From Flesh to Faith: Overcoming Challenges of the Flesh
Focus Passage: Various passages from Genesis (ESV)
Introduction
As we continue our series on Abraham’s journey from flesh to faith, today we examine the challenges of the flesh that Abraham and Sarah faced. These challenges show us that even those chosen by God are not immune to failure, but they also reveal God’s mercy and faithfulness in navigating our weaknesses.
1. Challenge of Disobedience: Partial Obedience is Disobedience
Scripture:
• “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.’” (Genesis 12:1)
• “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him.” (Genesis 12:4a)
Observation:
God’s command was explicit: Abraham was to leave his family behind. While he obeyed by leaving his country, he took Lot along with him. This partial obedience led to unnecessary complications, including strife between Lot’s herdsmen and Abraham’s (Genesis 13:5-7).
Instances of Chaos Created by Lot
1. Strife Between Herdsmen: Genesis 13:5-7
Lot’s growing wealth led to conflict between his herdsmen and Abraham’s, forcing a separation to maintain peace.
2. Lot’s Poor Choice of Residence: Genesis 13:10-11
Lot chose to live near Sodom, exposing himself to spiritual and physical danger due to the city’s wickedness.
3. Lot’s Capture in Battle: Genesis 14:8-12
Lot’s proximity to Sodom caused him to be captured during a regional war, requiring Abraham to rescue him.
4. Lot’s Influence During Sodom’s Destruction: Genesis 19:15-16
Lot’s hesitation during Sodom’s destruction highlighted his lack of spiritual discernment, putting his family at risk.
5. Legacy of Lot’s Descendants: Genesis 19:36-38
Lot’s descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites, became persistent enemies of Israel, creating long-term conflict.
Lesson:
Partial obedience is rooted in fear or unwillingness to fully trust God. It often complicates our journey. Abraham’s challenge shows the importance of complete trust in God’s plan, even when it seems risky or counterintuitive.
Application:
Are there areas where we are only partially obedient to God? Let us commit to complete trust and obedience, knowing His plans are always best.
2. Challenge of Deception: Fear Leading to Lies
Scripture:
• “Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.” (Genesis 12:13)
• “But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, ‘Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.’” (Genesis 20:3)
Observation:
Sarai (later renamed Sarah by God) was both Abraham’s wife and his half-sister. They shared the same father, Terah, but had different mothers. This familial relationship is explicitly mentioned in the Bible:
Scripture Reference:
“Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife.” (Genesis 20:12, ESV)
This cultural practice of marrying within close family ties was more common and accepted in that time period, especially prior to the giving of the Mosaic Law, which later prohibited such unions.
On two separate occasions, Abraham coerced Sarah to lie about their relationship, fearing for his life (Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 20:1-18). These acts of deception reflected a momentary lapse in trust in God’s ability to protect them.
Lesson:
Fear can lead us to act deceitfully, but God’s faithfulness does not waver. In both instances, God intervened to protect Sarah and uphold His promise to Abraham.
Application:
When fear tempts us to compromise our integrity, we must remember God’s promises. He is our protector and provider, and we can stand in truth knowing He will defend us.
3. Challenge of Discouragement: Taking Matters into Their Own Hands
Scripture:
• “And Sarai said to Abram, ‘Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” (Genesis 16:2)
• “But God said, ‘No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.’” (Genesis 17:19)
Observation:
When discouragement over God’s timing overwhelmed Abraham and Sarah, they chose to have a child through Hagar. This act of self-reliance led to long-term consequences, including strife within their household and the larger narrative of human history.
Lesson:
Discouragement can lead us to bypass God’s plan and rely on human solutions, which often complicates our lives. God, however, remains faithful to His promises, as evidenced by His reaffirmation of the covenant through Isaac.
Application:
When tempted to act out of discouragement, we must wait on the Lord. His timing is perfect, and His plans are worth the wait.
Conclusion: Turning Failure into Faith
Abraham’s story teaches us that God’s faithfulness is greater than our failures. Despite Abraham’s disobedience, deception, and discouragement, God continued to work through him, ultimately fulfilling His promises.
Call to Respond:
• Obedience: Is there an area where God is calling you to trust Him completely?
• Integrity: Are you tempted to compromise truth because of fear?
• Patience: Are you discouraged and tempted to take matters into your own hands?
Encouragement from Scripture:
• “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13)
• “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness even when we falter. Help us to walk in complete obedience, stand firm in truth, and trust Your perfect timing. Transform our failures into testimonies of Your grace and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.