Title: The Blessings of Peter 2
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Abraham went down to Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20)
Dear saints! In the text, it is recorded that there was a famine in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went down to Egypt. Two questions arise in the text. It tells us that there was a famine in Canaan, the promised land God had given us, and that Abraham, the father of faith, went down to Egypt. This morning, I want to share grace with you while thinking of “Abraham who went down to Egypt.”
I. famine in the land of Canaan
Verse 10 says, “There is a famine in the land, and the famine is severe in that land.” There was a famine in the land that God had appointed, the promised land, and the blessed land. I can not understand. This is the land where Abraham believed in God and obeyed God's word, gave up everything, left his hometown, and came to the end of a thousand years of hardship. There is a famine in that land. Also, I do not understand that there is a famine in the land where Abraham built an altar, called on the name of God, and lived by faith. We usually think that the land that God has promised and blessed will be fertile, rich, prosperous, and full of peace. If you believe in Jesus, you will soon become rich, healthy, and at peace I think you will receive such blessings. But that is narrow human thinking. God also gave a famine in Canaan, the land of promise and blessing.
Then why did God give the land of Canaan a famine? In order for Abraham to receive true blessing and become a source of blessing, he had to undergo refinement. Dear all! If you believe in Jesus, you will be blessed. Not only the blessing of eternal life, but also the blessing on this earth. But that blessing doesn't mean you're safe. It is through trials and trials that we become perfect children of God. It is not unusual for us who are children of God to experience trials and tribulations today. 1 Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not consider the fiery trial that comes to refine you as something strange, but rather rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may rejoice and rejoice when His glory is revealed. “He said.
Dear all! Abraham, the father of faith, met a famine in the land of Canaan. Knowing that there are trials and trials in our life of faith today, I pray that you will become saints who have victory through faith.
II. Abraham went down to Egypt
Verse 10 “Abram went down there to dwell in Egypt” Abraham left Canaan and went down to Egypt. The Nile River flows through Egypt. Egypt doesn't care if it doesn't rain. This is because farming is done through irrigation. To the Egyptians, the Nile is a god. Egypt is a place where people live by means. It is synonymous with materialism, hedonism, and secularism. The Bible tells us not to rely on Egypt (Isaiah 36:6) and not to go down to Egypt (Isa 31:1). But Abraham went down to Egypt to escape the famine of Canaan. This is turning your back on God. Abraham acted without prayer. I could not pray when I should have prayed. Abraham did not obey God's word. Abraham lacked patience. So I went down to Egypt.
What was the result of Abraham going down to Egypt? ① The altar could not be built. It was a great spiritual loss. ② I'm facing a bigger problem. I lost my wife Sarah. ③ He even lied. He threw his wife away in order to save his life. ④ The seeds of tragedy have been conceived. Abraham took Hagar and gave birth to Ishmael. After that, Isaac was born from Sarah's body. The Arab people, descendants of Ishmael, the son of Hagar, and the people of Israel, descendants of Isaac, the son of Sarah, have been fighting as all-powerful supporters. This is the tragedy of the Middle East. The current war between Hamas and Israel is also due to Abraham going down to Egypt. Dear all! No one is perfect. Humans are weak. If you do not pray and follow the Word, you will have no choice but to go down to Egypt. Our faith is weakened and we cannot help but be put to the test. No matter how difficult it is, you must not go down to Egypt. Under no circumstances should you leave the church.
Ⅲ. Abraham from Egypt
Dear all! We are children of God. You have to get out of the world. They are the chosen people to serve God only and receive God's blessings in the Promised Land. I pray that you will receive the spiritual and physical blessings that Abraham received from Egypt.