Topical Bible: Master: Good Master: Abraham

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Introduction

Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life and faith journey are foundational to understanding God's covenantal relationship with His people. Abraham is often referred to as a "good master" due to his exemplary faith, obedience, and leadership.

Biblical Account

Abraham's account begins in Genesis 11:27-32, where he is introduced as the son of Terah, living in Ur of the Chaldeans. God calls Abram to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him, promising to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abram's obedience to this divine call marks the beginning of his journey as a "good master" in faith.

Covenant with God

The Abrahamic Covenant is a pivotal moment in biblical history. In Genesis 15, God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant is further solidified in Genesis 17, where God changes Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," and institutes the rite of circumcision as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:4-11).

Faith and Righteousness

Abraham's faith is highlighted in Genesis 15:6, where it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse is foundational in understanding the concept of justification by faith, a theme later expounded upon in the New Testament (Romans 4:3).

Testing and Obedience

Abraham's faith is tested in Genesis 22, where God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in this extreme test, demonstrates his unwavering trust in God. The angel of the Lord intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice, and reaffirms God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 22:12-18).

Legacy and Influence

Abraham's legacy extends beyond his immediate descendants. He is considered the spiritual father of all who believe, as articulated in Galatians 3:7, "Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham" . His life exemplifies the virtues of faith, obedience, and leadership, serving as a model for believers throughout the ages.

Abraham as a "Good Master"

Abraham's role as a "good master" is evident in his leadership and stewardship. He is depicted as a man of wealth and influence, managing large flocks, herds, and servants (Genesis 13:2). His interactions with others, such as his negotiation with Lot (Genesis 13:8-9) and his intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-33), reflect his wisdom and compassion.

Conclusion

Abraham's life and faith journey are integral to understanding God's redemptive plan. His role as a "good master" is characterized by his unwavering faith, obedience to God's commands, and exemplary leadership. Through Abraham, God established a covenant that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah, fulfilling His promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed (Genesis 22:18).

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their ...
... The Master,"1. Never forget that spiritual and religious ... of sinners, does not depend
on the good opinion of ... being still in the loins of Abraham, paid tithe ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii the disciple 2.htm

How Rebekah Became the Wife of Isaac
... Now Abraham had given all that he had to Isaac and had breathed his last, dying
in a good old age ... us?" When the servant said, "It is my master," she took ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how rebekah became the wife.htm

Isaac the Shepherd Prince.
... his own people, who should be both good and beautiful ... So the old servant listened
to Abraham and promised ... ten camels with presents for his master's family away ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iv isaac the shepherd.htm

The Glorious Master and the Swooning Disciple
... Our Lord expressly says, "Before Abraham was I am." Mark you, not "I was ... Be thou
of good cheer ... And then, to close the whole, the Master said "Amen, and hath the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the glorious master and the.htm

Sermon for Thursday in Easter Week
... He said to Abraham: "Fear not, I am thy shield, and thy exceeding ... cry unto Him devoutly
from the bottom of thy heart; "O Master of the Highest Good, and my ...
/.../xiv sermon for thursday in.htm

How we are to Conform Ourselves to God's Will Signified unto us by ...
... animates our will, giving it the strength to will and effect the good which is ... O
Lord, said the faithful Eliezer, the God of my master, Abraham, meet me to-day ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x how we are.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 33, "Either Make the Tree ...
... the trees; every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit shall ... only, said, "I am
the God of Abraham, and Isaac ... After the Law, came the very Master of the house ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxii on the words.htm

Of the Great Sentiment of Love which we Receive by Holy Hope.
... Eliezer sought a wife for the son of his master Abraham; how could he tell whether
he ... it finds him at the fountain of faith, and sees him so good, so lovely ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xv of the great.htm

Chapter xxiv
... This good servant has imbibed much of the spirit and the faith of his master
Abraham. It is a problem sufficient to tax the finest ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

Mercy's Master Motive
... Mercy's Master Motive. ... man under his own vine and fig tree, and ate the good of the ...
as in a mirror in his wondrous lovingkindness towards the seed of Abraham. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/mercys master motive.htm