Profitless Pedigree Just because you are “somebody” doesn’t mean you are guaranteed special treatment.

Abraham A special man Commissioned by God, Ge. 12 The first patriarch God communicated with him 9 times via Revelations, Promises, Manifestations –Ge. 12 – Ge. 22

Abraham A faithful man Ge. 13: Abram defers to Lot Ge. 14:20: Tribute to Melchizedek, Priest of God Ge. 12:7; 13:18; 22:19, etc.: Altars Ge. 15:6; 17:19: Able to bear children in spite of age Ge. 22:1…16: Sacrifice of Isaac

Abraham Special to God Ge. 20:7: Abimelech takes Sarah “…for he is a prophet” Isa. 41:8: Cyrus is coming, but you do not fear “descendant of Abraham, My friend” (Ja. 2:23)

The Jewish view of Abraham Name recognition Moses’ commission…..Ex. 3:13-15 Matthew’s genealogy…..Mt. 1:1 Peter’s 2 nd sermon…..Acts 3:12-13…

The Jewish view of Abraham Figurative imagery of afterlife Care and comfort provider for departed faithful…..Lk. 16:23 A king at his table…..Mt. 8:11

The Jewish view of Abraham Chosen nation “Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth, O seed of Abraham, His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.” (Ps. 105:5-6)

NT Teaching about Abraham According to John the Baptist Mt. 3:7-9 –Motivation wasn’t concern for their souls; rather it was popularity “Nevertheless, many even of the rulers believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.” (Jn. 12:42-43)

NT Teaching about Abraham According to John the Baptist Mt. 3:7-9 –God doesn’t need them to fulfill His promise “…for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.” (Mt. 3:9b)

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Jesus Jn. 8:34-41, 44 “Abraham’s descendants” (vs. 37) “your father the devil” (vs. 44)

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul Circumcision is of no value –Rm. 2:25 – 3:1 We have peace through our Lord Jesus Christ –Rm. 5:1 The love of God is in Christ Jesus our Lord –Rm. 8:39

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul “It only seems natural, only right, that they would accept Christ, but I know they will not.” Rm. 9:1-5 –N.B.: Paul’s allegiance to the patriarchs, the Law, the covenants, etc. –Honor to whom honor is due (Rm. 13:7)

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul Anticipating: “But we are Abraham’s descendants, we are supposed to receive the kingdom. What has God done?!” Rm. 9:6-13 –Salvation not based on fleshly relations (6-8): Ishmael’s children, Ge. 25:12f Children by second wife, Ge. 25:1-6 Esau’s children, Ge. 36:4 Er and Onan, Judah’s children, Ge. 38:7

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul Anticipating: “But we are Abraham’s descendants, we are supposed to receive the kingdom. What has God done?!” Rm. 9:6-13 The promises were fulfilled (9-13) –Primary point: God’s word is sure –Secondary point: Salvation by faith

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul Anticipating: “We’ve been misled!” Rm. 9:14-18 –God revealed this long ago: Mercy, not will As God demonstrated it through bringing them out of Egypt –Not able to escape, Ex. 1:8-22 –Didn’t deserve it, cf. Ezek. 20:7-8-- idolatry

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul Anticipating: “But…”Rm. 9:19-21 Don’t ever question God’s wisdom!“Woe to the one who quarrels with his maker…” Isa. 45:9 When a child is given an assignment by a parent, the only question they had better ask is, “How can we do better?”

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul “Well, God has His plan, it doesn’t look like we can do anything about it…” Rm. 9:19-21 Predestination –The ability to ask such a question can only be an act of free will. –God didn’t design us to talk back, but He did design us with the ability to talk back.

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul God’s actions explained, Rm. 9:22-29 –Primarily a continuation of vss –1 st application of V.O.M: Jews (cf. vs ) –Extended application: Christians, both Jew and Gentile (faith, not flesh)

NT Teaching about Abraham According to Paul Hosea, “…not My people, My people” Isa. “Though the number of of (fleshly) sons…, it is the remnant that will be saved” Vss , Righteousness by faith 10:1 = 9:1-5

Lessons 1.Pedigree is profitless; performance is what matters 2.Neither a faithful church nor years of attendance accumulated can secure your salvation. –Ananias and Sapphira 3.Have a faith like Abraham’s, not Abraham’s descendants, Gal. 6:1-4