S2 Ep2156: ‘A New Thing’ Series Class 2 — Abraham

Abraham’s New Thing relationship with God, Thames Valley churches of Christ, January 2024, Genesis 18

‘A New Thing’ Series Class 2 — Abraham
Introduction
* When studying Abraham we often focus on the promises, the blessings and the sacrifice of Isaac
* This class will focus on the newness within Abraham’s relationship with God
* Genesis 18.16-33

1. God Trusts Abraham
* He reveals himself
* He accepts hospitality
* He reveals his plans
* He practices ‘vulnerability’
* Leads to a ‘partnership’ with Abraham - a new thing
    * ‘he was no yes-man but a true partner.’ Tyndale
* Jesus treats us as ‘friends’: John 15.15

* Do you sense God trusts you?
* What helps you believe Jesus sees you as his friend?
* He made himself vulnerable to draw us to him -Philippians 2:5-8 NRSV
* - ’Vulnerability begets vulnerability; courage is contagious.’ Daring Greatly, Brene Brown
*
* ‘Point of Grace’ song, ‘He believes in you’ — ,
    * The story behind the song: https://youtu.be/fh_tdLFe67k?si=8TxCF76pHKe_fv1l
    * YouTube version of the song: https://youtu.be/ZA3jPIHnsIc?si=bjgbvRbybPm2orEW
    * Song lyrics below

2. Abraham Trust God
* He trusts God will listen
* He trusts he can reason with God - respectfully
- Contrast with Job: Job 38:1-5 NIV11
* 
Genesis 18:23-26 NIV11
* This is not haggling, but exploring
* Parallels with Jesus and the Greek woman Mark 7:26-30 NIV11

Conclusion
What does Abraham learn?
* God cares about people
* God wants to include him in his plans
* God listens to him
What do we learn?
* The importance of trusting that God wants to hear from us
“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2 NIV11)
* “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Revelation 5:8 NIV11)

* The value in taking issues to God in prayer and exploring them with him

Questions for reflection and discussion
* What does it mean to you to talk to your Heavenly Father like a friend?
* What barriers exist to prevent that, and what can you do about it?
* What inspires your trust in God that he loves to be with you in your prayers?
* What is your main take-away from reflecting on Abraham’s ‘new thing’ relationship with God, and how will you make it part of your relationship with God?

He Believes in You
Song by Point of Grace
You're not hearing the answers you've been praying for
You try and try, can't find an open door
You're not seeing the miracles not a one in sight
And the way you feel you sure need one tonight

Your faith is crumbling, your feet are stumbling
It's so hard to believe in Him
But He believes in you when you're at your weakest
And hope's still burning through the night but you can't see it
You know in your heart He loves you
But in those moments when you can't believe it's true
He believes in you

Chin deep in the water you tried walking on
And you reach for Him and you think He's gone
He's still there beside you with His stubborn love
No, He never left and He won't give up
He will protect you until you're rescued
Oh, there's nothing that He can't do

'Cause He believes in you when you're at your weakest
And hope's still burning through the night but you can't see it
You know in your heart He loves you
But in those moments when you can't believe it's true
He believes in you

You know in your heart He loves you
But at those moments when you can't believe it's true
He believes in you
He believes in you, He believes in you

He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you
He believes, He believes, He believes in you

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God bless, Malcolm