“Reckoned Righteous”
“Reckoned Righteous”
Topic: Lessons from the Life of Abraham
Abraham’s life offers profound lessons that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
His journey of faith teaches us the importance of trusting God, even when we don’t have all the answers.
From leaving his homeland to embracing his role as the “Father of Multitudes,” Abraham’s story is one of unwavering obedience and divine promise.
Throughout his 175 years (Genesis 25:7), Abraham faced challenges that tested his trust in God. Despite moments of doubt and missteps, his faith in God’s promises remained steadfast. For instance, when called to leave Ur and journey to an unknown land, he didn’t hesitate. His willingness to step into the unknown reminds us that faith often requires action, even when the path is unclear.
Abraham / Gen 15:6 “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
I. First let’s look at what “righteousness” means: What IS “righteousness”?
The Hebrew word we translate “righteousness” is “tzedek.” It originally meant to be “straight” — to conform to the standard of what is right.
It means first of all to be “right” with God; it means you are going down “the straight and narrow”; doing what He tells you to do. It means that you are right with God. …
II. Abraham was NOT that righteous!
Imperfect Yet Called
Abraham wasn’t perfect; he made mistakes like you and me. Remember the time he lied about Sarah being his sister instead of his wife, Genesis 12:10-20? Even so, God’s call on his life didn’t waver.
This teaches you that God’s call acknowledges your imperfections yet uses you precisely as you are, not as the idealized perfect version of yourself.
Your stumbles don’t disqualify you from the race of faith; instead, they can refine and redirect you if you remain open to God’s voice.
III. Abraham / Gen 15:6 “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
IV. God RECKONED him as righteous
V. And the Bible says this happens through FAITH.
Abraham is a wonderful example of how the Christian life is meant to be lived
We are meant to live a life of covenant faith
Trusting God. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping, and we should live by faith in the same way.
Abraham was in a covenant relationship with God, a relationship that gave him hope.
Was everything in Abraham’s life simple and easy? No! He had problems, situations and circumstances throughout his life that brought worry and fear. Yet Abraham trusted God.
Abraham found his reasons for hope was God.
Nine Divine Manifestations in Abram's Life
1. Call to Leave Ur
God commands Abram to leave his homeland for a new land.
Genesis 12:1
2. Covenant of the Pieces
God makes a covenant with Abram, promising numerous descendants and land.
Genesis 15:9-21
3. Promise of a Son
God assures Abram that he will have a son, despite his old age.
Genesis 15:4-5
4. Name Change to Abraham
God changes Abram's name to Abraham, signifying his role as the father of many nations.
Genesis 17:5
5. Covenant of Circumcision
God establishes circumcision as a sign of His covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
Genesis 17:10-14
6. Assurance of Isaac's Birth
God reiterates the promise of a son, Isaac, to be born to Sarah.
Genesis 18:10
7. Intercession for Sodom
God reveals His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, allowing Abram to intercede for the cities.
Genesis 18:20-33
8. Confirmation of the Covenant
God reaffirms His covenant with Abram, emphasizing the land promise.
Genesis 17:7-8
9. Vision of the Stars
God shows Abram the stars, symbolizing the multitude of his descendants.
Genesis 15:5
Abraham / Gen 15:6 “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
The word rendered ‘believed’ literally means to steady oneself by leaning on something.
So it gives in a vivid picture of what it does for us.
As a man leans his trembling hand on a staff, so we lay our weak selves on God’s strength.
Faith cannot be merely an intellectual, but must include moral acts, that of confidence.
Acts of the will and the affections.
The object of faith
Abram leaned on ‘the Lord.’ It was not the promise, but the promiser, that was truly the object of Abram’s trust.
Faith accepts them, because it trusts Him.
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN BUT ONE ROAD TO GOD, AND THAT IS THE ROAD WHICH ABRAM TROD, WHEN ‘HE BELIEVED IN THE LORD.’
FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
The essence of faith is absolute reliance, and that unites us with Him on whom we rely.
So ‘reeds shaken with wind’ are changed into iron pillars.
The Object of Faith.-’Lord.’ It is a Person, not the promise but the Promiser.
Of course, reliance on the Person results in acceptance of His word, and here it is God’s word as to the future. Our faith has to do with the future, but also with the past.
The effect of Faith.-Righteous is conformity to the will of God.
Abram was not righteous, but he yielded himself to God and trusted Him, and God accepted that as the equivalent of righteousness. The acceptance was shown by the Covenant, and by the fulfillment of the promises.
(a) Faith is itself a supreme act of righteousness, as being accordant with God’s supreme desire for man.
(b) Faith unites with Christ the righteous.
(c) Faith will blossom out into all righteousness.
Top 10 Lessons from Abraham’s Faith Journey
1. Obedience to God’s Call
When Abraham first appears in Scripture, he demonstrates an unwavering trust in the LORD by leaving his homeland at God’s command. “Then the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your kindred, and your father’s household to the land I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1).
That willingness to step into the unknown sets the stage for a faith adventure that still stands as an inspiration today.
2. Trusting God When the Promise Seems Impossible
Even when years passed with no sign of an heir, Abraham kept believing that God’s promise would come to fruition. Scripture highlights his conviction by saying, “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).
His story reminds us that God’s timing may challenge us, but His Word never fails.
3. Pushing Past Doubt and Fear
Abraham’s cynicism did surface at times, especially when Sarah laughed about bearing a son in her old age. In Genesis 18, both struggled with the idea of a miracle child. Still, God proved Himself faithful.
Doubts may appear in our faith journey, but Abraham’s story teaches us to keep turning back to the One who can do what seems impossible.
4. Learning to Listen in Silence
Throughout Abraham’s life, there were seasons of stillness before the next chapter began. Those quiet gaps in the narrative remind us to hold onto the last word God spoke until He gives us the next step.
Pausing to listen in silence is sometimes exactly what we need to cultivate deeper faith.
5. Embracing God’s Larger Purpose
Abraham’s call was not only for personal blessing but also so that “all the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).
When we recognize our part in God’s bigger plan, we find purpose beyond our circumstances, trusting that He has a grand design for each of us.
6. Standing Firm Under Trial
The ultimate test of Abraham’s faith came when the LORD asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
The anguish must have been overwhelming, yet Abraham held fast, believing that God could even raise the dead if necessary. In Genesis 22, we see a picture of radical obedience that challenges us to remain steadfast in the face of hardship.
7. Demonstrating Radical Hospitality
When three mysterious visitors came to Abraham’s tent, he rushed to prepare a feast (Genesis 18). That act of warm hospitality turned into an angelic visit announcing great news about Isaac’s birth.
The simple choice to welcome others proved to be a doorway for blessings, teaching us the power of openhanded kindness.
8. Interceding in Prayer
Abraham boldly pleaded with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:23–33). His fervent intercession demonstrates that prayer changes situations and reveals the compassionate heart of the Almighty.
Our prayers for others can have far-reaching effects, just as Abraham’s did.
9. Growing Through Imperfection
Abraham made mistakes—twice he claimed Sarah was his sister to protect himself (Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–18). Yet despite these failures, God never withdrew His covenant.
We can find encouragement that our flaws aren’t fatal to our faith; God’s grace covers us and moves us forward toward His promises.
10. Recognizing God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
By the end of Abraham’s journey, the blessings God promised were set firmly in motion. Through highs and lows, God remained faithful. The Bible assures us, “Know then that it is those of faith who are sons of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7).
Abraham’s example gives us confidence that God’s faithfulness continues in every chapter of our own stories.
Conclusion:
The life of Father Abraham is a tapestry woven with profound lessons that continue to inspire and guide people of various backgrounds and beliefs.
From embracing faith and trust to demonstrating hospitality, perseverance, and generosity, Abraham’s journey offers us a wealth of wisdom to apply in our own lives.
