The Seed of Abraham
A Sermon on Genesis 12:1-4
Originally preached Nov. 20, 1955
Scripture
1Now 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: 2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name …
Sermon Description
In this sermon on Genesis 12:1–4 titled “The Seed of Abraham,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how all humanity’s troubles throughout history have arisen from its rebellion against God. Before this pagan backdrop, the life of Abraham shines as an example of what it looks like to live a life of faith. The Lord called Abram out of his old way of life, offering him His friendship and untold blessing. Abram responded, leaving everything, and becoming a sojourner in this world. Do today’s Christians have the same confidence in the word of God? Abram’s world was exactly the same as today, and God requires the same response to His call—a call to repentance, seeing that the life one lives is against God, and doesn't have a foundation. There is a glorious type of life possible, not based on uncertainties or works, but a life based on the Son of God who gives peace with God. That was the offer made to Abram and it is the offer made to today. Come out of the old life and follow the call of God, through life and death, and even into the everlasting bliss of His kingdom.
Sermon Breakdown
- The world was created by God, not by chance or accident.
- Man sinned and rebelled against God, falling under the dominion of the devil.
- God pronounced judgment on man's sin but also promised a redeemer.
- God called Abraham out of paganism to follow Him, promising to make him into a great nation and bless the world through him.
- Abraham believed God and obeyed, leaving his home and kindred behind to follow God into the unknown.
- Abraham looked forward to the eternal city of God, not the temporal cities of man.
- We must believe what God says about life without Him, repent, and follow Christ as Abraham did.
- If we follow Christ, God will forgive us, give us new life, and lead us to eternal life with Him.
Sermon Q&A
Understanding the Call of Abraham: Biblical Faith in Modern Times
What is the significance of the story of Abraham in Genesis 12?
According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the story of Abraham in Genesis 12 is "one of the most important points in the history of the entire human race." It represents a pivotal turning point where God, after allowing mankind to demonstrate its failures three times (in Eden, after the Fall, and after the Flood), takes a special action by forming a people for Himself. Abraham's call is essential for understanding the entire message of the Bible from beginning to end. It demonstrates God's alternative to worldly living—a life given by God, in communion with God, and under the blessing of God.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones compare life in Abraham's time to modern life?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that life in Abraham's time was fundamentally the same as our modern life, despite technological differences. He states: "People think that it's monstrous to say that life today is identical with what it was in the time of Abraham. They say it can't be because Abraham hadn't got a motor car... Therefore, it is assumed that life today is absolutely different." However, Lloyd-Jones maintains that "the only difference between the age of Abraham and today is the rate at which we do the things which they did." The essence of human life—eating, drinking, loving, warring—remains unchanged, only the methods differ. The same human circumstances, challenges, and spiritual needs exist now as then.
What does it mean to "come out" like Abraham did according to the sermon?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, God's call to Abraham to "get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred and from thy father's house" represents God's call to all believers to separate from worldly, godless living. This "coming out" means:
- Repenting and turning away from a self-sufficient lifestyle independent of God
- Recognizing the sinfulness and folly of trying to live apart from God
- Confessing one's rebellion and arrogance
- Turning to God for mercy and compassion
- Embracing a new life based on faith in God's promises rather than worldly security
Lloyd-Jones explains that while this doesn't necessarily mean literal geographic relocation, it means spiritually no longer living for temporary things: "If until tonight you've been living for your business or for your profession, you stop doing it. You say, that's transient, that's temporary, that's not me, that's not my life."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones define faith based on Abraham's example?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones defines faith through Abraham's example as simply believing and acting upon the word of God without requiring physical proof. He states: "Faith means believing the word of God." Abraham had "nothing but the bare word of God that had been spoken to him. He had no proof. He couldn't demonstrate it on paper." Yet he believed and acted upon God's promise.
True faith involves: 1. Believing God's word despite lack of tangible evidence 2. Taking action based on that belief (obedience) 3. Viewing oneself as "a stranger and pilgrim upon the earth" 4. Looking forward to "a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" 5. Prioritizing eternal realities over temporary worldly security
As Lloyd-Jones quotes from a Puritan writer: "Abraham went out not knowing whither he went. But he did know with whom he was going."
What contrast does Dr. Lloyd-Jones draw between the city of man and the city of God?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts two fundamentally different approaches to life represented by two different "cities":
The City of Man (Tower of Babel): - Built by human effort ("let us build") - Self-glorifying ("let us make us a name") - Independent of God - Temporary and ultimately destroyed - Based on pride and human accomplishment - Leads to confusion, unhappiness, and judgment
The City of God (Abraham's destination): - Built by God ("whose builder and maker is God") - Has eternal foundations - Requires faith to pursue - Represents lasting security and blessing - Based on obedience and trust in God's promises - Leads to blessing, fulfillment, and peace
Lloyd-Jones notes that Abraham "was seeking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" rather than the temporary cities built by men that can be destroyed by earthquakes or bombs. This contrast represents the fundamental choice between worldly, self-sufficient living and a life of faith in God's eternal promises.
Old Testament
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.