What can we learn from Abraham’s decades of walking with God? Dr. Stanley teaches how to obey in faith like Abraham did—following God even when the path ahead was dark. Learn how to keep giving God your yes, one day at a time.
Sermon Outline
Sometimes following the Lord requires us to step into the unknown, but thankfully, Scripture gives us wonderful role models to follow. This week, Dr. Stanley looks at God’s calling to Abraham, whose response was a picture of genuine faith.
Key Passage: Genesis 12:1-3
Supporting Passage: Genesis 12:4-8
God wants us to trust Him for everything. Are you walking by faith or by sight?
► “Listening to God with the ear of obedience is absolutely essential to living a godly life.”
The walk of faith requires that we …
1. Listen to God (Gen. 12:1-4).
Abraham heard God’s command and followed (v. 4).
Doing so is essential to walking with God.
God is willing to speak with us as He did with Abraham.
If we don’t learn to listen, we’ll make unwise decisions and mistakes that could have been avoided.
We should cultivate quietness and listen to God’s instructions.
2. Trust God (vv. 4-6).
This is a decision we make every day. Even if we’re unsure, we must be open to what the Lord says.
Following God requires trusting Him—even when a task or step seems unexpected, costly, difficult, badly timed, or inexplicable.
God will often pause His directions until we do what He’s asked.
If we make an honest mistake when genuinely trusting God, He can correct our steps.
3. Obey God (vv. 4-6).
Rather than argue with God when we don’t understand or agree, we should comply. We never fail when we obey Him.
Our obedience should be immediate, complete, and persistent, as Abraham’s was.
Obeying may involve danger, but we should continue until we achieve what God has asked of us (v. 6).
Our choice to obey God (or not) affects where we are in life.
► “There are times of weakness and failure. But God forgives us and keeps moving us forward.”
4. Worship God (vv. 7-8).
Always choose to live a life that’s committed to Him and focused on following His will.
We should acknowledge God’s faithfulness. Abraham did this by building an altar where he could worship. He committed himself and the land to God.
Follow God step-by-step, one day at a time—always giving thanks.
Renew your commitment to listen and obey.
After Watching
In Genesis 12:2, God told Abraham, “I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing” (emphasis added). How can you share what you’ve been given so that the lives of people around you will be enriched?
Can you identify something God is calling you to do? Take a moment to seek His guidance by using this prayer or one of your own: Father, I want to follow You. When You called Abraham, You gave him just the first step. Speak to my heart about whatever You would have me do, and give me the wisdom to walk in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
