Abraham's Legacy: Called to Be Blessed and to Bless Others
Abraham's narrative, as delineated in Genesis 12:2, underscores the profound truth that we are called to be blessed. This episode embarks on a journey through the life of Abraham, the archetype of faith and fortune, revealing how divine calling is accompanied by the promise of blessings that transcend mere spiritual wealth. It elucidates the pivotal role of faith and obedience in activating these blessings, positing that true prosperity is a direct outcome of living in alignment with God's purpose. Furthermore, we will explore the essential truth that prosperity is not an end in itself, but rather a means to become a conduit of blessings for others. Ultimately, this discourse aims to inspire listeners to recognize their own calling to be blessed and to fulfill their role as blessings to the world around them.
Within the framework of the podcast episode 'Abraham: Father of Faith and Fortune,' the discourse centers on the theological and practical implications of blessings as derived from the life of Abraham. The episode begins by asserting that the divine call encompasses an inherent promise of blessing, as delineated in Genesis 12:2, which serves as a foundational text for understanding the interplay between faith and material success. The narrative unfolds by illustrating that Abraham's wealth was a direct result of his faith and obedience, challenging listeners to reassess their own perceptions of prosperity. The discussion emphasizes that God's blessings are not mere financial gains but are designed to empower individuals for a greater purpose — to be a source of blessing to others. By reflecting on the lessons gleaned from Abraham's life, the episode encourages believers to recognize their potential for divine prosperity and to internalize the truth that they are called to bless others as they themselves have been blessed, thereby fostering a cycle of generosity and impact in their communities.
Takeaways:
- Abraham's calling exemplifies the profound truth that God's blessings encompass both spiritual and material wealth.
- The promise of prosperity is rooted in faith and obedience, which serve as the prerequisites for divine blessing.
- God's intentions for blessing extend beyond individual enrichment; they are designed to facilitate blessings for others.
- In recognizing our identity as heirs to Abraham's promise, we affirm our call to be both recipients and distributors of blessings.
Transcript
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you.
Speaker A:I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
Speaker A:Genesis 12:2 Brothers and sisters, today we begin a new series titled Abraham, Father of Faith and Fortune.
Speaker A:Abraham is called the father of faith, but he was also a man of fortune.
Speaker A:His story reveals how faith and obedience to God's position us to experience not just spiritual blessings, but also material prosperity.
Speaker A:In Genesis 12, God called Abraham out of his homeland with a promise.
Speaker A:I will bless you.
Speaker A:That blessing was not limited to spiritual riches.
Speaker A:It included land, livestock, servants, silver and gold.
Speaker A: We read about that in Genesis: Speaker A:Abraham's life teaches us that faith is the key that unlocks godly prosperity.
Speaker A:God's call comes with God's promise.
Speaker A:When God called Abraham, he didn't just give him an assignment, he gave him a promise.
Speaker A:I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you.
Speaker A:God's blessing is not man's idea.
Speaker A:It is God's idea.
Speaker A:God's blessing is not limited, it is overflowing.
Speaker A:God's blessing is not selfish.
Speaker A:It is meant to make you a blessing.
Speaker A:When God calls, he equips.
Speaker A:When he sends, he supplies.
Speaker A:Abraham's call was a call to faith and fortune.
Speaker A:Faith activates the blessing.
Speaker A:Hebrews 11:8 says, by faith.
Speaker A:Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went.
Speaker A:Abraham's prosperity didn't start with possessions.
Speaker A:It started with obedience.
Speaker A:He left his father's household.
Speaker A:He walked by faith, not by sight.
Speaker A:He trusted God's promise more than his circumstances.
Speaker A:Faith was the seed.
Speaker A:Prosperity was the fruit.
Speaker A:God's blessing produces prosperity.
Speaker A:Genesis 13:2 declares, Abraham had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.
Speaker A:Notice the sequence.
Speaker A:First came the promise.
Speaker A:Then came faith and obedience.
Speaker A:Then came prosperity.
Speaker A:This shows us that prosperity is not luck, but the product of living under God's blessing.
Speaker A:Prosperity has a purpose.
Speaker A:God did not bless Abraham just to make him rich.
Speaker A:God blessed him to make him a channel of blessing.
Speaker A:His descendants became a great nation.
Speaker A:Through him, all nations of the earth would be blessed.
Speaker A:We read about that in Genesis 12:3.
Speaker A:Ultimately, Jesus Christ came through Abraham's line, bringing salvation to the world.
Speaker A:This teaches us that prosperity is not about hoarding.
Speaker A:It's about impact.
Speaker A:God blesses you so that you can bless others.
Speaker A:There are five lessons for believers today.
Speaker A:Lesson one.
Speaker A:You are called to be blessed.
Speaker A:The promise of Abraham extends to us.
Speaker A:Galatians 3:29 tells us this.
Speaker A:Lesson 2.
Speaker A:Faith activates financial blessings.
Speaker A:Your obedience positions you for increase.
Speaker A:Lesson 3.
Speaker A:God's blessing produces godly prosperity.
Speaker A:It is lasting, it is purposeful, and it is generational.
Speaker A:Lesson 4 Prosperity has a kingdom purpose.
Speaker A:You are blessed, brothers and sisters, to be a blessing.
Speaker A:Here are some questions for us to use as reflection points.
Speaker A:Question number one do you truly believe you are called to be blessed as Abraham was?
Speaker A:Question 2 In what areas of your life is God calling you to step out in faith to activate his blessings?
Speaker A:Question 3 How can you use the prosperity God gives you to bless others and advance his kingdom?
Speaker A:Brothers and sisters, Abraham was called to be blessed, and so are you.
Speaker A:The same God who took a wandering man and made him wealthy?
Speaker A:A wealthy patriarch is the same God who blesses us today.
Speaker A:But remember, faith unlocks the blessing, and the blessing is for a purpose greater than ourselves.
Speaker A:Say it with me.
Speaker A:I am called to be blessed, and I am blessed to be a blessing.
Speaker A:Let us pray.
Speaker A:Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us into your blessing, just as you called Abraham.
Speaker A:Help us to walk in faith and obedience so that your promises can manifest in our lives.
Speaker A:Teach us to steward prosperity with wisdom, to be generous and to bless others.
Speaker A:May our lives reflect the greatness of your covenant.
Speaker A:In Jesus name, amen.
