DCLM Search the Scripture 23rd January 2022 for Youth | Lesson 4
Deeper Life Search the Scriptures for Youth, January 23, 2022
Click To Read Adult DCLM Search the Scripture 23 January 2022 | Lesson 4
TOPIC: GOD’S CALL AND COVENANT WITH ABRAM
MEMORY VERSE: “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1).
TEXT: Genesis 12:1-18; 13:1-16; 17:1-27
DCLM Search the Scripture 23rd January 2022 for Youth
The call of Abram is one of the most significant experience in the entire Bible. It points to the ultimate redemption of the whole world that includes adults, youths and children. Abram was called to leave his home and extended family to go to a country that God would show him. Today, Christian youths are also encouraged by Scripture to leave the worldly lifestyle and its allurements and follow Christ. It will be inexcusable for Christian youths to say they are following the religion of their father and remain unconverted. Abram and his entire clan migrated to Haran.
Question 1: What were the blessings attached to Abram’s obedience?
The covenant between God and Abram has great significance. First, God promised He would make of him a great nation. Second, God gave Abram a great name. Third, God gave him a land and fourth, his seed would be blessed in all the earth. Abram did not argue with God when the call to an unknown destination was given. The obedience of Abram marks the need for Christian obedience and loyalty to his Creator.
Christian youths must learn from the obedience of Abram who obeyed God with promptness and without question. Abram eventually got to the land of Canaan with his wife, Lot (his nephew) and all the people living with him at the age of seventy five. God is also calling sinning youths to come to repentance. Many blessings yet to be seen and comprehended await Christian youths who obey God’s call.
- THE CALL OF ABRAM AND LOTS SEPARATION (Genesis 12:1-20; 13:1-18; 14:1-24; Matthew 4:17-22;11:28-30)
After the call, Abram went down to Egypt because of the grievous famine in the land. Sarai, Abram’s wife was beautiful, he therefore have a plan to spare his own life due to the conceived fear of being killed for his wife. He instructed Sarai to lie that she was not his wife.
Though Sarai was his half-sister, she was the daughter of one of Abram’s fathers wife (Genesis 20:12), it was a half-truth. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19).
DCLM Search the Scripture 23rd January 2022 for Youth, Lesson 4
Question 2: Why should Christian youths not tell lies?
Christian youths must be careful not to tell lies for any reason. They should know that God who called them to holiness wants them to remain holy without blemish. Nevertheless, God is ever-faithful to His covenant. He did not allow Pharaoh to touch Sarai. Instead, He plagued Pharaoh and his household because Sarai and Pharaoh later gave her to Abram.
Youths must not be afraid of bullies from sinners, knowing that God is ever-present with them. “Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). Lot who went with Abram was also blessed with flocks and herds that the land could not contain both of them dwelling together, since their substances were great The blessings caused strife between the herdsmen of Lot and so Abram told Lot, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren” (Genesis 13:8). When the Lord is obediently followed, and there is no sin, there must be blessings.
Abram resolved the problem amicably and there was the need for separation. In the choice of land, Abram displayed humility, faith, godliness and contentment by allowing Lot to choose first. Christian youths should emulate the good example of Abram by not being selfish. Whenever there is misunderstanding, let the matter be resolved amicably. “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?” (1 Corinthians 6:1); “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
After the departure of Lot, God promised Abram greater blessings. ” Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever” (Genesis 13:14, 15).
However, when Lot and all his households were captured by the alliance of four kings from Mesopotamia, Abram went with three hundred and eighteen soldiers and recovered Lot with all that pertained to him. When Abram returned from war, he met Melchizedek, King of Salem (Jerusalem). This gentle Priest and King of Salem blessed him, and Abram gave tithe of the goods that he had taken from the kings. From this, Christian youths should learn to bring all tithes into the storehouse of the Lord so that there may be meat in His house (Malachi 3:10.11).
Question 3: Since Christian youths do not receive salaries, should trey still pay tithes and offering?
Every youth needs to respect the command of God on tithe and offerings. Though many are not gainfully employed, they receive stipends, gifts and allowances which they must pay tithe on them.
- GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM ( Genesis 15:1-21; 16:1-11; 17:1-14; Proverb 30:5)
God was aware of Abram’s anxiety concerning his lack of children to carry out the fulfilment of the promise (Genesis 12:13, 14-17). God is ever faithful to His covenant for those who keep His words. God reassured Abram of His promises that there would be an heir from the fruit of his loins. His descendants would be as the stars of heaven. Abram believed God. Delay is never denial. Christian youths should know that persistence, perseverance and patience in God will make God’s covenant come to reality in their lives (Romans 4:4).
DCLM Search the Scripture 23rd January 2022 for Youth
Question 4: What are the dangers associated with shortcut and self management?
God informed Abram that the fulfilment of the promised land would not be immediate. His descendants would first go into Egypt, and there servants for a period of four hundred years. Sarai being an old woman at this time, had given up hope that an heir would come to Abram through her. She proposed a solution of her maid, Hager, to Abram as wife. Abram consented to the proposal without consulting God who had earlier given him the promise of a child.
Christian youths must avoid shortcuts or the easy-way out syndrome on any issue bothering on God’s standard. After giving birth to a son for Abram, Hagar became arrogant to Sarai who in turn became bitter toward her. Christian youths must understand that God does not want His glory shared. He is a jealous God. Wait on Him. Hagar’s problems stemmed from arrogance, insubordination and pride. These mark the downfall of any mortal, including youths.
DCLM Search the Scripture 23rd January 2022 for Youth | Lesson 4
- REASSURANCE OF GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAM (Genesis 17:15-27; Galatians 4:31; Romans 4:11-13)
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him, “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect And I will make my covenant between me and thee and will multiply thee exceedingly” (Genesis 17:1,2). Abram was exhorted to be totally dedicated to El- Shaddai, the Almighty God of heaven.
In this covenant renewal, there was a name changed from Abram to Abraham which means the father of many nations. Sarai, meaning princess was changed to Sarah meaning the mother of many nations. The rite of circumcision was to be the token of the covenant. If one refused circumcision, he would be cut off from the promises of the covenant. Sarah laughed, doubting the possibility of child-birth at her old age. The promise was to be the work of God, not man (Romans 9:6-13).
It would have been impossible with man, but not with God. God’s promises are yea and Amen and not to be doubted. Youths must not doubt God’s promises. No matter how long, it shall not tarry; wait for it, it will surely come. God also reassured Abraham that the promise would be fulfilled through his own son (Isaac). Even if we realise the plan and vision of God, there may still be some delay.
Question 5: What does God require from Christians in order to fulfil His covenant in their lives?
There is need to be faithful, prayerful and patient with God knowing that He is faithful to keep His promises. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
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