Blessed to Be a Blessing

08 Feb 2026 — St. Jesri HT Purba & AI
Sermon

Scripture: Genesis 12:1–5

What if God asked you today to leave your comfort zone, without explaining every detail of your future, but promising His presence—would you obey?

Rhetorical question: Are God’s blessings meant to be enjoyed privately, or shared generously?

Sexagesima Sunday reminds us that faith is not about speed, but about faithful obedience. Genesis 12:1–5 marks a decisive moment in redemptive history: God calls Abram not only to be blessed, but to become a channel of blessing for all nations.

TEXTUAL BACKGROUND

Abram lived in Ur and Haran—advanced civilizations deeply rooted in idolatry. God’s call came without a map, only a promise. Theologically, this passage introduces the Abrahamic Covenant, the foundation of God’s redemptive plan fulfilled ultimately in Christ.

I. GOD’S CALL ALWAYS DEMANDS RADICAL OBEDIENCE (v.1)

The Hebrew phrase “lekh lekha” means “go for yourself,” implying total separation and trust.

  • Faith begins by leaving the old
    Abram had to leave security, identity, and familiarity. True faith requires surrender.
  • Obedience comes before clarity
    God did not reveal the destination—only His guidance.
  • God’s call is personal yet global
    Abram’s private obedience would impact the world.

Cross reference: Hebrews 11:8 – Abram obeyed without knowing where he was going.

Transition: Obedience opens the door to God’s promises.

II. GOD’S BLESSING ALWAYS HAS A REDEMPTIVE PURPOSE (vv.2–3)

The word “blessing” (barak) means life flowing from God Himself.

  • Blessing originates from God, not human ability
    Abram and Sarai were barren, yet God creates hope out of impossibility.
  • Blessing is a means, not an end
    “You shall be a blessing”—the blessing must flow outward.
  • A global missionary vision
    “All families of the earth shall be blessed”—fulfilled in Christ (Gal. 3:8).

Cross reference: Matthew 28:19 – The Great Commission as the continuation of Abraham’s promise.

Transition: God’s promises call for concrete faith responses.

III. TRUE FAITH IS EXPRESSED THROUGH CONCRETE ACTION (vv.4–5)

Verse 4 states simply yet powerfully: “So Abram went.” Faith moves.

  • Faith always acts
    Abram did not delay. Faith without works is dead.
  • Faith impacts the household
    Sarai, Lot, and all possessions followed. Faith is communal.
  • Faith grows through process
    The journey was long and difficult, but God remained faithful.

Cross reference: James 2:17 – Faith without works is dead.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  • Employees: Be a blessing through integrity and excellence.
  • Business owners: Reflect God’s blessing through honesty.
  • Youth: Follow God’s call even when the future seems unclear.
  • Parents: Pass on faith, not just possessions.

Illustration: Like a river, water that stops flowing becomes stagnant. Blessings not shared lose their purpose.

CONCLUSION

We are blessed not to store up, but to pour out. In Christ, we are Abraham’s children, called to bring God’s blessing to a broken world.

Call to response: Let us walk in obedience, live by faith, and become channels of God’s blessing.

We walk by faith, not by sight,
Held by God’s promise, led by His light.
Blessed by grace, not to retain,
But to pour out love again and again.