Faith Over PerfectionSample

Read: Genesis 11:27–12:9

SOAP*: Genesis 12:1–3 

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s household to the land that I will show you. Then I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, so that you will exemplify divine blessing. I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must curse, so that all the families of the earth may receive blessing through you.”

The Book of Genesis provides us with an account of the creation of the earth and God’s plan for redemption. The first eleven chapters of Genesis describe the creation, the fall of humanity into sin, and the beginnings of civilization. When sin entered the world (Genesis 3) it brought many consequences: separation from God, banishment from the garden, various curses, broken relationships, and death. 

As quickly as God explained the results of sin to the man and the woman in the garden, He promised to bring redemption. God promised to redeem the world from sin by sending a deliverer, one who would destroy the enemy and the curse of sin once and for all. The Book of Genesis begins that story of our redemption.  

Redemption came through one man, Jesus Christ. He is the promised Messiah, the One God said would redeem the world from sin. God used a family to bring His Son, Jesus, into the world to offer redemption. That family began with a man named Abram, a man whom God called to leave his home, his family, and other gods to follow the One true God. Abram was not a great man. He had not done anything worthy of being chosen by God. But still, God chose Abram to be the one through whom He would bring about His chosen redeemer.

As we begin our study of the life of the Patriarchs we will see God’s provision, God’s promise, and God’s protection on Abram, his family, and his descendants. We’ll see Abram’s great faith and confidence in God, as well as the ways he tried to make his own plans along the way. Despite Abram’s failures, God chose him to bless all the families of the earth. Though Abram did not know the details of what God would do or how He would do it, he continually walked forward in faith.  

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for providing redemption for me through Jesus Christ, the promised descendant of Abram. You alone can take my life and make me a blessing to others. Help me see how You may be asking me to step out in faith today and throughout my study of Abram. Amen.

* As we study the Bible, we use the SOAP Bible Study Method. The acronym stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. 

1. Scripture. Write out the verses at least one time. Slow down and copy the passage from the text, focusing on what you are writing. Writing it more than one time is always helpful.

2. Observation. Take time to carefully observe the passage. What do you see in the verses you’re reading? Who is the intended audience? To whom is the writer speaking? What cultural factors are at play? Are any words or themes repeated? What literary devices are being used?

3. Application. After carefully observing what is happening in the passage, determine the main message or truth of the passage. How can you apply this truth to your life?

4. Prayer. Pray God’s Word back to Him. If He has revealed something to you during this time, pray about it. Confess any sin God has revealed. Pray through the truth of the passage.