This Place Ain’t Big Enough for the Two of Us

In last weekend’s message Pastor Dave looked at three tests God had Abraham go through in order to form him in Christlikeness.  These tests are lessons that every believer has learn in order to reach your potential in Christ.  Use this week’s Life Action Points to apply the message to your life.

LAP#1. Read Psalm 11:5.  Testing is a normal part of the Christian life.  It’s one of the ways God forms the spirits of those He loves.  When we cooperate with God and learn the lessons He’s teaching, us we grow into new territory.  But, if we miss the lessons, our growth will be stalled.  Can you recognize the hand of God in your life?  What has He been teaching you lately?

LAP#2. Read Gen. 12:1-3.  The test of kinship is a test for those who follow God.  Abraham’s call from God required him to leave his home, his family, and his father’s house.  Abraham would later learn that following God would increase his capacity to love and care for family.  But it took him a while to trust God enough to follow.  What about you?  How is your trust in God?  Do you trust God enough to leave your family in His care?

LAP#3.  Read Gen. 13:2-13.  The test of worldly possessions is one of the tests to follow God.  Abraham was a wealthy man.  When a time came split up land between himself and his nephew, Abraham gave up his right to choose.  This was a choice to make material wealth as a lessor priority than following God and relational harmony.  And it opened up the door to spiritual growth and further material blessing.  What has God been teaching you about worldly possessions?

LAP#4. Read Gen. 3:14-18.  Your response to God always determines what happens next.  Once Abraham passed the tests of kinship and worldly possessions, God met him.  The Lord affirmed His promises to Abraham.  Notice Abraham’s response to God was to honor Him by building an altar.  How have you responded to God lately?  Is your response fitting for His majesty?  What is something special you can do to show your gratitude to God?

LAP#5. Read Gen. 14:21-24.  Another test of following God is the test of worldly ambition.  Abraham had won a victory over a force who captured his nephew.  He had the right to take power and possessions for himself.  But he renounced it all in the name of the Lord.  He chose to trust God instead of capitalize on his victory.  And God blessed him because of it.  What is God teaching you about ambition?  What is your ambition?  Is it yielded to God or is it driven by you?