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Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings

What is this series about? An examination of 21 attitudes and behaviors identified in the New Testament as “blessed” A look at Christian conduct and characteristics that will enrich our lives with lasting joy A look at the condition of those who lack these qualities

Outline (Galatians 3:8-9) The faith of Abraham The blessings of having faith like Abraham The cursed life: pursuing works-based salvation The challenge for us: to trust as Abraham did

The faith of Abraham (Romans 4:16-22) in the promise of an inheritance (Gen. 12:1-4) He obeyed by going where directed (Heb. 11:8-10) He obeyed by offering a sacrifice (Gen. 15:7-10) in the promise of an heir (Gen. 15:1-6) He obeyed by having relations with his wife (Rom. 4:18-22) in the covenant of circumcision (Gen. 17) He obeyed by being circumcised (Gen. 17:23,27) in God’s power to resurrect the dead (Heb. 11:17-19) He obeyed by sacrificing Isaac (Gen. 22:1-3,9-10) He was justified by obedience (James 2:21-24) His faith was reckoned (credited to him) as righteousness

The blessings of having faith like Abraham (Gal. 3:9) Righteousness is credited to believers (Rom. 4:11, 23-24) The spiritual inheritance is for those of faith(Rom. 4:16) By faith we gain peace with God (Rom. 5:1) Abraham’s blessing is offered to Gentiles (Gal. 3:14) We access his blessings in Jesus (Gal. 3:14) In death, the faithful are carried to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22) We have hope because of God’s promise and oath to Abraham (Heb. 6:16-19) “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29)

The cursed life: faithless, works-based salvation The Galatians had a problem with it (Gal. 3:1-5) Can’t be justified by works of Law of Moses (Gal. 2:16) The curse of the Law of Moses Cursed to vain pursuit of perfection by works (Gal. 3:10) Cursed as a lawbreaker for one violation (Jms. 2:10-11) Children of the bondwoman shall be cast out (Gal. 4:28- 31) They are severed from Christ, fallen from grace (Gal. 5:4) In death, the faithless are cast into torment (Luke 16:23) Impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6)

The challenge for us: to trust and obey as Abraham did “In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed” (Ps. 22:4-5) Study God’s Word to grow your faith (Rom. 10:17) Live and act with faith in God’s promises of forgiveness, resurrection, and eternal life “follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham” (Rom. 4:12)

Summary Abraham: the friend of God, our model of faith If we have faith like Abraham, we are blessed with Him The cursed life: those who pursue salvation by works of the Law of Moses, or any other method, rather than by faith in Jesus Our challenge: to trust and obey as Abraham did “So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer” (Gal. 3:9)

Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) Baptism puts you into Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Baptism saves you (1 Peter 3:21) Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10) Trust His grace and obey His commands (Hebrews 5:9) Or face the retribution due to those who do not obey 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 2:8; John 3:36

Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly