Bible Study - Walking in Confidence (2) - Confidence in the Face of Fear - Genesis 12:10-20; 13:1-3 - October 24, 2021

 

Bible Study – Walking in Confidence (2) – Confidence in the Face of Fear – October 24, 2021

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled, “Walking in Confidence.”

Our focus scripture is Genesis 12:10-13, 17-20; 13:1-4.

Trust GOD when you are overwhelmed with fear.

GOD’S Word, the Bible, is truth and gives us the details of events of those GOD called to serve HIM. GOD does not sugar coat but tells it like it is. We are no different. When we ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins and for JESUS to come into our lives, HE does. HE has a plan for each of us, warts and all. This is not a license for us to live like we want to but when we do stump out toes and we confess it, GOD forgives us and dusts our britches off and tells us to keep on going. Let’s explore the very patriarch of the Christian faith and the ancestor of JESUS.

In last week’s study we left Abram in Canaan. So why did he lead his entourage to Egypt. There was a famine in Canaan and Abram chose to go to Egypt for food. He could have trusted GOD to provide or did GOD allow him to choose to build his faith in GOD? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Genesis 12:10-13:

Abram in Egypt

¹⁰ There was a famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to stay there for a while because the famine in the land was severe. ¹¹ When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. ¹² When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but let you live. ¹³ Please say you’re my sister so it will go well for me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account.” 

We learn that a famine forced Abram and his group to go to Egypt. Abram had a choice to stay and trust GOD or take matters into his own hands. They needed food and Abram made the decision to go where he knew where he could find food. But was the real reason, GOD needed to work on Abram? I think GOD leads us into situations to test our character and faith. HE already knows but we do not know until we are tested.

Going to Egypt to find food was a legitimate reason to journey to Egypt. What was GOD to teach Abram? Was GOD teaching Abram to seek HIM first and allow GOD to lead him in the direction to go or to stay where he was?

We read that Abram was astute and was wise to the ways of the world. Thus, he had a plan that involved his beautiful wife. He did not tell a complete lie because we read in Genesis 20:12: (This is the second time Abram pulled this deception.)

¹² Besides, she actually is my [half] sister; she is the daughter of my father [Terah], but not of my mother; and she became my wife.

So, what was Abram’s plan, let’s keep reading: (This is the first time Abram passed off Sarai as his sister, as we read in verses 11-13.)

 ¹¹ When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. ¹² When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but let you live. ¹³ Please say you’re my sister so it will go well for me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account.” 

Such deception drills down deep into the character of Abraham. Why did GOD put up with such a deceiver? GOD knew Abram’s heart and HE had plans for Abram and HIS redemptive plan for the people of earth.

What does that reveal to us about GOD and the plans HE has for us? GOD exposes us to the fiery crucible of life’s furnace to purge us of the dross in our lives so we can be useable for Him. GOD loves each of us and desires the very best for each of us. So do not give up when we think we have failed GOD. Suck it up and place your faith in HIM and ask HIM what HE is teaching you. So, bring it on because I want to be your man or woman to be all YOU desire for me to be. WOW!!!

GOD desires for you to win in this game of life more than you do. GOD does not make junk. HE is in the business of restoration.

Abram had his issues, yet it is upon the faith of Abram that GOD built HIS redemptive plan of salvation through faith in JESUS. JESUS came to earth to pay for the penalty for sin in full. In doing so, HE opened the path between GOD and all who will place their faith in JESUS to receive eternal life through the miracle of Spiritual birth.

Let’s read Genesis 12:14-16:

¹⁴ When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. ¹⁵ Pharaoh’s officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh, so the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s household. ¹⁶ He treated Abram well because of her, and Abram acquired flocks and herds, male and female donkeys, male and female slaves, and camels.

Abram nailed it. Sarai was a trophy and Pharaoh’s officials did not waste any time in running to Pharaoh to let him know about this human treasure. Abram enjoyed the bounty from Pharaoh. Would GOD allow the mother of the future offspring of Abram to be violated by Pharaoh? Let’s read on -----

Let’s read Genesis 12:17-20:

¹⁷ But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife, Sarai. ¹⁸ So Pharaoh sent for Abram and said, “What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? ¹⁹ Why did you say, ‘She’s my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now, here is your wife. Take her and go!” ²⁰ Then Pharaoh gave his men orders about him, and they sent him away with his wife and all he had.

Don’t mess with GOD’S chosen. The wrath of GOD struck Pharaoh and his household. Pharaoh got the message from GOD and returned Sarai to Abram. Pharaoh knew that the GOD of Abram was looking out for Abram. This is the same GOD Spirit-born people call GOD today. The One True GOD of the universes does not change.

GOD has a plan for each person. HE has to knock off the rough edges in order for us to listen to HIM. The Spiritual, faith building journey of Abram is just getting started.

Let’s read Genesis 13:1-4:

13 Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev—he, his wife, and all he had, and Lot with him. ² Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. ³ He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been, ⁴ to the site where he had built the altar. And Abram called on the name of the Lord there.

Abram’s time in Egypt made him a wealthy man. But does the end justify the means? But it is what it is. The Bible records truth. GOD used these events to prepare Abram’s heart to learn to trust HIM.

Many of us do things we think GOD is leading us to do but find out GOD was not in it. GOD desires for each of us to look to HIM in complete faith in HIM to provide for our needs. But such a relationship comes only by a person accepting JESUS as his or her Savior. The shed blood of JESUS paid in full for our sins and keeps on paying for our sins, such that Spirit-born people are always righteous before GOD.

How is this possible? Let’s consider 2 Corinthians 5:21:

 ²¹ He (GOD) made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]. (Amplified)

This is GOD’S redemptive plan for all of man-kind. It is by faith in JESUS and JESUS’ shed blood paying, in full forever the price for all sin.

GOD still desires for all Christians to experience walking in faith as they are led by the indwelling Holy Spirit, WHO seals Spirit-born people until the day of redemption.

In this study, we get to look over the shoulder of Abram as he walks with GOD. GOD was revealing Himself to Abram and to all of the world today. Every person’s walk with GOD, through faith in JESUS, is personal because each person is unique. So never, ever give up because GOD never, ever gives up on you.

Do you desire to walk in faith? Then tell GOD to help you. Step one is placing your faith in JESUS and HIS passion.

Blessings!!!