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Series introduction:

We often learn by observation.

- Successes
- Failures
- Operating in nuance.
- Relating to others

Walking with God feels like we are writing a unique narrative, but many have walked where we are walking.

We will learn from key figures in the Bible who are seen as models for how to walk with God in their successes and failures.

Abram (Abraham)

A man whose family originated in what is now southern Iraq. His father set out for Canaan (modern Israel) only to settle in what is now Northern Syria/Southeastern Turkey.

He has no scriptures to study. Only the oral heritage of The Creator. Yet he is a worshiper of God.

He is long married to Sarai later to be named Sarah. They are without child at ages 75 and 65.

Read Genesis 12:1-9

Abram is given two commands. 

1. Go from here to a place he had never been. (1)

2. Bless people. Lit. “be a blessing.” BKC

Jesus received the same commands. Philippians 2:6-8

Common barriers to obedience to God:

Venturing into the unknown.
- We like to know the precise route.
- We like familiar.
- Fear of navigation.

Leaving people you love.

Leaving places you identify with. 

Finding water. Life provision as you go.

Makes no earthly sense based on cultural norms.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

Benefits of obedience to God:

God has your back.
- Full protection of in fulfilling his purpose.
- He will bless those who bless you.
- He will curse those who curse you.

The joy and wonder of participating in God’s work on earth.
- What Abraham ultimately experiences over the years is nothing short of an amazing journey we still marvel at today.
- Much of the blessing Abram would provide would happen after his lifetime.

You will be blessed.

Mindset needed to stay the course of obedience. Hebrews 11:8-16

By faith, be comfortable with the unknowns by staying committed to the known direction of the Lord. (8)
- He obeyed and went even though he did not know where he is going.

By faith, life on earth is temporary, like living in a tent. (9, 16)
-The same mindset of living in a tent. (Not a forever home. Loosely committed to a piece of dirt.)
- Alert to the changing of weather.
- Different Kingdom you are anticipating.
- One King and Lord forever.
- Not about personal rights but about serving God’s mission of rescuing others.

By faith, living like a foreigner among the people of earth. (9, 13)
- A different worldview and moral path. 1 Peter 2:11-12
- A belonging and identifying with a different people group with same hope, mission, language, and Lord. Ephesians 2:19

By faith, you identify first with the family of God. (15)
- “First let me go bury my father…then I will follow you.” Luke 9:59-60
- “Unless you hate your mother and your father you cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

By faith, you look forward and do not look back. (10)
- “He who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62
- “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behindand straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14

By faith, the greatest value to your life today is to be a blessing to others.
- Choose people as your heavenly investment over temporary pleasures. Luke 12:16-21
- Proclaim Jesus.
- Care for others in His name.

Benediction Psalm 84:10 “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”