Abraham’s Legacy: Raising Children to Conquer the Enemy’s Gates-Brother Victor
Introduction and Focus
The session emphasizes the importance of God's promises for younger couples, though applicable to all, particularly focusing on Genesis 22:17. The promise states that the seed of Abraham shall possess the gate of their enemies, meaning children will overcome Satan and worldly influences to inherit God's blessings.
The Promise to Abraham
God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:17, given at Mount Moriah, assures that his seed will possess the gates of their enemies. This implies that children will not be overpowered by Satan or the world but will inherit God's provisions. Unlike what is seen, faith in God's unseen promises, as highlighted in the Book of Isaiah, is crucial.
Conditions for the Promise
For the promise to be fulfilled, two conditions are outlined:
- Prioritizing God Over Children (Genesis 22:16): Parents must place God above their children. Loving children more than God disqualifies one from this promise. Genesis 22:16 underscores Abraham's obedience in not withholding his only son, Isaac.
- Teaching Righteousness and Justice (Genesis 18:19): Parents must command their children and household to keep the way of the Lord by practicing righteousness and justice. Genesis 18:19 highlights God’s confidence in Abraham’s ability to teach his household, as he consistently obeyed God’s commands, such as leaving his hometown or avoiding wealth from Sodom.
Abraham’s Example
Abraham is described as a man who obeyed God without covetousness, earning the title of God’s friend. Paradise is referred to as “Abraham’s lap,” symbolizing his spiritual wealth despite material riches. His life demonstrated obedience, as seen in sending Ishmael away and offering Isaac, teaching his children through his actions rather than commandments, as no written law existed then.
Demonstrating Respect
Abraham’s life exemplified respect, particularly in Genesis 23, when Sarah died at 127 years old, and Abraham, approximately 137, sought a burial site. Despite being offered land for free, he insisted on paying (Genesis 23:13), showing integrity. His actions, such as bowing to the people of the land (Genesis 23:7, 12), demonstrated respect for others, including elders. Parents must model respect for their children to emulate, including wives showing reverence to husbands, as beautifully described in Tamil as “reverence.”
Avoiding Covetousness
Abraham’s refusal to accept free land (Genesis 23:13) teaches children not to take advantage of others. In contrast, some parents expect material gains, such as a gold chain after a child’s birth, which is deemed shameful and reflective of covetousness. Such expectations hinder the fulfillment of God’s promise, as they indicate a demanding spirit contrary to Abraham’s example.
Protecting Against Immorality
In Genesis 20:11, Abraham recognized the lack of fear of God in his surroundings, particularly concerning sexual immorality. He protected Isaac by teaching him to meditate and pray, as seen in Genesis 24:63, where Isaac meditated in the field during the evening. Unlike Dina, who roamed and was defiled due to Jacob’s focus on business, Isaac’s devotion reflected Abraham’s example of prioritizing God.
Teaching Devotion
Isaac’s devotion, learned from Abraham, is contrasted with a lack of prayer in many Christians’ lives, as noted in Job 15:4. When there is no fear of God, meditation and prayer diminish. Parents must demonstrate a hunger for God’s word and prayer, ensuring children see quality devotion, even if time is limited due to work demands.
God as Provider
Abraham taught Isaac that God is a provider, exemplified in Genesis 22:7-8, where he assured Isaac that God would provide a lamb for the sacrifice. This faith was confirmed when a ram was provided after three days. Parents must teach children to trust God’s provision in practical situations, such as job placements or marriage delays, using examples like, “We have three days. God will provide.”
Obedience
Abraham’s obedience, even unto death, was demonstrated in Genesis 22, where Isaac willingly submitted to being offered as a sacrifice. This obedience stemmed from observing Sarah’s submission to Abraham, contrasting with Hagar’s rebellious spirit, which influenced Ishmael. Parents must model submission to authority—at work, church, or home—for children to learn obedience, enabling them to overcome Satan’s influence.
Avoiding Quarrels
In Genesis 26:19, Isaac faced quarrels over wells but chose not to fight, reflecting Abraham’s example in Genesis 13, where he avoided conflict with Lot. Children must learn from parents’ stories of choosing peace over disputes, ensuring they do not see parents arguing over petty matters like electric bills or property, even when legally justified.
Living as Strangers
Abraham lived as a stranger in the promised land, dwelling in tents (Hebrews 11:9-10, 13), looking for a city built by God. This taught Isaac to prioritize eternal values over earthly possessions. Parents must confess they are strangers on earth, not clinging to material wealth, to pass this value system to their children.
Conclusion
Abraham demonstrated faith, obedience, devotion, respect, integrity, and peace through his life, ensuring the promise of Genesis 22:17 was fulfilled. Parents must live these principles to avoid being stumbling blocks, enabling their children to possess the gates of their enemies.
Bible References:
- Genesis 12
- Genesis 13
- Genesis 18:19
- Genesis 20:11
- Genesis 22:7-8, 16-17
- Genesis 23:3, 6-7, 12-13
- Genesis 24:63
- Genesis 26:19
- Hebrews 11:9-10, 13, 17-18
- Job 15:4
Conclusion: Brother John Pereira
Introduction
The session reflects on the depth of scripture and the challenge to live out its teachings, drawing inspiration from Abraham’s example. The wealth of scripture is accessible to those with eyes to see, encouraging meditation on God’s word.
Preserving God’s Word
Like Mary, who preserved Jesus’ actions in her heart (Luke 2:51), believers must guard God’s word to prevent it from being taken away, as warned in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:19). Listening and forgetting is a risk to be avoided.
Living Before Teaching
The Gospel of Luke, titled by Luke as an account of “all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), emphasizes living out faith before teaching. Jesus lived for 30 years before preaching, despite knowing scripture at age 12, because God prioritized his example. Similarly, Abraham taught Isaac through his life, not just words, as recorded in scripture.
Personal Reflection
I believe I have often failed to be a good example to my children, acknowledging personal shortcomings. However, hope remains for young couples with young or unborn children and older couples with grown children, as God can repair past mistakes when trust is placed in Him.
Hope and Trust in God
Those who trust in the Lord will not be put to shame (Psalm 25:3). The past cannot be changed, but God offers hope for the future. Committing one’s life to God allows Him to work in families, ensuring children grow to overcome the enemy’s gates.
Building Homes as Churches
Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail,” applies to homes as “little churches.” God can build homes where the enemy’s influence is defeated, providing peace and strength through faith.
Prayer for Faith and Strength
A prayer is offered for faith like Abraham’s and Jesus’, seeking the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance to be better witnesses. Homes are envisioned as islands of peace, silencing the devil’s reminders of past failures through faith in God’s transformative work.
Closing
The session concludes with a call to trust God for a better future, followed by an announcement of a half-hour break and a combined session at 5:45.
Bible References:
- Matthew 13:19
- Matthew 16:18
- Luke 2:51
- Acts 1:1
- Psalm 25:3
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