January 16 | Living by Faith

Series | The God Kind of Life

Scripture | Genesis 12:2, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”

Lesson 16 | Living by Faith   

When God gave the above promise to Abraham he didn’t even have one child and was 75 years old.  As a matter of fact, his name was still “Abram” (which means, “high father”) because God hadn’t changed it to Abraham yet (which means, “father of multitudes”).  However, God didn’t speak to Abraham from an earthly and natural perspective, but rather God spoke to Him from a heavenly and spiritual perspective.

God was declaring the future to Abraham in the present.  God was giving Abraham a promise that was grounded in the very power and nature of Himself.  The moment Abraham believed what God said to him, he was acting in faith.  Also, from that moment on when he would talk to people about what God said he was speaking in faith.

Can you imagine how funny it must have been for some people to hear from a guy with no kids at the age of 75 that God promised to make his descendants a great nation?  Even Sarah his wife laughed when she heard about God’s plans for them.  However, the Bible teaches in Galatians 3:6 that Abraham “believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.”   

Paul then writes in Galatians 3:9, “those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”  Therefore, when we believe and speak the promises God has for us we too are blessed like Abraham.  God kept His word to Abraham and made his decedents the great nation of Israel.  And from the Jewish people Jesus was born and made an even greater nation of Christians from all nations and generations. 

Thus, take some time today to learn from faithful Abraham.  Decide to put your faith in God and believe what He has said He will do.  God is not a man that He should lie, what He has promised you according to His Word, He will do! 

Reflection | What are some promises God has given you?

Action | (1) Find and write down three promises from God found in the Bible. (2) Pray and speak the promises out and believe them to be true. (3) Lastly, walk and talk in faith because God will keep His Word!     

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Genesis 32:13-34:31, Matthew 11:7-30, Psalm 14:1-7, &Proverbs 3:19-20. Click here to read online.