Why Was Abraham Satisfied?

Genesis 25:7-11

Introduction

1.      Some words have unpleasant associations – trouble, cancer, gossip

2.      Some words have pleasant associations – food, vacation, heaven

3.      Satisfied is one of those words that has pleasant associations – a farmer when he comes home for the night, an athlete when he has won the gold medal, a politician when the votes have been counted in his favor

4.      Most things can only bring a temporary satisfaction; Abraham had found satisfaction at the end of his life, the ultimate satisfaction  

Discussion – Why was Abraham satisfied?

1.      Abraham had obeyed God

a.       God said, “Leave” and Abraham left – Gen 12:1-3  

b.      Abraham struggled with obedience when famine came – Gen 12:10  

c.       Abraham struggled with obedience when he felt his life was threatened – Gen 12:11-13  

d.      Abraham struggled with obedience until he saw the fruits of disobedience – Gen 13:7  

2.      Abraham had believed God

a.       For Abraham, obedience led to faith  

b.      We tell our children, “Try it, you’ll like it” – faith is changed by obedience  

c.       Abraham understood that he was dependent solely on God for his blessings – Gen 14:21-24  

d.      Faith led Abraham to greater acts of obedience – Gen 22:2  

3.      Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac

a.       He was satisfied to have lived his life in obedience to God  

b.      He was satisfied to have lived his life believing in God  

c.       He was satisfied to leave everything that he had acquired in this world behind – Heb 11:10, 16  

Conclusion

1.       But this lesson is not about Abraham, but about us

2.      Listen to the words with which Paul expresses his satisfaction – 2 Tim 1:12; 4:6-8; Phil 4:7

3.      Jesus’ story about the successful farmer whose satisfaction was turned to failure – Luke 12:13-21

4.      His life was lived for self, not for God

5.      Don’t make the same mistake!