1.

What was God’s reason for calling Abraham? (Genesis 12:2-3)  How might it have been difficult for Abraham to obey God’s call? (Hebrews 11:8)  Yet how was Abraham able to obey?  What does Abraham show us about the importance of keeping in mind God’s purpose for each person?

** Gen 12:2-3. God’s ultimate purpose is to provide us with a real life security. 

** He was well established in the environments in which he received God’s calling. But he had to break free from the environments (i.e., people, land, past) both physically and spiritually.

** When we have God’s purpose in mind, we can leave behind false security and go for the real security God has to offer.

2.

What does “the city with foundations” (10), “a better country” (16a), “a city” (which God has prepared for them) (16b), and “the city of the living God” (12:22) refer to? (Philippians 3:19-21)  How does this fit in with God’s purpose for Abraham in Genesis 12:2-4?  How does Abraham’s faith and hope apply to today’s Christian? (cf. Hebrews 11:40)  Why is this faith and hope important for us?

** Characteristically these expressions all refer to one reality, that is, the new world order the Lord God is going to establish in and through Jesus, for all who put trust in the Lord. 

** This city or country is the substance of all the blessings described in Genesis 12:2-3. 

** Yes. The word “us” in v. 40 refer to all who walk in Abraham’s footsteps of faith, and Christians are to walk in Abraham’s footsteps of faith. Romans 4:12.

** It motivates us not to be attached to the things of this world. It helps us to use material things of this world to build God’s kingdom in the hearts of many. 

3.

Abraham received a son from God at an old age. (Genesis 21:5)  What does God’s miracle in vs. 11-12 teach us about Him?  What does Abraham’s example teach us about the kind of faith by which we are called to live?

** God waits until all of our abilities run out. Then he starts working. 

** We must go by faith in God who can fulfill what we cannot fulfill. 

4.

Vs. 17-19 refers to the events in Genesis 22.  How does Abraham’s example motivate us to live a sacrificial life for the Lord?   

** All of our sacrifices in the Lord will not end up as sacrifices but investments. 

The end.