For if Abraham was declared righteous by the works of the law, he has something to boast about – but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Believe God and Be Righteous Galatians 3:6–9 (NET) 6 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, 7 so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then those who believe are blessed along with Abraham the believer.

Faith Pursues God’s Kingdom Matthew 6:31–33 (NET) 31 So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Believe God, Trust His plan, Wear the righteousness of Christ, And be not anxious of things of the world.