Sermon Genesis Chapter 12

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “GENESIS CHAPTER 12.”

The Whole Earth Was Of One Language

• Let’s do a quick recap of Genesis Chapter 11 before we start in Genesis Chapter 12.
• In the previous chapter, Genesis Chapter 11, we saw the whole earth was of one language.
• And of one speech. There weren’t different languages, tongues, or speech.
• We see the descendants of Noah living in the land of Shinar which is the location of Babel.
• They build a city and a tower. They wanted to make a name for themselves.
• They aren’t interested in magnifying the name of God, but they want to magnify their own name.
• All the people are gathered together and working together for their own name.
• Since they are all in on accord with one language and working evil, God fixes it.

[3] Genesis 11:5-6 And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

[4] Genesis 11:7-8 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

[5] Genesis 11:9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

• After the tower of Babel in Genesis Chapter 11, we see the generations of Shem.
• We’re given timeframes of the birth of each of the males mentioned in the line of Shem.
• And remember, Shem is the middle son of Noah. It goes Japheth, Shem, and Ham the youngest.
• We see that the generations of Shem go all the way down to Abram.
• We see that Abram is the 10^th generation from Shem.

In Genesis Chapter 11, towards the end of the chapter, speaks in a little more detail about Abram’s father Terah.

• We see that Terah has 3 sons named Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Lot is Haran’s son.
• Abram and Lot were not brothers but Abram is Lot’s uncle and Lot is Abram’s nephew.
• We see that Haran, Lot’s dad, dies before his father in the land of his nativity which is Ur of the Chaldees.
• So we know that Haran, Abram’s brother, lived in the area of Babel exactly as expected.
• The Chaldees are within the area of Babylon.

We see that Abram and Nahor, the 2 remaining brothers, take wives. Abram takes Sarai as his wife.

• Nahor takes Milcah as his wife. Milcah is the daughter of Haran who passed away.
• Milcah and Lot are sisters. We see that Sarai is barren and has no child.
• But we all know that God has great things in store for her.
• Sometimes we see things, such as being barren, as bad things but wait upon the Lord and see what He has in store. Keep the faith.
• At the very end of Genesis Chapter 11, we see this.

[6] Genesis 11:31-32 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. 32 And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

• From the land of Shinar to Haran is about 600 miles. We know that Terah didn’t make it to Canaan.
• We see that Terah died in Haran. Canaan is about another 600 miles or so. These are just guesses.
• But imagine the trip for 600 miles. And then Canaan is another 600 miles.
• From here to Denver, Colorado would be about 1,200 miles or the trip from Shinar to Haran to Canaan.
• And imagine taking the entire family with you on this trip without vehicles.

To walk from here to Denver, Colorado would take about 376 hours.

• 10 hours of walking per day would take about 38 days to get there. So, it’s a long journey.
• Terah stops in Haran. Abram and his family stop there as well.
• But God has plans for Abram, and we’ll see what happens in Genesis Chapter 12.
• Let’s start there in verse 1 of Genesis Chapter 12.

[7] Genesis 12:1-2 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

• Notice exactly what the Lord commands Abram to do. He is living in Haran with all his family right now.
• He is living in Haran with Terah his father at this time.
• God says, “Get thee out of they country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house.”
• “Unto a land that I will shew thee.” God says, “Get away from thy father’s house.”
• God doesn’t tell Abram to take Terah, his father, with him. Make sure you see that.

So, you might think that Terah took Abram and all his family with him to Haran on the way to Canaan.

• You could read the Bible as God telling Abram while he is in Haran to get up and go to Canaan.
• I’ve done this recently. But look closely at Genesis 12 verse 1.
• “Now the Lord HAD SAID unto Abram.” It doesn’t say that He spoke these words in Haran to Abram.
• Does it? No, the Bible says, “Now the Lord HAD SAID unto Abram.”

God had previously said these words to Abram: “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and FROM THY FATHER’S HOUSE, unto a land that I will shew thee.”

• We found out more about this in Acts Chapter 7. We use the light of the New Testament to help us.
• We see Stephen preaching here FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST. So we know he’s speaking truth.
• Plus, this is Scripture so we know 100% for sure that what he says is correct.

[8] Acts 7:2-3 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

• Now we know that we were wrong IF we thought God appeared to Abram in Haran.
• He didn’t. He had previously appeared to Abram and told him what to do.
• He appeared to Abram when he was in Mesopotamia.
• So God commanded Abram previously, before he lived in Haran, to do these things.
• He told Abram to leave his father behind. Did Abram do that? No he didn’t. Should he have left? Yes.
• Would things have gone better? Yes they would have gone better for everyone.

[9] Acts 7:4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

• We know that Abram didn’t leave Haran until his father Terah was dead.
• Because of this, we know Abram was not the first born child.

[10] Genesis 11:26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

• Terah was 70 years old when he had his first born child. Was it Abram?
• Abram is listed first but he is not the firstborn. Watch this.

[11] Genesis 11:32 And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

• So Terah was 205 years old when he died in Haran.

[12] Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

• We know Abram was 75 years old when he departed Haran but we know from Acts Chapter 7 that Abram didn’t leave until his father was dead at 205 years old.
• So, we know Abram was born when Terah was 130 years old.
• And we know Terah had his firstborn when he was 70 years old.
• Terah had Abram 60 years AFTER he had his firstborn child.

Abram Isn’t The Firstborn Child Of Terah

So we know 100% for sure that Abram isn’t the firstborn child.

• This is what comparing Scriptures with Scriptures will do for you.
• And this is why it’s so important to continue reading the Bible over and over again so you know that there are other Scriptures related to this same story in Genesis Chapter 11 and Genesis Chapter 12.
• Other so-called “theologians” and “scribes” and Bible “experts” will tell you that the Bible contradicts itself.

The Bible doesn’t contradict at all. The words are absolutely perfect. God says that He HAD TOLD Abram to leave.

• Now, we know that Abram didn’t follow God’s commandments here.
• When Abram was in Mesopotamia, God told him to leave his father’s house. Leave thy kindred.
• But his father and others go with him as well. That’s not what God commanded him to do.
• And, things don’t work out as well as they could have.
• If we would just do what God says, things will go better.

Why do you think God tells Abram to leave Terah, his father, behind? Think about this.

• In today’s world, so-called “Christians” would call this not very loving. Right?
• Would you leave your very own father behind? Would you leave your very own mother behind?
• Abraham wouldn’t. But should he have? YES, HE SHOULD HAVE.
• If you left your father behind, the so-called “Christians” would call you a horrible person.

Well, notice who commands Abram to leave his father behind. GOD DOES.

• Is God a loving God? Well, of course God is a loving God. He is love.
• But the so-called “Christians” will say that God is not very loving because of this.
• “God is not as loving or as kind as we are. God needs a BE KIND sign by His throne in heaven.”
• So, if God tells Abram to leave his father behind, there must be a very good reason for this.
• Do you think God is right or not? Of course God is right?
• What’s the most likely reason for this? Well, let’s use the Scriptures to find out the truth.

[13] Joshua 24:2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

• “Even Terah: and they served other gods.” Do you see that? This doesn’t say Abraham served other gods.
• This says that Terah, 100% without a doubt, served other gods.
• Does God like it when you serve other gods? NO, HE HATES WHEN YOU SERVE OTHER GODS.
• This so-called false god throughout the so-called “Christian” churches is one that God hates.
• This false god is more loving than the living God. All of the churches around here are serving a false god.
• This is just like Terah. God tells Abraham, “GET AWAY FROM HIM. Leave him behind.”

[14] Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

• Most people know that verse right there, but they don’t realize what happened there.
• The people on the other side of the flood were serving other gods.
• Terah was one of those people. To Terah, did it seem evil to serve the Lord?
• Abram was going to serve the Lord. Joshua was going to serve the Lord.

Will you serve the Lord or will you serve other gods like Terah? If so, God will leave you behind.

• I will leave you behind. If I serve other gods, I expect you to leave me behind.
• That’s why it’s so important to get away from false churches. God says, “Leave them behind.”
• “Get away from them.” God commands you to do this throughout the Bible.
• It is not okay to worship a false god. Let me repeat that. IT IS NOT OKAY TO WORSHIP A FALSE GOD.
• If you would rather worship and serve a false god other than the one in the Bible, you will be left behind.

[15] Psalm 45:10-11 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

• “FORGET ALSO THINE OWN PEOPLE AND THY FATHER’S HOUSE.”
• If they won’t serve the Lord and would rather serve other gods, the Bible says to forget them.
• “WORSHIP THOU HIM FOR HE IS THY LORD.” Don’t ever let someone pull you back into false god worship.
• And it will happen. That’s why God says to leave them. Give them the Gospel over and over again.
• And then leave them. This is what God commands. Do you know better than God?
• Will you be like Abram and not do what God commands you to do? You’ll have more problems.

[16] Luke 14:26-27 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

[17] Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

• When will you give all that up and follow Jesus Christ? Abram eventually did what the Lord told him to do.
• Don’t be stiffnecked. Don’t delay. Go ahead and do what God says now.

[18] Hebrews 11:8-10 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. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

• Abram finally did what God told him to do. He did so by faith.
• So he gets up and leaves, but he takes his father with him.
• After he is dead, Abram starts to get things right.
• As long as you want to be yoked together with false god worshippers, you’ll have trouble following God.

[19] 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

[20] 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

• I hope you’re learning something from this today. Will you take this and apply it to your life or not?
• Will you do what God commands you to do? He’s commanding you to do these things today.
• Do not be yoked together with false god worshippers. If you’re in a false church, get away from it NOW.
• Find a church that actually LOVES the Scriptures and does their absolute best to do what God says.
• Let’s start there again in Genesis Chapter 12 verse 3.

[21] Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

• So, many false preachers, especially in this country today, take this Scripture and butcher it.
• They can’t understand this at all. Why is God going to bless those that bless Abram?
• Why is God going to curse those who curse Abram? “And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

[22] Psalm 72:17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

• “MEN SHALL BE BLESSED IN HIM. All nations call Him blessed.” IN HIM, IN HIM, IN HIM.
• This is clearly talking about people being blessed who are IN GOD.
• God has chosen Abraham because he has faith in God. FAITH ALONE saves. Abraham is blessed in Him.
• Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
• These Scriptures have nothing to do with race.
• Preachers will twist this Scripture and act like this is talking about Jews or the physical nation of Israel.

Blessing A Country Who Hates Jesus Christ Isn’t Very Smart

They’ll say things like this: “We bless the country of Israel because God blesses those who bless Israel.”

• Is that what that Scripture says? No, it isn’t. This is talking about people with faith.
• I’ve done entire sermons on that verse right there so I’m not going to go over it all again.
• But God is talking about people of faith.
• If He were talking about all of physical Israel, then He wouldn’t hate Esau.
• Esau’s grandfather is Abraham. That’s a very close relative. Wouldn’t you say? But God hated Esau.
• What about the Pharisees? They were Jews. Jesus told them they were of their father the devil.
• The rich man burning in hell was of physical Abraham.

[23] Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

• That rich man who came from Abraham physically wasn’t so blessed there, was he?
• God isn’t talking about physical Israel being blessed. They hate Jesus Christ.
• The Scriptures are talking about people who have faith just as Abraham had faith.
• Why would Genesis 12:3 say, “And in thee shall ALL FAMILIES of the earth be blessed?”

This means that there are saved people from all nations and not just physical Israel.

• This isn’t difficult to understand. It’s only difficult because of false preachers everywhere.
• We’re surrounded by them and people listen to them versus listening to the word of God.
• It’s so obvious that all of physical Israel won’t be saved because there’s examples of them going to hell.
• There’s one right there. Look up Korah and the entire family of Korah. Look at the Pharisees.

Are these examples not good enough to make you realize that the physical nation of Israel is evil and wicked?

• Why? They hate Jesus Christ. I don’t bless them. I don’t send them all my money.
• Do you know who I bless? Those who love God. If you love God, I will pray for you and bless you.
• This is what God teaches us to do within the Bible.
• I don’t bless and pray for evil and wicked people who hate God.
• So, yeah, keep on sending money to people who hate Jesus Christ and hate God Almighty. Keep on.

[24] 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

• I don’t want God’s wrath. Do you? Then keep blessing those who hate Jesus Christ.
• Then you’ll hear idiotic false preachers say, “But the Jews love God the Father. Just not Jesus.”

[25] 1 John 2:22-23 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

• No, they are antichrist when they HATE Jesus Christ. They don’t worship God the Father.
• Their religion is a false religion. They worship a false god just like Terah worshipped false gods.
• And God will leave them behind UNLESS they change their mind and believe on Jesus Christ.

[26] Genesis 12:4-5 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

• Abram, Sarai, and Lot are mentioned by name here, but they also take many other souls with them.
• They had many other servants there with them. They all go forth into the land of Canaan.
• Abram’s household was multiplying greatly but Sarai and Abram didn’t have any children yet.
• Remember, they left Haran when Abram was 75 years old with no children but lots of others with them.

[27] Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

• So we know that Abram has many people in his household. 318 are mentioned there.
• Abram and his household go into the land of Canaan.

So, we know that God has chosen Abram to make of him a GREAT NATION. God didn’t want Terah.

• If you don’t want anything to do with God, He won’t have anything to do with you.
• God told Abram to get up and leave because Abram worshipped God Almighty.
• God wants you IF you’ll worship Him and do what He says because HE IS GOD. Submit to Him.
• So God is going to make of Abram a great nation. But he doesn’t have any children.
• Keep this in mind and think of what Abram would be thinking in all of this.
• He has many people with him but he doesn’t have any children of his own yet.
• If you were Abram, you might be thinking: “When is this going to happen?” Trust and wait upon the Lord.
• You aren’t going to rush His plans for you so be patient. Do what He says, and then be patient.

[28] Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

• So Abram goes from Ur, originally, to Haran, to Sichem and the plain of Moreh.
• Where is Sichem and the plain of Moreh? Let’s use the Scriptures and then we’ll see if maps match.

[29] Deuteronomy 11:29-30 And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal. 30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?

• We see the plains of Moreh are there close to Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal on the other side of the Jordan river.
• Let’s look at this map. We see Shechem, Mount Gerizim, and Mount Ebal there.

[30]

• We see Samaria is very close to there as well. This is where Abram is now in Genesis Chapter 12.
• Do you know what else happened in that same location that Abram is located?

[31] Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

• The battle Gideon had was in the plains of Moreh. Abram is there in Genesis Chapter 12.
• The Israelites don’t get along with the Canaanites. When Abram arrives, the Canaanites are in the land.
• Do you remember where the Canaanites originate from?

[32] Genesis 9:18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham is the father of Canaan.

• Canaan is the son of Ham, who was the wicked one who did very evil things to Noah.
• The Canaanites were not worshippers of God Almighty.
• You would think Ham would teach his grandson about God saving him in the flood.
• You would think Canaan would have commanded his family to worship God and God alone.
• But, obviously, that doesn’t happen and God will get rid of the Canaanites out of the land.
• God will give that land to the true Israelites who worship Him, love Him, and do what He says.
• For example, Joshua will fight many battles in that land to take that land.

[33] Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

• People seem to miss these things in the Scriptures. “And the Lord appeared unto Abram.”
• He physically appears to Abram. Abram physically sees the Lord.
• The Lord says, “Unto thy seed will I give this land.” And remember, Abram doesn’t have any children.
• So Abram is probably thinking, “What is He talking about? I don’t have any children.”
• Abram builds an altar unto the Lord WHO APPEARED UNTO HIM.

[34] Genesis 17:1-4 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

• We see God appear to Abram again in Genesis Chapter 17.
• Abram has a child with Hagar but not with Sarai. Ishmael is born in Genesis Chapter 16.
• Ishmael was born when Abraham was 86 years old.
• Now, in Genesis Chapter 17, we see the Lord appear to Abram a second time. He physically sees Him.
• Abram falls on His face this time. The Lord says, “Thou shalt be a father of many nations.”

[35] Genesis 18:1-3 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

• In Genesis Chapter 18, we see the Lord appear to Abraham again. THREE MEN STOOD BY HIM.
• He bows himself toward the ground, “My Lord, please don’t go away.”
• Instead of pushing God away, people should be like this. Please God, don’t go away. Please stay here.
• Please stay with me. We should love God so much that we want His words around all the time.
• We should Him with us all the time. Please don’t go away.
• So, if the Lord is appearing to Abraham, who do you think this could be?

[36] 1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

[37] John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

• Jesus Christ is appearing to Abraham. We know that people have seen Jesus Christ face to face.
• But we know that no man hath seen God at any time. This is talking about God the Father.
• The Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is eternal shows up to Abram several times.
• Some people will say, “Jesus didn’t exist until He was born.” WRONG. Jesus is the eternal God.
• He is the Son of God and He has always been there. He has no origin.
• The NIV tells us that Jesus has an origin. Let’s look at this comparison.

[38]

Micah 5:2 King James Bible But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Micah 5:2 NIV “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

• The NIV clearly says that Jesus is from old, from ancient times.
• The King James Bible says that Jesus is from old, from everlasting.
• If I taught that Jesus has an origin, you should and would reject me as a preacher.
• But people love their NIV Bible. They won’t get rid of it. It’s pure trash.

“Some Of The NIV Teaches Heresy But It’s Okay Because Most Of It Doesn’t”

And then you get people defending the NIV: “Well, there’s other parts of the NIV that tells us Jesus is everlasting.”

• Then that means this is a contradiction. The King James Bible doesn’t have contradictions.
• The King James Bible is the perfect word of God in English.
• That example right there is one of hundreds of lies within the NIV. BURN IT. It’s corrupted.
• Jesus is from everlasting and appears unto Abraham several times.
• Let’s keep going. God just told Abram in Genesis 12:7 that He will give this land to His seed.
• Remember that as we read the next Scriptures.

[39] Genesis 12:8-9 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. 9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.

• Beth-el is further South. Abram continues moving towards the South.
• He builds another altar to the Lord between Beth-el and Hai. This location is north of Jerusalem.
• Now Abram has built 2 different altars in 2 locations in Genesis Chapter 12 to offer sacrifices unto God.
• Noah did the same and now we see Abram building many altars and calling upon the Lord.

[40] Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.

• Because of a famine in the land, Abram keeps going South all the way down into Egypt.
• There is a grievous famine in the land. But God was giving Abram’s seed that land in Canaan.
• Abram goes into Egypt still because of the famine.

[41] Genesis 12:11-12 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: 12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.

• Sarai was a very beautiful woman. The Bible tells us this over and over again.
• Abram says, “I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon.”
• Abram was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him and take Sarai because of her beauty.
• He thought they would save Sarai and kill him.

[42] Genesis 12:13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

• Did Abram ask Sarai to lie? Was Sarai his sister? He tells her to say that she is his sister.
• And he says, “My soul shall live because of thee.” Did Abram tell Sarai to lie? Let’s use the Scriptures.
• Abraham actually does this again when he goes into the country of Gerar.
• Let’s look at Genesis Chapter 20.

[43] Genesis 20:1-2 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

[44] Genesis 20:3-4 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife. 4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?

[45] Genesis 20:5-6 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. 6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

[46] Genesis 20:7-8 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine. 8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

[47] Genesis 20:9-10 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. 10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing?

[48] Genesis 20:11-12 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake. 12 And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.

• So, look, Abram and Sarai were not lying about this. Sarai is Abram’s sister.
• She is the daughter of Abram’s father but not the daughter of his mother.
• So, Abram’s father, who was Terah, who worshipped false gods, also had children with other women.
• Sarai is not lying and Abram is not lying. “And yet indeed she is my sister.”
• I don’t see any of them asking Abram directly, “Is Sarai your wife?” He simply says, “She is my sister.”

But still, this is deceiving and fearing man over God is not something we should do either.

• TRUST IN GOD AT ALL TIMES AND FEAR HIM. Do not fear man. Fear God.
• So, we can easily see that Abram isn’t perfect but he does have faith in God.
• Sometimes, as we all do, he doesn’t make decision in FAITH. Sometimes we make decisions by our flesh.
• Abram was scared he was going to die, but was God going to allow him to die? God made him a promise.
• God was taking care of Abram as you can see in the Scriptures we just read.
• God was protecting Abram and Sarai in all these Scriptures.

[49] Genesis 12:14-15 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. 15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.

• Notice what the men do in all of these Scriptures. These are very fleshly men.
• They see Sarai and they just take her because she is very fair or very beautiful.
• Some men think they can still do these things today.
• And this is all because of physical beauty.

Women Take Advantage Of Men Because Of Their Natural Beauty

Some women get whatever they want from men because of their physical beauty.

• They don’t even wait for the woman to open her mouth and speak. They don’t care.
• VERY FLESHLY MEN who only care about the outside appearance.
• The Egyptians were like this and they take Sarai into Pharaoh’s house.
• What type of women should be beautiful to you? Women who love God should be beautiful to you.
• A virtuous woman will love God and her price is far above rubies.
• But remember here, God is protecting Abram and Sarai so let’s see what happens.

[50] Genesis 12:16-17 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. 17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife.

• Because of Sarai, Pharaoh gives Abram sheep, oxen, asses, servants, and camels.
• All because of her physical and outward appearance. They worshipped false gods.
• They thought beauty had something to do with the gods. It’s very easy to see this.
• She is so beautiful that they pay Abram with all of these possessions.

Notice that even when Abram makes mistakes that God is still helping Abram through all of this.

• God knows that we aren’t perfect. We all makes mistakes. But God is still merciful with us.
• You might be making mistakes that you don’t realize are mistakes. God still sticks with you.
• Now, if you’re purposely worshipping false gods, and you don’t care, God’s mercy won’t be so great.
• Notice that the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with GREAT PLAGUES because of Sarai.
• God has chosen Abram and Sarai and He won’t allow His plans for them to fail.
• God has plans for you. Make them easier for God by simply doing what He says.

[51] Genesis 12:18 And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?

• If Abram would have flat out said, “She is my wife” we don’t know what would have happened.
• Would they have taken Sarai and killed Abram? Maybe. Maybe not. We don’t know, but God does.
• The deception, though, leads to Pharaoh and his house being plagued.
• “Why didn’t you tell me that she was thy wife?”

God even shut up the wombs of Abimelech’s house in Genesis Chapter 20. They couldn’t have children all because of Sarai.

• Again, God is there protecting Abram and Sarai and increasing their riches, possessions, and servants.
• Their household is increasing greatly through all of this. Wherever Abram goes, he is prospering.
• He goes through a famine and down into Egypt. He comes up out of Egypt richer than before.
• We see Pharaoh continuing to question Abraham as we end Genesis Chapter 12.

[52] Genesis 12:19-20 Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. 20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

• Pharaoh says, “Take that woman, Sarai, and get out of here. These plagues are too much.”
• “Behold your wife. Here she is. TAKE HER OUT OF HERE.”
• The Egyptians send Abram away, send Sarai away, and all of his possessions he can take with him.
• They didn’t take anything back. They say, “Just get out of here. Take it all with you.”
• And what does Abram do? Let’s take a quick look at the start of Genesis Chapter 13 as we end here.

[53] Genesis 13:1-4 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hai; 4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.

• Abram goes back up to Beth-el and Hai with great riches. Abram was very rich in cattle, silver, and gold.
• Abram was chosen by God because of his faith in God. Abram wasn’t perfect.
• The works that Abraham did definitely weren’t perfect. This is why God shows us these things.
• All of the men and women in the Bible are not even close to perfect.
• But men like Abram had faith in God and God took care of him greatly.
• He can and will do the same for you. Will you simply trust in God and do your best to do what He says?
• That’s what God wants from you. TRUST IN HIM. Believe in Him.
• When you trust God and believe in God, you’ll do what He says. And that’s why we’re here right now.

Let’s pray.