Genesis 12:1-9

As we explore the calling of Abraham in Genesis 12, it will show us three key dimensions to understanding God’s vision for your life.

Outline

  • First, God calls us to a place to belong (12:1)
  • Second, God calls us to a people to invest in (12:2)
    • The status of this promised people
    • The stature of this promised people
    • The statute of this promised people
  • Third, God calls us to a purpose to live out (12:3)
    • God’s purpose comes with a blessing & a curse
    • God’s purpose comes with a commission
    • God’s purpose comes with a celebration

Christ Connections

  • While Abraham would not see the fulfillment of the covenant promise for land, but Jesus fulfills the covenant commitments and receives the covenant promise of a new place. Romans 4:13 shows us that the fulfillment of place wouldn’t be limited to a small parcel of land in Canaan but eventually the whole world in the new creation.
  • We are called to long for home, just like Abram. We have a longing for a place that can only be fulfilled through the new creation that Christ will bring.
  • The people of God are not the physical descendants of Abraham but now the spiritual descendants of Abraham. When Christ fulfilled the covenant becoming the true Israel and allowed us to be unified with him, the church becomes the covenant people of God and Abraham’s spiritual descendents.

Applications

  • The church is the covenant people of God, yet it’s becoming more and more common to believe that you don’t need a local church. It’s never been easier to feel like you are feeding yourself spiritually without connecting to a church. The local church is necessary for the people of God.
  • The Genesis 12 promise commands us to be a blessing to all nations. We are called to bring the gospel to the nations.