Lesson #4 From Abraham: Godly Character Text: Genesis 11:27 25:11 Series: Genesis [#10] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl January 13, 2019 Theme: God s Friends Display His Character. Introduction. As we return to our series in Genesis, the book of beginnings, we come to our fourth and final look at Abraham. He is the first person the Bible describes at great length, and is the central figure from chapter 11 through chapter 25. We have looked at a number of important lessons from him, We began with the essential foundation of faith. Then we considered fellowship with God, how important it is it will sustain you in every circumstance. The third lesson we surveyed just before Advent was failure. We saw the serious and also wonderful truth that our failures devastate, but God s mercy redeems. Today, we look at one more lesson from Abraham, Godly Character. Godly character. Breaking down this two-word phrase, let s start with the second word character. Your character is your moral, ethical and spiritual qualities. It has been described as what you are like when no one is looking, when no one is around. 1 That is your character. Then add the first word for the phrase, godly. Godly character is like, is in line with God s character. That s a tall order, in fact it is an impossible order on our own. But God does not leave us on our own. Anything He asks of us God will enable us to do by His grace and strength. The Bible tells us it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 2 Then Paul describes his efforts to help believers in this process by writing, My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you. 3 He described the certainty of God completing this work as he wrote that God has predestined His children to be conformed to the image of His Son. 4 God called Abraham his friend. Each and every believer can be, should be seen by God as His friend. And God s friends display His character. This is the central truth for us this morning, God s friends display His character.
Examples Of Godly Character In Abraham. We are going to explore three examples of godly character in Abraham. The first is ready belief and obedience. We see this throughout Abraham s life. There was a clear, consistent pattern, a character of ready belief and obedience. We have walked through the main points of his life in the three previous views, but now we think of his character that was displayed in those points of his life. We see it at the beginning of the account when God called him. God told him, Get out of your country, from your family and from your father s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 5 How did Abraham respond? We are told, So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him. 6 God spoke. Abraham listened, he believed, and he obeyed. This pattern continued in his life. We saw it in his love and generosity toward his nephew Lot when their herds and flocks had grown too large for them to stay together. Even though Abraham was the head of the clan and the one to whom God promised all that land, he let Lot choose first. 7 As we know, Lot selfishly chose the best land for himself. 8 Then some time later we saw it in Abraham s rescue of Lot and the people taken captive from Sodom by their enemies. Abraham had promised God before he set out on that rescue mission not to take a reward. After he succeeded he was offered a great reward which was due him. He refused it to keep his promise to God and also to keep a clear testimony to all that it was God who caused him to prosper. 9 He believed and obeyed God, including trusting God to provide for him. Then as well, 24 years after his initial call and God s promise of a great family, a great nation when he still had no son God reassured him and Abraham believed, he trusted God. 10 The supreme test of Abraham s belief and obedience is recorded in Genesis chapter 22. In verse 2 God directed him, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains 2
of which I shall tell you. Even though I have read this account and thought about it many times, I am still amazed at the test God gave him and also at Abraham s ready belief and obedience. How about us? None of us have faced or will face a test like the supreme test Abraham faced. As well, we have things Abraham did not have. For example, we have the Bible, God s Word to direct us. When see His directions, correction, His invitations, warnings, how do we respond? How do you respond? How do I respond? Godly character includes ready belief and obedience. To be growing in godly character includes growing in ready belief and obedience. A second example of godly character is having an accurate perspective on material things. Recall Abraham s situation. Chapter 13 tells us Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold (verse 2). As well it tells us the land was not able to support [Abram and Lot], that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together (verse 6). Then in chapter 24 Eliezar, Abraham s servant, said The LORD has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys (verse 35). Abraham was a very, very wealthy man. What was Abraham s attitude toward that great wealth? Think again of his rescue of Lot in chapter 14. He was offered the spoils of battle even more wealth! The late billionaire John D. Rockefeller was asked by a reporter, How much money does it take to make a man happy? His concise answer was, Just one more dollar. 11 We don t know if he was speaking of himself or people in general. But he rightly described the insatiable, the impossible-to-satisfy attraction and quest for things. Always, just one more. But we know this was not Abraham s attitude. Hebrews chapter 11 tells us he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God (verse 10). You see, his desires were set on heaven, God s heavenly wealth and rewards, not earth s. Why? How did he take that great step in developing character that is at odds with the world s? To a great extent it was because he learned the truth which Jesus stated when He was on earth, Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions (NASB). 12 3
That brings us to our situation and attitude. None of us are extremely wealthy as Abraham was, but our values need to be like his. Hebrews chapter 13 instructs us Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for [God] has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (verse 5, ESV). Did you catch that, really? Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for [God] has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you (verse 5, ESV). Our lives your life, my life does not consist of our possessions, however little or great they are. Why should we, why and how can we align of attitude toward material things, our character, with this? The writer says for, or because God will never leave us or forsake us. If eternal, all-powerful, all-loving God is with us and as believers He is why should we be focused on things, on wealth that can be destroyed and stolen, 13 that, as the Bible tells us, can make itself wings like an eagle and fly away? 14 So, again, what about our attitudes? our perspective? Godly character sees material things, little or much, as temporary, as passing. Material things certainly are not a foundation for life, but are to be used, as the Bible tells us, faithfully to provide for needs of ourselves and others and to glorify God. 15 A third example of godly character is having genuine care for others. Abraham cared enough to risk for others. We are well-acquainted with his rescue of Lot, who was captured when Sodom fell to its opponents, covered in chapter 14. Abraham could have said, It serves him right. He shouldn t have been there! He always has to learn the hard way. Let s see how he gets himself out of this one! He could have thought and said that, but he didn t. Neither Abraham nor his men were soldiers. But he gathered his forces, took on the captors in battle, defeated them, and freed Lot. He cared enough to risk for others. Abraham also cared enough to intercede for others. We see this in the record of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in chapters 18 and 19. That was a terribly wicked place. Judgment had to come. God told Abraham it was on the way. What was his response? Did he say, Yes! Let them have it! No! He talked with God, asked, pleaded with God to spare the cities if just 50 righteous people could be found, then 45, then 40, then 30, then 20, and finally if just 10 righteous people could be found in Sodom. He displayed godly character here. God made this part of His character clear when, for example, He said through the prophet Ezekiel, As I live! declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the 4
wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live (NASB). 16 And, again, when He tells us through the apostle Peter that His heart does not wish any to perish but for all to come to repentance (NASB). 17 Abraham really cared. It is proven in his actions. He took no pleasure in the death of those who would be eternally separated from God. Rather, he interceded for them. He had the heart of God for the salvation of all, even the wicked. Do we care enough to act, to risk, to intercede for the most wicked of the wicked in our world? Or even the respectable, but lost? We pray for people without Christ to be saved, especially those we know and love. This is as it should be. But do we pray for the most wicked people we are aware of to be saved? Do we pray for them by name whether they are respectable or not? God s friends display His character as Abraham did. He had a pattern of ready belief and obedience, an accurate perspective on material things, a genuine care for others. Factors In The Development Of Godly Character. How did Abraham develop this godly character? How can we develop godly character? Take note of four pointers to, four factors in the development of godly character from Abraham and for ourselves. First, remember that your character is important to God. This has been true since Adam and Eve, and always will be. Abraham remembered this. Do we? Really? Recall how God has emphasized this to and in Abraham. Consider just one example, Abraham s greatest test which we noted briefly earlier. Turn to the account in Genesis chapter 22, on page 21 of the church Bibles. It was our Scripture reading earlier, but let s read it again. Starting at verse 1. Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, Abraham! And he said, Here I am. Then He said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you. So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with 5
him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you. So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, My father! And he said, Here I am, my son. Then he said, Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering. So the two of them went together. Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham! So he said, Here I am. And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me. Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided (verses 1-14). Abraham s character of belief and obedience was important to God. Then consider how God has emphasized this in other times and people in the Old Testament. Think of two examples. As Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel, God told him Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 18 6
God looks at who we really are, at our character. Then there was the day when the prophet Hanani told king Asa of Judah, the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His (NASB). 19 People of godly character. As well as these examples God tells us a number of times in both the Old and New Testaments You shall be holy, for I am holy. 20 Remember, never forget that your character is important to God. A second factor in developing godly character is to realize that every day brings opportunities and tests. The series of events recorded for us from Abraham s life clearly demonstrate he believed and lived in light of this truth. We see this first in the now very familiar call of God to step out into the unknown. 21 Then day after day, year after year waiting for that son who would continue the family line, There was the time in Egypt. There were those troubles with Lot. And even after his son Isaac was born there was a constant flow of opportunities and tests. He shows us. among other things, that the crises of life demonstrate our character as well as help develop it. Our character develops out of the day to day process of life. It is the result of God s work and our work. The foundation is God s work in us. As I noted earlier, remember the Bible tells us God is at work in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 22 The process is described in 2 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 18, And the Lord who is the Spirit makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (NLT). Only God can truly transform and develop our character. One description of the qualities of character His work is producing is the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (NASB). 23 God produces these character qualities in us. But there is also our work. For the Bible also directs us to love, to be joyful, have peace, be patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, exercise self-control. Each day brings us opportunities and tests that can help develop these and other facets of godly character. Question: Do we regularly recognize the highs and lows, the victories and defeats, the routine and extreme of our days as opportunities and tests to grow in godly character? And if we do, do we do our part, do we keep pressing on 24 and allow God to shape and build us to be more like Jesus? 7
Yes, if we want to display the character of God we must recognize that every day brings opportunities and tests. A third factor in building godly character we see in Abraham is to always maintain vital contact with and rely on God. We have seen this repeatedly in Abraham. Abraham failed when he struck out on his own course, when he relied on his own ideas and abilities. He failed when he acted without vital contact with God, without trusting in God, without being obedient to God. While he had a pattern of staying in touch with God and relying on Him, all it took for failure was carelessness. Always remember this: all it takes to fail is carelessness. Abraham was not perfect, but he was a godly man, he was a true friend of God because his consistent purpose and discipline was to always maintain vital contact with God and rely on Him. What about us? How consistent, how vital is your relationship with God? How do you know the state of your relationship with God? How you think or feel may or may not be accurate. The standard is God s truth to you in His Word and how you relate to it. And, of course, then having significant and consistent times with God in His Word and in prayer. If you are not doing this regularly you cannot be in vital contact with God and be relying on Him. There is one more pointer from Abraham. To develop godly character requires making the most of today. This is built on the first three. You see, when I remember that my character is important to God, when I realize that every day brings opportunities and tests, and when I maintain vital contact with God and rely on Him, then I am in the position to make the most of today. Genesis gives us examples of Abraham doing this from his stepping out and leaving his homeland until he finished his course on earth at age 165. I won t repeat those markers here. God is faithful and merciful. He is the God of new beginnings. We have seen that in Abraham. When he failed, God did not discard him. Remember the lesson God teaches us through him that our failures devastate, but God s mercy redeems. Whatever your failures, your sins God s grace, mercy, healing and restoration are available to you today. You cannot undo the failures, but you don t have to be bound by them. 8
It is vitally important for us to be faithful right now, today, in making the most of today in our choices, decisions, directions, so that we truly glorify God and know His joy and peace. And also so that we are building godly character. Today. Not, tomorrow, not someday, not when I m older, married, when I have children, when the children are grown, when I am settled in my career, or when I retire. No, today. Never underestimate the importance, potential and power of the present moment in developing godly character. Conclusion. God s friends display His character. All of us who know Jesus Christ as our Savior can truly be friends of God today. Not because of outstanding gifts or achievements, but by drawing and staying close to Him, allowing Him to build the character of Christ within us. It is a process which involves all times and circumstances of our lives, good and bad. Remember what God tells us through the apostle Paul, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (ESV). 25 Proven character, Godly character that gives us true hope. I realize that we can get discouraged when we hear of the victories of people like Abraham and then look at our own failures. Remember, it s not the great gifts and accomplishments, but day by day faithfulness to God which builds godly character. If you are willing, God is able to take you through today and the small but significant steps that will make you more like Christ. Reflect and respond to God today, now. God s friends display His character, a pattern of godly character. Thank God that He is able to make you like Jesus. Ask Him for forgiveness if you have been procrastinating or have been careless about developing godly character. Resolve to allow Him to do that, work with Him, truly be His friend, to walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 26 He can and will change your heart, your character. 9
1 There are many versions of this. For example see: John Wooden quotes. <https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/23041.john_wooden>. n.d. Accessed 03 December 2018. Bill Hybels. Character: Who You Are When No One s Looking (Christian Basics Bible Studies). Downers Grove (IL): IVP, 1994. 2 Philippians 2:13. 3 Galatians 4:19, NASB. 4 Romans 8:29. 5 Genesis 12:1-3. 6 Genesis 12:4. 7 Genesis 13:8-9. 8 Genesis 13:10-11. 9 Genesis 14:1-24. 10 Genesis 15:1-6. 11 Commonly attributed to John D. Rocerfeller. e.g., <https://www.azquotes.com/quote/919457>. Accessed 04 December 2018. 12 Luke 12:15, NASB. 13 Matthew 6:19. 14 Proverbs 23:5. 15 1 Timothy 6:17-19. 16 Ezekiel 33:11, NASB. 17 2 Peter 3:9. NASB. 18 1 Samuel 16:7. 19 2 Chronicles 16:9, NASB. 20 e.g., Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16. 21 Genesis 12:1-3. 22 Philippians 2:13. 23 Galatians 5:22-23 NASB. 24 e.g., Philippians 3:14. 25 Romans 5:3-5, ESV. 26 1 Thessalonians 2:12. 10
2019, Lyle L. Wahl Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked (NASB) taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 11