Loyalty Has An Expiration Date: September Sermon of the Month:

By Lady Ricks

Sermon Notes: "Loyalty and Obedience to God's Call"

Foundational Text: Genesis 17:5

Scripture Reference:

• Genesis 17:5 (KJV)

  • "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee."

Introduction: The Covenant with Abraham

• Name Change Significance:

  • Abram, meaning "exalted father," is transformed into Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude," to mark God’s covenant with him.

  • This covenant reflects God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations, a testament to the faith and obedience required to step into God’s plan.

• Call of Abraham:

  • Abraham was called to leave his homeland and everything familiar to him. This symbolizes the journey of faith that requires stepping into the unknown based on God's direction.

  • God’s promise was tied to Abraham’s obedience: to be the father of a great nation, he had to leave behind his former life.

Main Points of Deliverance

1. Why Loyalty Has an Expiration Date

• God's Timing and Seasons of Life

  • Just like seasons change, God’s purposes and plans evolve in our lives. Loyalty to past relationships, places, or situations can sometimes hinder progress in God’s divine plan.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1 – "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

• Misplaced Loyalty Causes Division

  • Abraham experienced strife and conflict with Lot’s herders, symbolizing that misplaced loyalty can create division and hinder growth (Genesis 13). Sometimes, holding onto people or relationships God is asking you to release brings unnecessary conflict.

• Obedience Over Loyalty

  • Partial obedience is disobedience. Abraham obeyed God's command to leave his homeland, but he brought Lot along, which led to unnecessary strife. Full obedience is what God requires—there are consequences for holding onto relationships or situations that God is asking us to leave behind.

2. Partial Obedience is Disobedience

• Consequences of Partial Obedience

  • Abraham’s decision to bring Lot delayed certain aspects of God’s plan for him. It wasn’t until they separated that Abraham fully received God’s promise for the land (Genesis 13:14-15).

  • Lesson: God’s instructions must be followed fully to receive His full blessing.

• Impact on Relationships

  • Abraham’s loyalty to Lot caused relational and logistical difficulties. Sometimes, bringing people along who were not part of God’s plan for your journey can create unnecessary burdens.

• Strife with Lot’s Herders

  • Lot’s proximity to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 13:12) not only caused division but also placed him near danger and temptation, symbolizing how misplaced loyalty can lead others into difficult situations.

3. Seasons Have an Expiration Date

• Growth Requires Change

  • To step into new seasons, sometimes it is necessary to leave behind what is familiar. Abraham had to leave his homeland to step into the promise of becoming the father of many nations.

  • Holding on to past seasons, relationships, or comfort zones prevents growth and stunts spiritual maturity.

• God’s Timing is Critical

  • There is no guarantee that missed opportunities will come again. Abraham’s delayed obedience with Lot could have jeopardized his future if it continued.

  • When God asks us to move or let go, there is a purpose behind it. Delaying can result in missing out on God’s best for us.

4. Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice

• God Values Obedience Above All

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 - "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

  • Sacrificing comfort or relationships is sometimes necessary to be obedient to God’s call. God prioritizes our obedience over the sacrifices we think are important.

• No Guarantees for Repeated Opportunities

  • Abraham had one opportunity to fully follow God’s instructions. In our lives, missed moments of obedience can sometimes result in lost opportunities. Obeying God’s instruction the first time is critical to receiving the promises tied to His commands.

5. God’s Promise Often Requires Leaving the Familiar

• Stepping Into Unfamiliar Territory

  • Just as Abraham was called to leave his homeland, God often calls us to leave behind the familiar to step into His promise. This could be in the form of relationships, careers, or even mindsets.

• Trusting God’s Plan Over Our Own Comfort

  • God’s promises are often tied to uncomfortable situations. Leaving behind what is comfortable requires trust in God’s goodness and plan for the future.

  • Abraham’s decision to trust God’s call led to the establishment of a nation, despite the uncertainty of where God was leading him.

Practical Applications: Building Healthy Relationships in Obedience to God

• Seek God’s Guidance in Relationships

  • It is crucial to seek God’s direction in who we are connected to. Some relationships are for a season, while others are meant for life. Discernment through prayer is key.

• Set Healthy Boundaries

  • Not every relationship is meant to accompany us on every phase of our spiritual journey. Healthy boundaries, guided by God’s wisdom, allow us to grow without unnecessary distractions or hindrances.

• Prioritize Your Relationship with Christ

  • No relationship should come before our relationship with God. As Christians, we must be willing to place Christ above all else, even when it requires sacrifice or separation.

Conclusion

God’s call for Abraham to leave his homeland is a powerful example of the importance of obedience. Loyalty to past situations or relationships can sometimes hold us back from receiving the fullness of God’s promise. Partial obedience is disobedience, and misplaced loyalty can bring unnecessary strife and prevent spiritual growth. Seasons change, and with it, so must we. Let us be willing to step into the unfamiliar, trust God’s timing, and prioritize obedience over loyalty to what God has asked us to leave behind.

Key Verse to Reflect On:Genesis 17:5 – "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee."