Week 4 The Call of Abraham, the Choice of a People

• Sin and its impact continue unabated.• Primeval history reaches its fruitless climax with

construction of Tower of Babel.• Motivating force is sinful man’s insecurity (11:4b). • A monument to man’s attempt to control his own

destiny. • God scatters sinful man, literally causing them to

fulfill command to “fill the earth.”

Week 4 The Call of Abraham, the Choice of a People

• Once again we see God’s redemptive activity as He selects a people to join Him in His redemptive activity.

• The genealogy of Shem (11:10-31) leads us out of old world into the time of patriarchs.

• The call of Abraham signals God’s intention to work through a chosen people to bless the nations.

• The focus is on a son of promise and a land of promise.

• The continuing selection of the “younger son” demonstrates God’s grace and sovereignty.

Week 4 The Call of Abraham, the Choice of a People

a) A Call and a Response– God’s covenant was from the beginning a matter

of faith and not law (Gal. 3:6).– God has chosen to work through an obedient

people to expand His kingdom. b) Blessed to Bless– Father of a great nation– Receive God’s blessing—presence, provision, and

protection– God will make his name great– The blessing must be conveyed not consumed

Week 4 The Call of Abraham, the Choice of a People

c) Abram Begins a Journey of Faith– Abram is quickly tested by famine.– The only structures he left behind were places of

worship. – God reveals many of his “names” (attributes) to

Abram as He builds his faith. – The faithfulness of God to His promises is a major

theme.