Gospel BC – Abraham
March 9, 2025 / First Baptist Church ElginDay 1: Leaving the Familiar to Follow God
Summary
God called Abraham to leave his homeland, family, and everything familiar to follow Him. This radical call required total trust in God’s promises. Similarly, Jesus calls us to leave behind our old ways and follow Him wholeheartedly.
Read
- Genesis 12:1-3
- Luke 9:23-25
- Hebrews 11:8-10
Background
Abraham (then Abram) lived in Ur, a prosperous city known for idol worship. His family worshiped false gods (Joshua 24:2). God’s call was not just about physical relocation but a spiritual transformation—leaving behind false gods, old traditions, and personal ambitions to follow the true God.
Key Words
- Go (Hebrew: לֶךְ־לְךָ, lekh lekha) – A command implying total departure and commitment.
- Faith (Greek: πίστις, pistis) – Not just belief but trust in action.
- Blessing (Hebrew: בְּרָכָה, berakah) – God’s favor, which extends to others through obedience.
Theological Truths
- God initiates salvation – “Faith does not proceed from ourselves, but is the fruit of spiritual regeneration.” – John Calvin
- Leaving all for Christ – “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Gospel Connection
Abraham’s call foreshadows Jesus’ call to discipleship. Just as Abraham had to leave everything, Jesus commands us to deny ourselves and follow Him (Luke 14:26-27). The true promised land is not earthly but eternal life in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What has God called you to leave behind to follow Him more fully?(MULTILINE)
- Are there “old ways” (habits, beliefs, sins) that compete with your trust in God?(MULTILINE)
- How can Abraham’s faith encourage you to trust God’s promises?(MULTILINE)
Application
Identify one thing in your life that competes with your full trust in God and take a step to surrender it today.
Day 2: Faith Requires Action
Summary
Abraham did not just believe in God’s promises—he acted on them. Faith is more than intellectual belief; it requires obedience.
Read
- Genesis 12:4-8
- Hebrews 11:8-10
- James 2:18-23
Background
Ancient Near Eastern culture valued stability and heritage. Leaving one’s land and kindred was seen as reckless. Yet, Abraham obeyed without knowing the destination, illustrating true faith.
Key Words
- Obey (Hebrew: שָׁמַע, shama) – To hear and act upon.
- Righteousness (Hebrew: צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) – Justification before God through faith.
Theological Truths
- Faith and obedience go together – “It is faith alone which justifies, but the faith which justifies is not alone.” – John Calvin
- Trusting God’s unseen plan – “Obedience is the road to freedom, humility the road to pleasure, unity the road to personality.” – C.S. Lewis
Gospel Connection
Just as Abraham obeyed without full understanding, Jesus’ disciples left everything to follow Him (Matthew 4:19-22). The ultimate act of faith was Christ’s obedience to the cross (Philippians 2:8).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you act on your faith, or do you hesitate until you understand every detail?(MULTILINE)
- In what areas of your life is God calling you to obedience?(MULTILINE)
- How can you demonstrate faith through action today?(MULTILINE)
Application
Take a step of faith today—whether sharing the gospel, serving someone, or making a decision that trusts God’s plan.
Day 3: A People Set Apart for God
Summary
God’s promise to Abraham was not just for him but to form a people who would bless the world.
Read
- Genesis 12:2-3
- 1 Peter 2:9-10
- Galatians 3:7-9
Background
Israel was meant to be a holy nation through which the Messiah would come. However, their role pointed to something greater—the Church, made up of all who trust in Christ.
Key Words
- Nation (Hebrew: גּוֹי, goy) – A distinct people set apart for God.
- Bless (Hebrew: בָּרַךְ, barak) – To extend divine favor.
Theological Truths
- God’s people are chosen for a purpose – “The church is the congregation of saints in which the Gospel is rightly taught.” – Martin Luther
- Blessed to be a blessing – “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” – Westminster Catechism
Gospel Connection
God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham finds its fulfillment in Jesus. The Church now carries this mission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you see yourself as part of God’s mission to bless others?(MULTILINE)
- How can your life reflect God’s calling to be set apart?(MULTILINE)
- What practical ways can you bring God’s blessing to those around you?(MULTILINE)
Application
Pray for one person in your life who does not know Christ and find a way to bless them this week.
Day 4: Trusting God’s Promises
Summary
Abraham believed God’s promise despite impossibilities. God’s faithfulness is the foundation of our trust.
Read
- Genesis 15:6
- Romans 4:18-21
- 2 Corinthians 1:20
Background
Abraham and Sarah were old and childless. Yet, God’s promise of descendants seemed humanly impossible. Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness, showing salvation is by faith, not works.
Key Words
- Believe (Hebrew: אָמַן, aman) – To trust firmly.
- Covenant (Hebrew: בְּרִית, berith) – A binding promise from God.
Theological Truths
- Faith rests on God’s faithfulness – “A true faith in Jesus Christ is not a mere acknowledgment of Him as Savior but an entire dependence upon Him.” – Charles Spurgeon
- Salvation by faith alone – “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” – Martin Luther
Gospel Connection
Just as Abraham’s faith was credited as righteousness, we are justified by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you struggle with trusting God’s promises?(MULTILINE)
- What are some ways God has proven faithful in your life?(MULTILINE)
- How does knowing God keeps His promises strengthen your faith?(MULTILINE)
Application
Write down one promise from Scripture and meditate on it this week.
Day 5: The Gospel in Abraham’s Story
Summary
Abraham’s story points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed.
Read
- Genesis 12:3
- John 14:6
- Galatians 3:13-14
Background
God’s plan was never just about Israel but the whole world. Jesus is the promised offspring of Abraham who brings salvation to all.
Key Words
- Offspring (Greek: σπέρμα, sperma) – The promised descendant, Christ.
- Justify (Greek: δικαιόω, dikaioō) – To declare righteous.
Theological Truths
- Christ is the true fulfillment of God’s promises – “The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud; the New Testament is the Gospel in full flower.” – Augustine
- Salvation is for all nations – “In Christ, the distinction between Jew and Gentile is removed.” – John Calvin
Gospel Connection
Jesus is the true Son of Abraham, through whom all nations are blessed (Matthew 1:1). Faith in Him brings salvation to the world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Abraham’s story deepen your understanding of the gospel?(MULTILINE)
- How can you share this truth with others?(MULTILINE)
- Are you living as a blessing to others?(MULTILINE)
Application
Share the gospel with someone this week.