Q2. Faith in God's Future Promises
#3
Posted 04 December 2004 - 10:55 PM
I believe Abraham's faith was that he would be raised from this land and that earth would one day be the eternal home of Israel. I believe earth was the hope of the Israelites for eternity with the Lord their God and later on David as their regent. Ezek34:23,24. Abraham bought that land because it was the promised land for the Jews and this is where their hope was. Our hope is in the New Jerusalem with the Lord. We have a heavenly hope and they have an earthly hope.
He lived according to his faith.
God Bless!
Jen
Numbers 6:24-26
#4
Posted 06 December 2004 - 01:49 PM
Abraham trusted God's promises and obeyed. He paid for the land, for he knew that in order for it to truly belong to him and his posterity, he had to protect it from seizure when he died, as he obviously soon would.
Faith is not just sitting down and folding our hands, waiting for God to drop a fortune--or whatever--into our laps! He expects us to pray for inspiration as to what He requires us to do, then DO it! We are not to do whatever we desire without inquiring of Him as to His Will! That ends in debacle. But, if we ask of Him what He requires of us, He has promised to guide us--but only so long as we do as He asks!
#5
Posted 06 December 2004 - 01:53 PM
Pastor Ralph, on Oct 26 2004, 12:09 AM, said:
Q2 (23:3-20) What is the significance of Abraham's faith in God's promises at the same time as he pays dearly for this small property?
Abraham lived by faith and because of his faith he had understanding of God’s promise, thus nothing physical could compare with the worth of what God has promised him.
Without faith it is impossible to please God and Abraham believes God will keep his promises. “for he who come to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6) NKJ
What does this tell us about faith?
Heb.11: 1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen”.
[COLOR=blue]They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth." (Hebrews 11:9, 13)
And in Heb. 11:30, we read how many more overcame their trails by faith.[/COLOR]
#6
Posted 06 December 2004 - 02:51 PM
Quote
[color="blue"]2a.) His faith is not in the things that can be eaten by moths or rust. So, four hundred shekels is nothing to the priceless promise of the Creator God who gave him his son through Sara. And maybe he felt that four hundred shekels was nothing to pay to honor his beloved wife with a proper resting place.[/color]
2b.) (23:3-20) What does this tell us about faith?
[color="blue"]2b.) Do not put your faith in things that are temporal, fleeting, a breath. Turn your eyes upon Jesus![/color]
Learn about the churches coming together in Litchfield County, Connecticut for Jesus' Glory!! - Northwest Alliance of Churches
My Church Website:Valley Community Baptist Church, Avon, CT
#7
Posted 07 December 2004 - 03:46 AM
The asking price was not an issue. God had provided Abraham with many blessings, including riches. There was no haggling involved. God had made provision for Sarah’s burial. Abraham could well afford it, and settled the deal quickly.
Sarah’s burial began the process of separating and designating the land of Israel to the Jewish people, much like she had separated Hagar and Ishmael from God’s promised people.
Abraham knew his days were numbered. Before long he would join Sarah in peace. But his faith endured. Although he had not yet received the land of God’s promise, and paid dearly for the Cave of Machpelah, Abraham knew his reward lay ahead.
[/font]
#8
Posted 07 December 2004 - 04:28 PM
Pastor Ralph, on Oct 26 2004, 12:09 AM, said:
[font="Times"][color="blue"]I am seeing this transaction to be "Prefigurative" of that to come.
Several things come to mind, like Jesus being born in a cave, even buried in one.
The field and the cave as a burial site, causes me to think of the Gentiles, and the price that was paid (Jesus' Blood, Suffering, Crucification on the Cross), and how He died once and for all, depositing our sins in hell, to redeem us into His self. We died in Him, that is our sin died in Him, that He may live in us. We are His temple.[/color][/font]
#9
Posted 08 December 2004 - 06:15 AM
[color="blue"]God promised that this whole land will become his inheritance. But for that to to happen, some practical steps had to be taken. This step of purchasing the land for the burial led to the initial process of inheritance. Abraham was sure that in due course of time, the land will be his. He wanted to live in peace among the people. So he paid a small fortune for that small piece of land so that the Lord's promise will take effect through this step. The Lord works through humans. What has to be done, will be done, mostly through His designated workers. Sometimes, supernaturally, but most of the time, naturaly. Abraham's foresight is commendable. He believed that, ultimately, the whole land will come to his people. But in the process, he never gave importance to wealth. Wealth will come and go but the process of inheriting the Lord's promises will be his for sure. He took concrete steps to ensure that. Therein we see his immense faith in the Lord.
[FONT=Times]I can do all things through Christ that
strengthens me. Phil 4:13
#10
Posted 09 December 2004 - 12:01 PM
#11
Posted 10 December 2004 - 04:27 PM
Also Abraham was extremely wealthy so to him, 400 shekals was probably considered "pocket change."
Finally, I believe he wanted to honor Sarah's legacy by provided the best burial place possible for her final resting place.
#13
Posted 13 December 2004 - 05:44 PM
#14
Posted 14 December 2004 - 08:58 PM
#16
Posted 28 December 2004 - 02:29 AM
It shows Abraham’s faith in God’s promise. He insisted on paying for the land so his descendants would be able to use the land.
What does this tell about faith?
If you have faith in God and believe in His promises, He will take care of you.
There is more joy in Jesus in 24 hours than there is in the world in 365 days. I know, I've tried them both.
#17
Posted 02 January 2005 - 08:22 PM
#18
Posted 05 April 2005 - 04:12 AM
He pays for the property to satisfy the present situation but he still has faith that one day it will all be his and his descendents anyway.
Heb 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
NASU
Even though Abraham did not see God's promis he was convinced of its truth
#19
Posted 22 November 2005 - 10:41 AM
Abraham still had faith in God's promise but at this time needs being immediate he followed the laws of the land at that time it was proper since God still calls for us to follow the laws of our day. Abrahams faith was such that God would restore whatever price he paid for the land in future blessing and wealth as he had in times past, Abraham never doubted that.
#20
Posted 27 December 2005 - 01:30 PM

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