God Knows Abraham Will Command His Children

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: Genesis 18:19
Psalters: 269, 89, 48, 398
  1. God knows that Abraham would instruct his children in the knowledge of God and command them to walk accordingly.
    1. Abraham would “command” his children and his household (of servants).
      1. This word emphasizes the idea of authority given by God to the head of the household.
      2. An important part of the God-given rule in the home is that the father commands his God-given children in a set way of believing and living.
    2. What Abraham would command his children and household is “the way of the Jehovah.”
      1. The way of Jehovah is what the Self-sufficient One has prescribed for His rational creatures.
      2. And He promises to reward those who lovingly obey Him (righteousness) and to punish those who do not (judgment).
      3. Further, godly parents instruct their children about the covenant relationship God establishes with His chosen people.
  2. Jehovah declares that He “knows” Abraham will do this.
    1. What it means that God knows someone (cf. Amos 3:2; II Tim. 2:19).
    2. God has known Abraham in order that Abraham might command his household to keep the way of the Lord.
      1. God knows Abraham in such a way that Abraham will instruct his household to learn and to do God’s will.
      2. God knows all believers that same way, namely, that they will joyfully and lovingly tell others of God’s commands.
    3. The desire to teach your children the way of the Lord is the fruit of His wonderful grace in your hearts.
  3. God’s knowledge leads His bringing “upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him.”
    1. God had spoken to Abraham of His blessing (12:2,3; 17:2,4-6,8).
    2. Especially God had spoken to Abraham of His establishing His covenant with Abraham’s see in their generations (17:7,8).
      1. God’s purpose in having Abraham’s children commanded to obey is so election might be realized.
      2. In the way of their being commanded God works saving those He elected.
    3. God’s purpose was to give Abraham a son (Isaac and Jesus Christ) in the way of Abraham and Sarah acting in faith.