February 1
Sermon Notes
February 1, 2009
Abraham & Isaac
PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Scripture: Matthew 6:21 “21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Question: Where is your heart?
Call to Worship
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son?What are we willing to sacrifice?
OPENING PRAYERIn the days of Abraham, you called him to love you with all his heart, soul and mind by calling him to sacrifice his most precious and only son of Sarah. 2000 years ago, you loved us and sacrificed your most precious and only son, Jesus. Today, we are faced with the question "How much do we love You? And what are we willing to sacrifice?" Unlike the past, our sacrifice does not take place on the altar of a stone table. It may take place on a breakfast table, or dinner table, or business table, or game table. Whatever the table, call us to a deeper understanding of you and ourselves. Let this day be one of self reflection. Help us to know thyself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
INTRO
QUESTION: What is the most important activity of the church/as you as an individual?
For example: today is Super Bowl Sunday, tickets will cost how much? $$$$$$
Are you willing to spend that much for a ticket?
If so, your friends might say, “What are you thinking?”
You would be if it was close to being one of your most important activities as an individual.
How much are you willing to spend for the most important activity of an individual?
Would you not agree, that your most important activity as an individual would not be sacrificed for a lesser important activity? (or do we?)
SERMON SERIES ON GENESIS
Genesis 3
When the rules of a relationship are broken, death occursHumanity made choices: Adam/Eve ate of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6)When the rules of relationship are broken, death occurs to the relationship (expulsion from the Garden)Genesis 6
The road to the restoration of a relationship begins with a promiseHumanity made choices: wickedness of thought all the time (Genesis 6:5)When the rules of relationship are broken, death occurs to the relationship (The Flood).The road to restoration of the relationship begins with a promise (Covenant/rainbow)(Genesis 9:9f).Genesis 11
The journey to a new relationship begins with a promiseHumanity made choices: Build a tower to God (Genesis 11:4).When the rules of relationship are broken, death occurs to the relationship (expulsion as the tower crumbled and the people where spread throughout the world speaking different languages)The road to restoration of the rules of a relationship begins with a promiseAbraham's journey with God began with a promise (land, nationhood and descendants).Abraham responded by loving God more than loving the status quo of UR/Haran (home).Abraham follows the tradition of a "new creation" God promises Abraham that he and his descendants will have the land, nationhood and many descendants. At this time (Genesis 12:1; Abraham is 75 years old)Genesis 15
The promises of God to Abraham in Genesis 12, implicitly require an heir. In Genesis 15, God again promises Abraham descendants. And even though he waited 25 years to fulfill the promise of God (as well as obstacles (Sarah’s bareness, Ishmael, etc.) along the way), Abraham trusted God, and Sarah bore a child named Isaac. Relationships require trust. (In Genesis 22, God creates the obstacle, the impending death of the only heir, Isaac).INTRO
The year was 1964, I was almost 9. I was addicted to baseball and baseball cards. They were the most important thing in my life. I listened to every Dodger game. My mother on the other hand was not a baseball fan. Actually she thought sports were not cool (understatement). By the end of the summer I was driving my mother nuts with my love (another understatement) for Baseball.
Do you know how it is when your child does not share the same values as you?
Seeing how troubled my mother was, I “sacrificed” my complete collection of 1964 Topps Baseball cards. Gave it to my uncle (he’s my age). Why? Not because I did not like baseball cards. I loved them. But I loved my mother more.
MY FRIENDS THOUGHT: What are you thinking? (I was acting out of character, or was I?)
I was thinking I loved my baseball cards, but I loved my mother more.
My mom’s response was not one of over joy, but relief.
Today, I wish I had my baseball cards.
Now, buying and trading baseball cards was my passion, but there was a “trump card” in my life for my love of baseball cards, my mom’s perception of me.
PARENTS
Have you ever sacrificed (not because it’s fun; but because something else is more important) for your child? Why?
I know parents who will work two jobs to get their kid through college.
Some other parents might say; “What are you thinking?”
POINT: The thing we love the most, that which we treasure the most, where our heart is, that will drive our decision making process.
QUESTIONS
What is the most important thing in your life?
If it is your child, you will do anything for your child, sacrifice, work two jobs, etc.
If there is something more important than your child, then your child may be one of those things that is sacrificed in pursuit of that which is more important than your child.
KNOW THYSELF – the unexamined Life is not worth living (a/d)
What is more important to you: Greatest Commandment? Or, 2nd? God or family?
Is it possible for us to think God is number one in our lives, but in reality, God may not always be number one. There may be another one in our lives, that supersedes over God, It may be a family member (child – Isaac). If so are we aware of ourselves that deeply?
INTRO TO GENESIS 22
Abraham was called in Genesis 12 out of the land of Ur. He most likely was a polytheist who practiced idolatry (Josiah ??). It is imperative to remember that God called Abraham to change (why he changed his name from Abram to Abraham).
In Genesis 22, once again God is calling to Abraham (RIP) “I WANT YOU TO CHANGE. To change from the common practice of sacrifice one’s son to the gods. This change will be seen as a sign of weakness or non commitment by those who practice the sacrifice of humans. The gods of Abraham’s day, don’t have an “eye for an eye” attitude, they have “a head for an eye” take more, don’t show weakness.
Introduction to Genesis 22
With the birth of Isaac, the resolution of the Ishmael’s dilemma, it now looks like there are o more obstacles to the promises of God for Abraham. Abraham must have felt that the covenant and his relationship with God are on smooth sailing. This condition did not last long; God will now present an obstacle of huge dimension, turmoil.’ This time the promise comes based on Abraham’s responses (first time).
This test will test a value of Abraham. It is a test of what do you love the most?
It can be a test of faith and faithfulness; it can be a test to see if Abraham can obey in difficult circumstances, or….
Scripture #1 – Genesis 22
GE 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
GE 22:2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
SACRIFICE
The command of God to sacrifice his son would not have shocked Abraham. In his time and part of the world (Canaanite) the view that god provided fertility could also require a portion of the produce (i.e. sacrifice of animals and the sacrifice of children) was the culture. The sacrifice of a child was a means of ensuring continual fertility. It was to be expected(the deity’s right), “your first born”.
Later (about 500 years), Deuteronomy () & Leviticus () will condone such practices.
MORIAH
Some think its Jerusalem, others think not (because of the need for fire wood); two other places will be considered “the mountain of the Lord,” Jerusalem (Psalm 24:3; Isaiah 2:3; Zech 8:3) and Sinai (Numbers 10:33).
GE 22:3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
THIRD DAY
Not only may this remind us of the day of Resurrection of Jesus after the crucifixion; but implied is that Abraham was not making a knee-Jerk response to the request of God, he had been thinking about it for three days. Certainly by then, it is a well thought out response of Abraham. Even so, Abraham must have been distraught over the prospect of losing his only son of Sarah and at the same time losing the prospect of the fulfillment of the promise (covenant: land, nationhood and descendants).
5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."
GE 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac,
NOTE: Isaac carried the “wood” for the sacrifice
Jesus carried the “wood” (cross) for the sacrifice (John 19:17)
Both travel toward (Mt.) Golgotha
and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
GE 22:8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.
NOTE: God provided the lamb in place of Isaac
God provided the Lamb of God (Jesus) in place of us
GE 22:9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
QUESTION: What was Abraham thinking?
Why was Abraham willing to sacrifice his only son of Sarah?
What was Isaac thinking?
NOTE: both of them are aware that the other gods would require the human sacrifice of a son to show commitment.
Assumptions: Abraham loved Isaac. He would do anything for Isaac, except this one thing.
Sarah was probably not too excited with this idea.
Can you imagine: “Hey Sarah, God told me to kill Isaac.” Sarah, “What are you thinking?”
POINT
Is not for God to proclaim that child sacrifice is wrong (even though this is true from god’s perspective); but the “test” of Abraham and seeing if he is prepared to give up that which is so meaningful. This is a test of the greatest and second commandment (head to head).
FEAR AND TREMBLING by Kierkegaard
Does the end justify the means?
Abraham was choosing a means, sacrificing his son, the ends; to be in harmony with God’s will.
Abraham was willing to give up everything for God. Why?
Because harmony with God’s will was his highest priority (above his love for child).
US
In our lives, we have a highest priority that drives our decision making process.
It might be God; or it might be love of family, or love of others.
But, something is more important than anything else and our decisions are based on that love.
Because of that love, we will be willing to “sacrifice” on the altar all other things in pursuit of that love.
So, we must ask, “Who is the “Isaac” in our life? What is the last thing that would be given up for God?”
QUESTION: If you truly believed; 100 percent, that God told you to kill your only son or daughter, would you?
You may love God 95 percent, but you may not love God enough to obey God, to sacrifice your child.
PRESUPPOSITION: My God would not tell me to kill my son, but Abraham’s God did!
IMPORTANT QUESTION: What other trump cards do you have in your life?
MOST LIKELY
Abraham had a “trump card” when it came to his relationship with Iaac( meaning there was something more important in the life of Abraham than his love for Isaac.
That’s the way it is in our lives. There is something more important in many of our relationships than…fill in the blank
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Scrooge’s driving principle was profit (his decision making process: was profit driven)
Until he was transformed, and it became Christmas driven!
11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
GE 22:12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
FEAR GOD
The concept here is that Abraham places God above all things in his life. God is number one in Abraham’s life. God is the most important thing (i.e. The Greatest Commandment). At the same time, this is God’s desire for us to act out our faith (pray even though God knows what we are going to say).
Notice: this is the first time Abraham’s obedience is not promised driven. Each obedient act of Abraham prior to this moment was to receive a benefit. Here it was the opposite, obedience led not to a benefit. In other words, “What’s in it for Abraham if he sacrifices Isaac?” Prior to this moment one could question Abraham’s motive of personal gain for each obedient act of love to God.
THE TEST
The test of God is an opportunity for Abraham to self examine his own life; and those things that are important to him. How much does he love? What does he love?
GE 22:13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
GE 22:15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,
SWEAR BY MYSELF
God swears to himself.
17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,
Your descendants WILL TAKE POSSESSIONN OF THE CITIES OF THEIR ENEMIES
First time the concept of conquest is mentioned.
First time a promise is made based on a condition (the willingness to sacrifice Isaac)
The willingness to sacrifice is the desire as Abraham’s most important activity to be in the will of God; (i.e. party on God’s way, Ecclesiastes)
18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
This is the first time the promise is connected to a condition. All other covenant promises were motivated purely by god’s grace with no indication of conditions or favor earned.
POINT
It is the absolute certainty on the part of Abraham that lead him to obey such a command.
POINT
Now, I truly believe,
That if someone loves God with all their heart and soul and mind,
Then they will love others.
I don’t think someone can love God that much without loving others
I JOHN 4:20
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar.
So, this isn’t really an interest of choosing one commandment over the other, but an invitation to discover something about ourselves.
POINT
Today God calls us to change. Some changes that we make require sacrifice. They cost a lot in our lifestyle. But like for Abraham, God will provide the necessary “lamb” to make this change. God begun the process when he provided THE LAMB; in Jesus, for the ultimate change that took place in our relationship to God. Jesus is our change agent.
Passing of the Peace
True or false: The Unexamined Life is not worth living (Socrates)
Today may be one of those days where you might be tempted to think “stop with this sermon series on Genesis and go back to the movies.”
Delphi Oracle - Know thyself
It is far wiser to know that the greatest commandment would not be followed under certain circumstances than to think that you would follow it under every circumstance.
The “trump card” (special circumstance) that you would not follow, would be the issue that would be higher in your life than the greatest commandment.
Example: If God told me to kill my child, and I would not,
In that particular moment, the value of my child’s life is more important to than obeying God (greatest commandment). Could we conclude that I love my child more than God?
POINT: There are things in our lives that we value more than being obedient to God, can you name them?
Every time we sin, are not in harmony with God, that particular moment is something more valuable to us than obedience/loving God.
If God told you not to lie, would you ever be tempted?
If God told you to, would you do it?
ETHICAL EQUATION
How do you decided to make a decision?
To be or not to be
Isaac
If greatest 100 makes an impact on your decision making process
MT 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Question: Does God want you to change?
Scripture:
Question: (on a scale 0 being not at all and 10 being all the time) how often did you obey your parents when you were a teenager?
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1a “Children obey your parents…”
Question: On a scale 0 being not at all; and 10 being all the time, without questioning
ETHICAL EQUATION:
February 1, 2009
Abraham & Isaac
PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Scripture: Matthew 6:21 “21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Question: Where is your heart?
Call to Worship
Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son?What are we willing to sacrifice?
OPENING PRAYERIn the days of Abraham, you called him to love you with all his heart, soul and mind by calling him to sacrifice his most precious and only son of Sarah. 2000 years ago, you loved us and sacrificed your most precious and only son, Jesus. Today, we are faced with the question "How much do we love You? And what are we willing to sacrifice?" Unlike the past, our sacrifice does not take place on the altar of a stone table. It may take place on a breakfast table, or dinner table, or business table, or game table. Whatever the table, call us to a deeper understanding of you and ourselves. Let this day be one of self reflection. Help us to know thyself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
INTRO
QUESTION: What is the most important activity of the church/as you as an individual?
For example: today is Super Bowl Sunday, tickets will cost how much? $$$$$$
Are you willing to spend that much for a ticket?
If so, your friends might say, “What are you thinking?”
You would be if it was close to being one of your most important activities as an individual.
How much are you willing to spend for the most important activity of an individual?
Would you not agree, that your most important activity as an individual would not be sacrificed for a lesser important activity? (or do we?)
SERMON SERIES ON GENESIS
Genesis 3
When the rules of a relationship are broken, death occursHumanity made choices: Adam/Eve ate of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6)When the rules of relationship are broken, death occurs to the relationship (expulsion from the Garden)Genesis 6
The road to the restoration of a relationship begins with a promiseHumanity made choices: wickedness of thought all the time (Genesis 6:5)When the rules of relationship are broken, death occurs to the relationship (The Flood).The road to restoration of the relationship begins with a promise (Covenant/rainbow)(Genesis 9:9f).Genesis 11
The journey to a new relationship begins with a promiseHumanity made choices: Build a tower to God (Genesis 11:4).When the rules of relationship are broken, death occurs to the relationship (expulsion as the tower crumbled and the people where spread throughout the world speaking different languages)The road to restoration of the rules of a relationship begins with a promiseAbraham's journey with God began with a promise (land, nationhood and descendants).Abraham responded by loving God more than loving the status quo of UR/Haran (home).Abraham follows the tradition of a "new creation" God promises Abraham that he and his descendants will have the land, nationhood and many descendants. At this time (Genesis 12:1; Abraham is 75 years old)Genesis 15
The promises of God to Abraham in Genesis 12, implicitly require an heir. In Genesis 15, God again promises Abraham descendants. And even though he waited 25 years to fulfill the promise of God (as well as obstacles (Sarah’s bareness, Ishmael, etc.) along the way), Abraham trusted God, and Sarah bore a child named Isaac. Relationships require trust. (In Genesis 22, God creates the obstacle, the impending death of the only heir, Isaac).INTRO
The year was 1964, I was almost 9. I was addicted to baseball and baseball cards. They were the most important thing in my life. I listened to every Dodger game. My mother on the other hand was not a baseball fan. Actually she thought sports were not cool (understatement). By the end of the summer I was driving my mother nuts with my love (another understatement) for Baseball.
Do you know how it is when your child does not share the same values as you?
Seeing how troubled my mother was, I “sacrificed” my complete collection of 1964 Topps Baseball cards. Gave it to my uncle (he’s my age). Why? Not because I did not like baseball cards. I loved them. But I loved my mother more.
MY FRIENDS THOUGHT: What are you thinking? (I was acting out of character, or was I?)
I was thinking I loved my baseball cards, but I loved my mother more.
My mom’s response was not one of over joy, but relief.
Today, I wish I had my baseball cards.
Now, buying and trading baseball cards was my passion, but there was a “trump card” in my life for my love of baseball cards, my mom’s perception of me.
PARENTS
Have you ever sacrificed (not because it’s fun; but because something else is more important) for your child? Why?
I know parents who will work two jobs to get their kid through college.
Some other parents might say; “What are you thinking?”
POINT: The thing we love the most, that which we treasure the most, where our heart is, that will drive our decision making process.
QUESTIONS
What is the most important thing in your life?
If it is your child, you will do anything for your child, sacrifice, work two jobs, etc.
If there is something more important than your child, then your child may be one of those things that is sacrificed in pursuit of that which is more important than your child.
KNOW THYSELF – the unexamined Life is not worth living (a/d)
What is more important to you: Greatest Commandment? Or, 2nd? God or family?
Is it possible for us to think God is number one in our lives, but in reality, God may not always be number one. There may be another one in our lives, that supersedes over God, It may be a family member (child – Isaac). If so are we aware of ourselves that deeply?
INTRO TO GENESIS 22
Abraham was called in Genesis 12 out of the land of Ur. He most likely was a polytheist who practiced idolatry (Josiah ??). It is imperative to remember that God called Abraham to change (why he changed his name from Abram to Abraham).
In Genesis 22, once again God is calling to Abraham (RIP) “I WANT YOU TO CHANGE. To change from the common practice of sacrifice one’s son to the gods. This change will be seen as a sign of weakness or non commitment by those who practice the sacrifice of humans. The gods of Abraham’s day, don’t have an “eye for an eye” attitude, they have “a head for an eye” take more, don’t show weakness.
Introduction to Genesis 22
With the birth of Isaac, the resolution of the Ishmael’s dilemma, it now looks like there are o more obstacles to the promises of God for Abraham. Abraham must have felt that the covenant and his relationship with God are on smooth sailing. This condition did not last long; God will now present an obstacle of huge dimension, turmoil.’ This time the promise comes based on Abraham’s responses (first time).
This test will test a value of Abraham. It is a test of what do you love the most?
It can be a test of faith and faithfulness; it can be a test to see if Abraham can obey in difficult circumstances, or….
Scripture #1 – Genesis 22
GE 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
GE 22:2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
SACRIFICE
The command of God to sacrifice his son would not have shocked Abraham. In his time and part of the world (Canaanite) the view that god provided fertility could also require a portion of the produce (i.e. sacrifice of animals and the sacrifice of children) was the culture. The sacrifice of a child was a means of ensuring continual fertility. It was to be expected(the deity’s right), “your first born”.
Later (about 500 years), Deuteronomy () & Leviticus () will condone such practices.
MORIAH
Some think its Jerusalem, others think not (because of the need for fire wood); two other places will be considered “the mountain of the Lord,” Jerusalem (Psalm 24:3; Isaiah 2:3; Zech 8:3) and Sinai (Numbers 10:33).
GE 22:3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
THIRD DAY
Not only may this remind us of the day of Resurrection of Jesus after the crucifixion; but implied is that Abraham was not making a knee-Jerk response to the request of God, he had been thinking about it for three days. Certainly by then, it is a well thought out response of Abraham. Even so, Abraham must have been distraught over the prospect of losing his only son of Sarah and at the same time losing the prospect of the fulfillment of the promise (covenant: land, nationhood and descendants).
5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."
GE 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac,
NOTE: Isaac carried the “wood” for the sacrifice
Jesus carried the “wood” (cross) for the sacrifice (John 19:17)
Both travel toward (Mt.) Golgotha
and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
GE 22:8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.
NOTE: God provided the lamb in place of Isaac
God provided the Lamb of God (Jesus) in place of us
GE 22:9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
QUESTION: What was Abraham thinking?
Why was Abraham willing to sacrifice his only son of Sarah?
What was Isaac thinking?
NOTE: both of them are aware that the other gods would require the human sacrifice of a son to show commitment.
Assumptions: Abraham loved Isaac. He would do anything for Isaac, except this one thing.
Sarah was probably not too excited with this idea.
Can you imagine: “Hey Sarah, God told me to kill Isaac.” Sarah, “What are you thinking?”
POINT
Is not for God to proclaim that child sacrifice is wrong (even though this is true from god’s perspective); but the “test” of Abraham and seeing if he is prepared to give up that which is so meaningful. This is a test of the greatest and second commandment (head to head).
FEAR AND TREMBLING by Kierkegaard
Does the end justify the means?
Abraham was choosing a means, sacrificing his son, the ends; to be in harmony with God’s will.
Abraham was willing to give up everything for God. Why?
Because harmony with God’s will was his highest priority (above his love for child).
US
In our lives, we have a highest priority that drives our decision making process.
It might be God; or it might be love of family, or love of others.
But, something is more important than anything else and our decisions are based on that love.
Because of that love, we will be willing to “sacrifice” on the altar all other things in pursuit of that love.
So, we must ask, “Who is the “Isaac” in our life? What is the last thing that would be given up for God?”
QUESTION: If you truly believed; 100 percent, that God told you to kill your only son or daughter, would you?
You may love God 95 percent, but you may not love God enough to obey God, to sacrifice your child.
PRESUPPOSITION: My God would not tell me to kill my son, but Abraham’s God did!
IMPORTANT QUESTION: What other trump cards do you have in your life?
MOST LIKELY
Abraham had a “trump card” when it came to his relationship with Iaac( meaning there was something more important in the life of Abraham than his love for Isaac.
That’s the way it is in our lives. There is something more important in many of our relationships than…fill in the blank
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Scrooge’s driving principle was profit (his decision making process: was profit driven)
Until he was transformed, and it became Christmas driven!
11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
GE 22:12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
FEAR GOD
The concept here is that Abraham places God above all things in his life. God is number one in Abraham’s life. God is the most important thing (i.e. The Greatest Commandment). At the same time, this is God’s desire for us to act out our faith (pray even though God knows what we are going to say).
Notice: this is the first time Abraham’s obedience is not promised driven. Each obedient act of Abraham prior to this moment was to receive a benefit. Here it was the opposite, obedience led not to a benefit. In other words, “What’s in it for Abraham if he sacrifices Isaac?” Prior to this moment one could question Abraham’s motive of personal gain for each obedient act of love to God.
THE TEST
The test of God is an opportunity for Abraham to self examine his own life; and those things that are important to him. How much does he love? What does he love?
GE 22:13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
GE 22:15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,
SWEAR BY MYSELF
God swears to himself.
17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,
Your descendants WILL TAKE POSSESSIONN OF THE CITIES OF THEIR ENEMIES
First time the concept of conquest is mentioned.
First time a promise is made based on a condition (the willingness to sacrifice Isaac)
The willingness to sacrifice is the desire as Abraham’s most important activity to be in the will of God; (i.e. party on God’s way, Ecclesiastes)
18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
This is the first time the promise is connected to a condition. All other covenant promises were motivated purely by god’s grace with no indication of conditions or favor earned.
POINT
It is the absolute certainty on the part of Abraham that lead him to obey such a command.
POINT
Now, I truly believe,
That if someone loves God with all their heart and soul and mind,
Then they will love others.
I don’t think someone can love God that much without loving others
I JOHN 4:20
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar.
So, this isn’t really an interest of choosing one commandment over the other, but an invitation to discover something about ourselves.
POINT
Today God calls us to change. Some changes that we make require sacrifice. They cost a lot in our lifestyle. But like for Abraham, God will provide the necessary “lamb” to make this change. God begun the process when he provided THE LAMB; in Jesus, for the ultimate change that took place in our relationship to God. Jesus is our change agent.
Passing of the Peace
True or false: The Unexamined Life is not worth living (Socrates)
Today may be one of those days where you might be tempted to think “stop with this sermon series on Genesis and go back to the movies.”
Delphi Oracle - Know thyself
It is far wiser to know that the greatest commandment would not be followed under certain circumstances than to think that you would follow it under every circumstance.
The “trump card” (special circumstance) that you would not follow, would be the issue that would be higher in your life than the greatest commandment.
Example: If God told me to kill my child, and I would not,
In that particular moment, the value of my child’s life is more important to than obeying God (greatest commandment). Could we conclude that I love my child more than God?
POINT: There are things in our lives that we value more than being obedient to God, can you name them?
Every time we sin, are not in harmony with God, that particular moment is something more valuable to us than obedience/loving God.
If God told you not to lie, would you ever be tempted?
If God told you to, would you do it?
ETHICAL EQUATION
How do you decided to make a decision?
To be or not to be
Isaac
If greatest 100 makes an impact on your decision making process
MT 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Question: Does God want you to change?
Scripture:
Question: (on a scale 0 being not at all and 10 being all the time) how often did you obey your parents when you were a teenager?
Scripture: Ephesians 6:1a “Children obey your parents…”
Question: On a scale 0 being not at all; and 10 being all the time, without questioning
ETHICAL EQUATION:
posted by Pastor Stan at
11:47 AM
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