6. The Roots of Abraham

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

And Christ says, "Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it and was glad." How could Abraham behold the plan of redemption? How could he comprehend the great and grand working out of this plan through the future ages? By faith. He saw the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star. He saw the one great anti-typical Sacrifice gracing the word with his presence, living the life of God in this sinful world: and his righteousness was going before him showing him the way, and the glory of the Lord was his reward. {GH, August 1, 1906 par. 7}

Memory Text

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. {Hebrews 11:8}

This SS Lesson will describe how faith grew and was tested by the circumstances. As one of the most prominent figures in the scriptures, Abraham develop such faith that had been exemplified through his obedience to God's commandment. We'll dive into his deep experiences and learn the principles to apply in our daily walk with God amidst struggles and challenges.

Please visit this SS Lesson in connection with this week's study, copy and paste it to a browser, or click the link below:

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 6. Abraham's Seed: May 1-7, 2021 (google.com)

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Leaving for Canaan {Abraham's Departure}

Gen. 12:1-9; 9:15-17; 11:31; 12:2, 3; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Isa. 13:19; 48:20; Rev. 18:4; 22:2; 2Chron. 3:1; 12:2, 3; 22:18; Acts 3:25

Monday: Going Down to Egypt {The Temptation of Egypt}

Gen. 12:10-20; 12:10; Num. 14:3; Jer. 2:18; 2Kings 18:21; Isa. 36:6, 9

Tuesday: Coming Back to Canaan {Abram and Lot}

Gen. 13:1-18; 12:3-6, 9, 10, 11, 13; 14, 15, 17

Wednesday: Rescuing Lot {The Babel Coalition}

Gen. 14:1-17

Thursday: Thanking God {The Tithe of Melchizedek}

Gen. 14:18-24; 28:22; Heb. 7:1-10; Deut. 7:13; 14:23; 2Chron. 31:5

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: Leaving for Canaan {Abraham's Departure}

Gen. 12:1-9; 9:15-17; 11:31; 12:2, 3; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; Isa. 13:19; 48:20; Rev. 18:4; 22:2; 2Chron. 3:1; 12:2, 3; 22:18; Acts 3:25

“Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan.” (Genesis 12:5)

Obedience Without Question

Abraham could not explain the leadings of Providence; he had not realized his expectations; but he held fast the promise, "I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing." With earnest prayer he considered how to preserve the life of his people and his flocks, but he would not allow circumstances to shake his faith in God's word. To escape the famine he went down into Egypt. He did not forsake Canaan, or in his extremity turn back to the Chaldean land from which he came, where there was no scarcity of bread; but he sought a temporary refuge as near as possible to the Land of Promise, intending shortly to return where God had placed him. {CC 45.3}

Consider the Following

God ordered Abraham to leave his land and go to Canaan. He also promised him blessings, honor, and protection (Genesis 12:2-3). Besides, Abraham would be a blessing to those around him, and to all the nations [in his Seed (Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:16)].

First, Abraham had to leave the land of Chaldea [closely related to Babylon (Genesis 15:7; Isaiah 13:19a)] and reach Canaan (Genesis 12:5b).

We are also called to leave the false doctrines of “Babylon,” and to obey God’s orders by accepting the salvation God offers (Isaiah 48:20; Jeremiah 50:8; Revelation 12:2, 4)

Monday: Going Down to Egypt {The Temptation of Egypt}

Gen. 12:10-20; 12:10; Num. 14:3; Jer. 2:18; 2Kings 18:21; Isa. 36:6, 9

“Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.” (Genesis 12:10)

God's Purposes, No Haste and No Delay

But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God’s purposes know no haste and no delay. Through the symbols of the great darkness and the smoking furnace, God had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt, and had declared that the time of their sojourning should be four hundred years. “Afterward,” He said, “shall they come out with great substance.” Genesis 15:14. Against that word, all the power of Pharaoh’s proud empire battled in vain. On “the self-same day” appointed in the divine promise, “it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:41. So in heaven’s council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. {CSA 5.2}

Descendants of Abraham in Egypt

The descendants of Abraham, Jacob and his posterity, were brought down to Egypt that in the midst of that great and wicked nation they might reveal the principles of God's kingdom. The integrity of Joseph and his wonderful work in preserving the lives of the whole Egyptian people were a representation of the life of Christ. Moses and many others were witnesses for God. {COL 286.3}

In bringing forth Israel from Egypt, the Lord again manifested His power and His mercy. His wonderful works in their deliverance from bondage and His dealings with them in their travels through the wilderness were not for their benefit alone. These were to be as an object lesson to the surrounding nations. The Lord revealed Himself as a God above all human authority and greatness. The signs and wonders He wrought in behalf of His people showed His power over nature and over the greatest of those who worshiped nature. God went through the proud land of Egypt as He will go through the earth in the last days. With fire and tempest, earthquake and death, the great I AM redeemed His people. He took them out of the land of bondage. He led them through the "great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought." Deuteronomy 8:15. He brought them forth water out of "the rock of flint," and fed them with "the corn of heaven." Psalm 78:24. "For," said Moses, "the Lord's portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him." Deuteronomy 32:9-12. Thus He brought them unto Himself, that they might dwell as under the shadow of the Most High. {COL 286.4}

Consider the Following

When Abram arrived at Canaan, he established between Bethel and Ai and built an altar to God (Genesis 12:8). Everything went well! But “there was a famine in the land.” How did Abram change?

Walking by faith

— Leaving Ur for Canaan (Genesis 15:7)

— Trusting God (Genesis 12:4)

— Being a blessing (Genesis 12:2)

Walking without faith

— Leaving Canaan for Egypt (Genesis 12:10)

— Trusting himself (Genesis 12:13)

— Being a curse (Genesis 12:17)

God never left Abram despite his lack of faith. Abram deserved a punishment, but God showed him grace. The same grace is available for us today.

Tuesday: Coming Back to Canaan {Abram and Lot}

Gen. 13:1-18; 12:3-6, 9, 10, 11, 13; 14, 15, 17

“And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai.” (Genesis 13:3)

Prosperity amidst Danger of Strife

Abraham returned to Canaan "very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold." Lot was still with him and again they came to Bethel, and pitched their tents by the altar which they had before erected. They soon found that increased possessions brought increased trouble. In the midst of hardships and trials they had dwelt together in harmony, but in their prosperity there was danger of strife between them. The pasturage was not sufficient for the flocks and herds of both. . . . It was evident that they must separate. Abraham was Lot's senior in years, and his superior in relation, in wealth and in position; yet he was the first to propose plans for preserving peace. Although the whole land had been given him by God Himself, he courteously waived his right. . . . {CC 47.2}

The most fertile region in all Palestine was the Jordan valley. . . . There were cities also, wealthy and beautiful, inviting to profitable traffic in their crowded marts. Dazzled with visions of worldly gain, Lot overlooked the moral and spiritual evils that would be encountered there. . . . He "chose him all the plain of Jordan," and "pitched his tent toward Sodom." How little did he foresee the terrible results of that selfish choice! {CC 48.2}

Lot chose Sodom for his home because he saw that there were advantages to be gained there from a worldly point of view. But after he had established himself, and grown rich in earthly treasure, he was convinced that he had made a mistake in not taking into consideration the moral standing of the community in which he was to make his home. {CC 48.3}

The dwellers in Sodom were corrupt; vile conversation greeted his ears daily, and his righteous soul was vexed by the violence and crime he was powerless to prevent. His children were becoming like these wicked people, for association with them had perverted their morals. Taking all these things into consideration, the worldly riches he had gained seemed small and not worth the price he had paid for them. His family connections were extensive, his children having married among the Sodomites. The Lord's anger was finally kindled against the wicked inhabitants of the city, and angels of God visited Sodom to bring forth Lot, that he should not perish in the overthrow of the city. {CC 48.4}

Consider the Following

God gave Abram the chance to begin his journey again, this time with a new lesson learnt.

Abram no longer feared the famine or trusted himself. He had understood that God would always be with him no matter what. Therefore, he let Lot choose first when conflict arose (Genesis 13:5-11).

Wednesday: Rescuing Lot {The Babel Coalition}

Gen. 14:1-17

“So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.” (Genesis 14:16)

Worldly Point of View about Wealth

Lot chose Sodom for his home because he saw that there were advantages to be gained therefrom a worldly point of view. But after he had established himself, and grown rich in earthly treasure, he was convinced that he had made a mistake in not taking into consideration the moral standing of the community in which he was to make his home. {CC 48.3}

The Evil Influence of Wife and Associations

The influence of his wife and the associations of that wicked city would have led him to apostatize from God had it not been for the faithful instruction he had early received from Abraham. The marriage of Lot and his choice of Sodom for a home were the first links in a chain of events fraught with evil to the world for many generations. {CC 48.5}

It is Satan's purpose to attract men and women to the cities, and to gain his object he invents every kind of novelty and amusement, every kind of excitement. And the cities of the earth today are becoming as were the cities before the Flood. {CC 48.6}

Consider the Following

Abram served Chedorlaomer and his allies for 12 years. Then, the king of Sodom and his allies rebelled against him (Genesis 14:1-4).

The main powers of the time were fighting for land. Abram remained neutral. After all, he knew the land actually belonged to him because God had given it to him.

Only when he found out that his nephew Lot had been capture, “Seeking, first of all, divine counsel,

Abraham prepared for war.” (E.G.W. “Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 135).

Thanks to God’s support, only 318 men were enough to rescue Lot and to make the army flee to Damascus. God was exalted.

Thursday: Thanking God {The Tithe of Melchizedek}

Gen. 14:18-24; 28:22; Heb. 7:1-10; Deut. 7:13; 14:23; 2Chron. 31:5

“And he gave him a tithe of all.” (Genesis 14:20b)

Priest Forever, Order of Melchizedek

Christ rent not His robe as did Caiaphas. He gave up His body to be rent, to be bruised, to be wounded for the transgression of the world. As by His own choice He died in the presence of an assembled nation of worshipers, type met antitype. Priest and victim combined, He entered the Temple as a place of sacrifice. Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. He is a true high priest, for after enduring humiliation, shame, and reproach, after being crucified and buried, He was raised from the grave, triumphing over death. He is a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. {12MR 398.1}

Perfect Fitting Symbol of the Entire History of the Church

Paul gives us the information of the fitting symbol for this section in Heb. 7:1-3,--"For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." Though we mortals can not comprehend the existence of this man "Melchizedek, King of Salem," it must be true that he is "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor ending of life," thus making a perfect-fitting symbol of that section of God's church. Again we see God's perfection in perfect symbols for the entire history of His church. {SR1: 230.2}

Ruler Amidst Our Enemies

Our God has carried out His predestined plans without variation even to the minutest of details. Said Jesus, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning Me." Luke 24:44. The Spirit of God led the Psalmist to inscribe the words, "The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies....The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:2, 4. {SR1: 230.4}

Consider the Following

Melchizedek is a type of Christ (Hebrews 5:10; 7:3). Jesus is the “King of peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He will soon return to bring peace to Earth, and to receive all who have trusted God and reached victory (1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:4; Revelation 15:2).

Abram showed his gratitude towards God by returning the tithe of everything He had given to him. He was an example to others, becoming a witness of God in his time.

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

The religion of Christ is not a selfish religion. It is not to be kept under lock and key, but it is to be an influence of power going forth from every genuine Christian to enlighten those that sit in darkness. Every soul connected with a true Christian will be made better thereby. We are to be God's light-bearers, reflecting the steady beams of heaven upon others. {RC 205.4}

It is through the merits of Christ that all our spiritual and temporal blessings are given us to enjoy. The salvation of Christ was placed within our reach that we might lay hold upon it by faith, that we might weave the love of Christ into our characters, and practice it in our lives, that we might be a blessing to all our race. But not one of us can shed light upon others unless we ourselves have gathered rays of divine illumination from the Word of God. We must have the Christlike mold of character or we cannot be true representatives of our Lord. {RC 205.5}

Questions to Ponder

1. How did Abraham become the father of faith and the most mentioned figure in the Old Testament?

2. Why did God command Abram to leave His family and How did he respond?

3. With regards to us, what are the things that God longed us to leave behind and follow Him wholeheartedly?

4. What are the reasons why Abraham leave the promised land and went to the South (Egypt), what does it tell us about our tendency when times of test come around?

5. Based on the passage above, what a true Christian should reveal as a light bearer?

6. After receiving the gift of His promise, what challenges would it be when worst comes our way?

7. Is giving the tithe to someone who came out of nowhere evidence of faith? How do we prove our faith, do we need to show it?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“The patriarch obeyed. He forsook his country, his home, his relatives, and all pleasant associations connected with his early life, to become a pilgrim and a stranger. Abraham might have reasoned and questioned the purposes of God in this. But he showed that he had perfect confidence that God was leading him; he did not question whether it was a fertile, pleasant country or whether or not he should have ease. He went at God's bidding. This is a lesson to every one of us.” E. G. W. (In Heavenly Places, April 15)

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