What can we learn from Abraham's obedience despite being a "foreigner"? The Scene in Hebrews 11:9 “By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.” Key Observations • “By faith” – Abraham’s obedience flowed from unshakable trust in God’s revealed word. • “Stranger in a foreign country” – he never blended in; he accepted outsider status. • “Living in tents” – a temporary, movable life marked his days. • “Heirs with him” – his obedience shaped generations. A Life Marked by Faithful Obedience 1. He left the familiar (Genesis 12:1–4). 2. He wandered without earthly title deed (Acts 7:5). 3. He still called himself “foreigner and stranger” decades later (Genesis 23:4). Tents, Not Castles: What Abraham’s Lifestyle Teaches Us • Hold possessions loosely; permanence belongs to God alone (Matthew 6:19–21). • Allow God’s promises, not surroundings, to define security (Psalm 119:19). • Expect forward movement—obedience is a journey, not a one-time event (2 Corinthians 5:7). Lessons for Believers Who Feel Like Foreigners • Identity: Our ultimate citizenship is heavenly (Philippians 3:20). • Conduct: As “foreigners and exiles” abstain from fleshly desires (1 Peter 2:11). • Hope: Seek “the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14), just as Abraham “was looking forward to the city with foundations” (Hebrews 11:10). Living the Abraham Way Today • Say yes promptly when Scripture commands, even if details are scarce. • Embrace outsider status at work, school, or culture; obedience is worth more than acceptance. • Cultivate a pilgrim mindset: invest in what outlasts this world—people, gospel, and godly character. • Pass the promise along: model faith for children, friends, and church family so they become fellow heirs of the same promise. |
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