Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died – How to Die with Dignity video audio notes. Abraham’s life spirit was not forced from him. He allowed it to go. We know this is exactly what the Lord did on the cross. We know Paul knew his time had come and also approached his departure in this fashion. I firmly believe we should fight for every breath as long as we believe we should be alive. When the time comes, we, too, should be able to give up the ghost and die to this world.
ABRAHAM THE FRIEND OF GOD
by Delbert Young
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died – How to Die with Dignity
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Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died – How to Die with Dignity
Scriptures: Genesis 24:67, Genesis 25:1-2, Genesis 25:3-4, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 9:7, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 3:7, 11, 28-29 Genesis 25:5-6, Genesis 21:12, Genesis 25:9-10
We have spent many hours studying and teaching about one of the most colorful characters in the Bible. We walked with Abram out of Ur to Haran, where his father Terah died (Gen 11). We also came out of Haran with the many souls that followed Abraham to a place that he did not know (Gen 12).
Also, we were with him, building many altars and visiting the Lord. We were with him in Egypt, where he said Sarah was his sister… the first time. As well we watched as Abram and Lot separated because of strife (Gen 13). There was rescuing Lot and the communion with Melchizedek (Gen 14). In addition, there was the natural covenant of Genesis 15, where animals were sacrificed.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost and Died
Moreover, there was the spiritual covenant in Genesis 17 where Isaac was promised. We were with Abraham and Sarah as they went through the Hagar and Ishmael situation (Gen 16). Also, we watched as the Lord changed Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah (Gen 17). Additionally, we watched as the Lord God visited and ate with Abraham and told Abraham of the destruction of Sodom (Gen 18).
Further, we heard Abraham lie to Abimelech (Gen 20). We were there when Isaac was born and when Isaac was weaned (Gen 21). We went to Moriah with Abraham and Isaac to see Abraham’s hand stopped (Gen 22). Sadly, we were there when Sarah died (Gen 23). Later, we watched as Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac.
Today, we will see Isaac and Rebekah married and Abraham married again. We have traveled with Abraham for more than 100 years of life. Today, our study of Abraham, the friend of God, concludes with this lesson. Today, Abraham will die.
Genesis 24:67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
1. and took Rebekah, and she became his wife
In our last lesson, Abraham sent his servant to find and bring back a wife for Isaac. Abraham set parameters for the wife of his son Isaac. The wife could not come from the Canaanites. The wife must come from Abraham’s kindred from the land of Mesopotamia. Plus the servant was made to agree that in no case was Isaac to go back to Mesopotamia. The servant departed on his journey. He found Rebekah. Rebekah then came back with the servant and became the wife of Isaac.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
Abraham was 140 years old at that time. It was interesting to me that there is no record of Abraham approving or disapproving of Rebekah’s selection. The obvious conclusion is that Abraham approved of Rebekah. Abraham first set the parameters of her selection. Then, he did all he could do to fulfill those parameters. But once Rebekah came into the picture, Abraham said little, if anything, about the relationship between Rebekah and Isaac. Often, parents set parameters, and the child submits. Then, the parents attempt to control the relationship and even the marriage. The silence of the scriptures shows that Abraham did not do that. He allowed the love between Isaac and Rebekah to grow and the marriage to transpire.
We learn if parameters are not established prior to the meeting of our child and a possible spouse it may be too late to attempt to set parameters.
Abraham established the parameters early. Isaac was blessed because he submitted to his father’s parameters. We should establish boundaries early with our children. If they properly submit to those boundaries, Father God will bless them abundantly. If we have properly raised them, they will come to us concerning serious decisions. We will not need to force our way in; we will be invited in.
2. Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death
Obviously, Isaac was having some serious problems getting over his mother’s death. According to Thompson Chain Reference Bible, it was around 1860 B.C. when Sarah died. Then, chapter 24 begins about 1857 B.C. This was when the servant was sent to find a wife. That was three years after the death of Sarah. Chapter 25 begins about 1853 B.C., seven years after the death of Sarah. Isaac mourned too long over the death of his mom. The person who helped Isaac move on and stop mourning was Rebekah, his wife. Rebekah comforted Isaac. In times of mourning, a person needs to draw from their spouse. No one else is able to comfort the way a spouse can comfort.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
Genesis 25:1 Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.
Genesis 25:2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
3. …again Abraham took a wife
After the death of Sarah and the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah, Abraham married again! Seldom do we hear taught this part of Abraham’s life. It doesn’t fit into our image of “Father Abraham,” the friend of God. We are not proud of Abraham and his marriage to a much younger woman. We have problems working this into our “faith” messages.
It does not seem to fit into our gospel. This is especially true when we realize that the woman Abraham married was probably young enough to be his granddaughter! Perhaps young enough to be his great-granddaughter. Most character studies skip over this part or make little mention of it. It’s just not how we want to picture our Father Abraham.
We want him to be the sweet, old, bald, and bearded grandfather sitting under a tree leaning on his cane. He couldn’t fall in love with a woman maybe 100 years younger than he was, could he? He couldn’t experience desire, could he? We think that older people do not experience the stirrings younger people experience. We think wrong. Why do you think the Lord puts this wonderful narration into his word?
Abraham was no less than 140 years old at the time of his marriage to Keturah.
Keturah will be Abraham’s third wife. Sarah was the wife of his youth and companion and helpmeet. She helped Abraham bring forth the promised seed. Hagar became Abraham’s wife at Sarah’s insistence (Gen 16:3). The marriage of Hagar and Abraham was because Sarah wanted a child. Hagar departed, and Sarah died. Isaac married. Abraham, most likely lonely, married Keturah.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
If Sarah’s purpose was to help Abraham fulfill the promise of God, and Hagar’s purpose was to give Sarah a child, what was Keturah’s purpose? Keturah was more than a nurse. I read a commentary that said she was his nurse. I laughed. She will do more for Abraham than fix breakfast and empty his bedpan. She will give Abraham six (6) sons! Keturah’s purpose was to love Abraham. She gave Abraham companionship and fulfillment in his old age. Keturah added sweetness and aroma to Abraham’s life. Keturah’s name means “perfumed”.
6989 Qetuwrah
perfumed; Keturah., a wife of Abraham
Old people need companionship. If Abraham needs companionship at 140 then those of 60 or 70 surely do also. They need companionship as much as young people need companionship. Perhaps even more. Old people need to feel loved and need to feel alive. Then need aroma in their lives. They need perfume. When one spouse goes on, it is completely natural for the other spouse to marry again. Children and other family members often have serious problems in regard to this. There are several reasons, and some are justified.
Children do not want any attempt made to replace dad or mom. An older person’s remarriage is often interpreted as such, but replacing mom or dad is not what an older person’s marrying again is about. As seen above, all three of Abraham’s wives had specific purposes. None could replace Sarah, but neither could any replace Keturah. Abraham was not attempting to replace Sarah. Sarah could not be replaced.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
Another reason a family has problems with the marrying of an older parent is inheritance.
The widow or widower could marry a younger person who has “gold-digging” as their purpose. That is not uncommon. As we will see, Abraham, the friend of God, made specific arrangements concerning this prior to his death. Everybody got something, but Isaac got it all (Gen 25:5). Abraham made certain that the rightful heir was protected.
4. …she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
We are not told of Keturah’s age, but we are told that her womb was very fruitful. She gave Abraham six more sons. These six sons were conceived when Abraham was over 140 years of age. Keturah. (perfume) brought life and fragrance to Abraham. The Lord God returned to Abraham at “the time of life” (Gen 18:10, 14). Abraham expressed that restoration. Though his age was old, his loins were young. Keturah gave Abraham joy in life. However, Keturah could never give Abraham an Isaac. She did give him love and life and companionship.
Genesis 25:3 And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim. 4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
5. All these were the children of Keturah.
Of the six sons of Abraham by Keturah, we are given only the lineage of Jokshan and Midian. We are not given the lineage of Zimran, Medan, Ishbak, or Shuah. All Abraham’s sons became nations (tribes) in Arabia. Ishmael also was a son of Abraham. Many nations find their geological ancestry in Abraham. However, in the Lord God’s eyes, only one nation is truly the seed of Abraham.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people
Romans 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Galatians 3:16, 7, 28, 29, 11
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
The church is the holy nation of God.
Only those in Christ (His church) are Abraham’s seed. Romans 9:7 deals with the “seed of Abraham,” showing that because many were Abraham’s seed, only Isaac was the seed called Abraham’s seed. That Seed was specific in Christ (Gal 3:16). Thus, to be a “seed of Abraham,” one must be “in Christ”. In the day of the apostle Paul, slaves were common. Was it easier for a free person to be “in Christ” (church) than a slave? Of course not. Is it easier for a male to be “in Christ” (church) than it is for a female? Of course not.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
What about a circumcised person? Is it easier for a circumcised person to be “in Christ” than an uncircumcised person? Of course not. What about an American or a person from India? Is it easier for a person from America to be “in Christ” than any other person? No, God forbid. Then why do we let Dispensationalists teach that the Jews have some special position in God’s economy when the scriptures strictly forbid such teaching? There is a dangerous dispensational doctrine that says the natural Jews are really the true seed of Abraham. I am of the seed of Abraham, and I am of Isaac. So, I am a full heir.
Genesis 25:5 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. 6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.
6. Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac
Abraham “gave gifts” to the boys. To Isaac, Abraham gave all. Even though Hagar and Keturah gave Abraham sons, it was in Isaac that the seed would be called Abraham’s seed (Gen 21:12; Rom 9:7; Heb 11:18). Abraham made arrangements and made certain that the inheritance happened exactly as the Lord had commanded. Gifts are one thing. Inheritance is another.
When an older person has children and marries again, plans should be made concerning the inheritance. In fact, it would be a good idea to go ahead and distribute the inheritance. Why wait? Many problems, heartaches, and arguments could be avoided if the inheritance was handled prior to the death or even prior to the marriage.
We, the church, are Abraham’s seed through Sarah and then Isaac (Gal 4:31). We are not seed through Hagar or Keturah, and we are not half-sons and half-daughters of the promise.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
According to Paul’s allegory in Galatians 4:23-31, the natural Jews are the half brothers and sisters.
Paul shows they were from Hagar through Ishmael. It is actually the geological seed that is of the flesh and not of the spirit. As a matter of fact, it is the geological seed that is from the natural Jerusalem and not of the heavenly Jerusalem above. Also, it is actually the geological seed that is of the old and not the new. Yet, the dispensational doctrine would tell us that we get the “gifts” and not the “all”. The Bible says we get it all. We are the declared heir!
Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Galatians 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Christ….
Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
Galatians 3:7, 28, 29
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (emphasis added)
Genesis 25:7-9And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
7. Abraham gave up the ghost, and died
It came time for Abraham to die. Isaac had been married for 35 years. Esau and Jacob were born. Abraham got to see his grandchildren born. He got to hold them and tell them about the Almighty God. He saw them grow up. Abraham lived long, and Abraham lived well. Abraham ran his race, kept his faith, and fulfilled his purpose. He lived “full of years.” The time came for Abraham to die, and Abraham died well.
I remember a movie I saw called Brave Heart. Mel Gibson had the leading role, and a line that he had will always go with me. He was about to die and knew it. As he prayed, he asked the Lord to help him “die well.” We want to live long, and we want to live well. Abraham, the friend of God, also died well. The following are some attributes of Abraham’s dying well.
a. Abraham gave up the ghost
The life spirit of Abraham was not forced from him. “Abraham gave up the ghost.” We know this is exactly what the Lord did on the cross. We know that Paul knew his time had come and also approached his departure in this fashion. I firmly believe we should fight for every breath as long as we believe we should be alive. When the time comes, we, too, should be able to give up the ghost.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
b. a good old age, an old man
Old age is good. Abraham walked with God and enjoyed a good, long life on this planet. He kept his joy. So many old people become bitter and mean, but when one walks with God, old age is good.
c. full of years
Abraham was 175 when he died. That was a lot of years, but that is not the emphasis of the verse. The emphasis is that the years were full. He could have died old, as the previous point spoke. Abraham died old and full of years. His years were full of life, full of God, and full of joy. Abraham lived an abundant life. He enjoyed God and his family. His years were many, but more importantly, his years were full.
d. …was gathered to his people
Death gathers us to our people. Who “our people” are is decided while we live. We will be gathered to the wicked and evil or be gathered to the righteous and just. But, unless the Lord returns, we will be gathered. Abraham would not just lay dead in the ground until the resurrection. The only person in the ground with Abraham would be Sarah. Abraham was gathered to his people – Noah, Seth, and Shem.
Genesis 25:9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; 10 The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
8. …there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife
Abraham had already made arrangements for his burial. He had purchased his grave site prior to his death, so there would not be a last-minute decision. Everyone knew exactly where Abraham would be buried. It was in the cave of Machpelah, the same place Sarah was buried. Hagar and Keturah would not be there. It would only be Abraham and Sarah.
9. What do we learn from this lesson that we can apply to our lives today?
A. We must help our children establish parameters for finding a spouse.
When those parameters are heeded allow the couple to love. Parents are there to help but not control.
B. After the death of a spouse, a person will still have needs and experience loneliness.
They will need aroma and fragrance in their lives. This is not abnormal, nor is it against biblical principles. Age does not stop loneliness or terminate desires.
C. Parents marrying again after the death of their spouse should consider their own children’s emotions and feelings.
The children will feel an attempt is being made to replace the deceased parent. The parent must also assure his or her children that their inheritance will not be endangered.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died sermon notes audio
E. We, as kingdom people, should expect to live to a good old age.
We should maintain our joy. Our years should be many and full. Life should be enjoyed. We should enjoy our God, our church, our family, our friends, our occupations, etc. Our years should be many and full. We should make final arrangements so our children will not need to.
F. When the time comes to depart from this life, we want to be able to “give up the ghost,” as Abraham was.
Believers should be able to die well if they have lived well.
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died – How to Die with Dignity
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died – How to Die with Dignity
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Abraham The Friend Of God: Tested And Tried
Holy Ghost and Scriptural Tongues 3
Covenant Abraham Believed In The Lord
Old Abraham Gave Up The Ghost And Died
Abraham Commanded His Children audio
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