Deeper Christian Life Ministry – Youth Search The Scripture For February 6, 2022 (Lesson 5) : Topic – ABIMELECH RESTORES ABRAHAM’S WIFE
YOUTH STS VOLUME ONE
LESSON 6:
ABIMELECH RESTORES ABRAHAM’S WIFE
MEMORY VERSE: “Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine” (Genesis 20:7).
TEXT: Genesis 20:1-18
Today’s text opens with Abraham moving from Mamre to Gerar. At Gerar, he described his wife as his sister She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah” (Genesis 20:2). This is half truth. Christian youths should not because of the fear of man enter into falsehood, it has deadly consequences.
Question 1: Why should Christian youths avoid the fear of man?
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). The fear of man deadens the conscience, weakens the mind, seals the witness’ lips, opens doors to temptations and damns the soul. Having being warned by God in a dream, Abimelech accepted to correct his wrong. He therefore gave sheep, oxen, menservants and women servants to Abraham, and restored him Sarah, his wife. This is known as restitution, which God requires from a sincere believer (Genesis 20: 7, 14).
ABRAHAM’S DECEPTION AND ABIMELECH’S SIN (Genesis 20:1-7; 12:10-20; Psalms 11:4; 139:7-12; 101: 7; Proverbs 19:5; 1 Timothy 1:8-15; Numbers 15:28)
“Abraham journey from thence toward the south country and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur and sojourned in Gerar” (Genesis 20:1). Christian youths must understand that they are strangers and pilgrims in the world. They may have to move from one place to another for any good cause, but they must always be conscious of God’s omnipresence in any situation (Psalm 139:7-12). Our relocation or the condition of the people in a new location should not alter our Christian conviction. God revealed Himself to Abimelech in the dream like He did to Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar. Today, God still speaks and reveals Himself to men through dreams. However, He also speaks in various other ways. For those who hear from God, sincerity is very critical towards enjoying more revelations. “…Thou art but a dead man…” (Genesis 20:3). This was a scary thing to hear from God even in a dream. God told Abimelech he was dead because he had been covetous and taken his neighbour’s wife, though he was deceived. Sinners are dead while living, they are also in danger of eternal death. The living-but-dead king pleaded his ignorance because of the agreement between Abraham and Sarah not to let him know that they were more than brother and sister. Despite the failure of Abraham to trust his God for protection, God remained faithful.
Question 2: Why did God count it as sin unto Abimelech despite his innocency?
Ignorance of sin does not make the offender guiltless. Though Abimelech committed the sin innocently, yet, God held him guilty. Every youth must know that ignorance is not an excuse in the sight of God. Therefore, there must be constant self-examination and prompt repentance to avoid God’s judgment. However,- God in His mercy kept the Pagan king from committing sin with Sarah: “for I also withheld thee from sinning against me” (Genesis 20:6). What a great mercy to be hindered from committing sin (1 Samuel 25:32,33). Abimelech was not left in confusion; he was given the commandment of what should be done urgently. “now therefore restore the man his wife” (Genesis 20:7). This is making right the wrong, the act of restoring things to the rightful owner. “And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife” (Genesis 2():2, 12). Abraham was afraid of being killed because of his wife; therefore, instructed her to tell Abimelech they are brother and sister. This is a lie, and such is not expected of a sincere believer, no matter the pressure. Christian youths are not expected to tell lies of any type or instruct anyone to do so. The Bible says, “…and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone…” (Revelation 21:8).
ABIMELECH’S OBEDIENCE AND RESTITUTION (Genesis 20:8-13; Exodus 22:1-14; 1 Samuel 24:5; Luke 19:8; Acts 23:5)
God knew Abimelech would destroy His covenant with Abraham by having his wife; therefore, God said Abimelech would die before his time if he failed to amend his way. He had not even touched the woman nor had anything with her; yet God said, he was a dead man. Sin makes one abominable to God and exposes one to His anger and judgment. God hates sin. No matter how you present it, nobody has any right to violate the law of God. Sin is sin no matter the condition that warrants it. There is no excuse for any youth to tell a lie, commit fornication, backbite, covet, abort, or practice any other unrighteous act. God’s judgment on sinners is real. Having known that the judgment of God is real and impartial, a youth needs to avoid giving excuses for committing sin. God will not listen to any reason or condition that warrants violating His law and statues. In Genesis 20:7, 17, God did not reverse the judgment He had pronounced on Abimelech, until he obeyed His instruction. Immediately Abimelech obeyed God and restored Sarah to Abraham, God withdrew His anger and judgment from him and his household. Today, God is still delighted in restitution after one’s conversion. Stop giving excuses. Admit your fault to avoid God’s judgment. Failure to comply will lead to withdrawal of God’s favour. Restitution is required and commanded by God; therefore, followers of Christ must correct their past without delay. We have other examples of people who did their restitutions like Abimelech, David, Zacchaeus and Apostle Paul. However, restitution should be done prayerfully, with due consultation with mature Christian leader, and it must be done with humility.
Question 3: What is Restitution?
Restitution is making amends for the wrongs which one might have done to others. Restitution is expected to be carried out immediately it’s been discovered. It should not be delayed. In doing restitution, you may suffer loss, pain, shame or rejection. Never allow Satan or anyone to scare you. God is right there with you and He will definitely see you through to the very end “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10: 28). Don’t look at the present or temporal pains but at the eternal and permanent gains.
ABIMELECH’S RESPONSE AND ABRAHAM’S PRAYER (Genesis 20:14-18; Leviticus 6:5; Job 42:8-10; Luke Exodus 22: 1)
Abimelech obeyed the voice of the Lord, and restored Sarah to her husband. It is expected of every Christian youth to restore all materials that do not belong to them to the rightful owner.
Question 4: What are the benefits of obeying God’s instruction?
“And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee: dwell where it pleaseth thee” (Genesis 20: 14, 15). This action of obedience changed the judgment of God to blessing for Abimelech and his household. “So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children” (Genesis 20:17). Abimelech and his household received the blessing of healing immediately he obeyed God. The following are some blessings that accompany righteousness: one, boldness in the Lord; two, freedom from guilt; three, commendation from God; four, clear conscience before man and God; and five, hope of eternal life. The blessings of God are conditional. You must endeavour to be righteous in order to enjoy all the above blessings of God and lots more.