Text: Gen 18:19
A. In discipleship.
The instruction. a. Abraham set an example for his family in discipleship. b. He obeyed God in leaving Ur (Gen 12:4). c. He trusted God in His promise that he would have a son (Rom 4:18-22). d. He gave God Isaac whom he loved (Gen 22:1-3).
The influence. a. His wife Sarah followed his example in discipleship. b. She obeyed God to leave for the land of Canaan (Gen 12:5). c. She trusted God to grant her conception (Heb 11:11). d. She allowed Abraham to give Isaac to God (1Pe 3:6).
The incentive. a. Abraham followed God wholeheartedly (Heb 11:13-15). b. God was proud to be called His God (Heb 11:16). c. What are we willing to give up to lead our families in discipleship (Luk 14:26-27,33)?
B. In worship.
The instruction. a. Abraham set an example for his family in worship. b. He built altars to worship God (Gen 12:7-8; 13:4,18; 21:33). c. He made the necessary preparations to worship God (Gen 22:3-8).
The influence. a. His servant followed his example in worship. b. He prayed to God for success in his mission to find a wife for Isaac (Gen 24:12-14). c. He worshipped and glorified God when his prayer was answered (Gen 24:26-27,52).
The incentive. a. Abraham worshipped God wholeheartedly (Gen 14:22-23). b. God was his exceeding great reward (Gen 15:1). c. What are we willing to give up to lead our families in worship (1Ch 21:22-25)?
C. In relationship.
The instruction. a. Abraham set an example for his family in nurturing relationships. b. He deferred to Lot in giving him the choice of the land for his livestock (Gen 13:5-11). c. He rescued Lot from captivity of a coalition of 4 kings (Gen 14:13-16). d. He interceded for Sodom on behalf of Lot (Gen 18:23-32).
The influence. a. His son Isaac followed his example in nurturing relationships. b. He deferred to the Philistines in giving them his wells (Gen 26:17-22).
The incentive. a. Abraham cherished his relationship with Lot (Gen 13:8; 14:14). b. God gave his descendants the land through which he walked (Gen 13:14-17). c. What are we willing to give up to lead our families in nurturing relationships (1Co 10:23-24,32-33)?
D. In friendship.
The instruction. a. Abraham set an example for his family in showing kindness to others. b. He became allies with Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner (Gen 14:13,21-24). c. He showed hospitality to 3 strangers (Gen 18:1-8). d. He made a covenant with Abimelech and Phichol (Gen 21:22-32).
The influence. a. His nephew Lot followed his example in showing kindness to others. b. He compelled 2 guests to enter his house in the evening and made them a feast (Gen 19:1-3).
The incentive. a. Abraham showed kindness to strangers (Gen 23:4). b. The sons of Heth were willing to give up their burial place for him to bury Sarah (Gen 23:5-6,10-11). c. What are we willing to give up to lead our families in showing kindness to others (Luk 14:12-14)?