Father Abraham (Part 16) Finishing
Pastor Chad Williams
March 9, 2025

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Genesis 25:1-11

1 Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 5 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country.

7 These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life, 175 years. 8 Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, 10 the field that Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with Sarah his wife. 11 After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi.

1) I need to know my faith is a

.

2) I need to ask, “what things do I need to

.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3) I need to accept the uniqueness of

.

Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Home Before Dark - Robert McQuilkin

It’s sundown, Lord
The shadows of my life stretch back into the dimness of the years long spent.
I fear not death, for that grim foe betrays himself at last,
Thrusting me forever into life:
Life with You, unsoiled and free.
But I do fear…
I fear the Dark Specter may come too soon - or do I mean, too late?
That I should end before I finish or finish, but not well.
That I should stain Your honor, shame Your name, grieve Your loving heart.
Few, they tell me, finish well …
Lord, let me get home before dark.
The darkness of a spirit grown mean and small,
fruit shriveled on the vine, bitter to the taste of my companions,
burden to be borne by those brave few who love me still.
No, Lord. Let the fruit grow lush and sweet,
A joy to all who taste; Spirit-sign of God at work,
stronger, fuller, brighter at the end.
Lord, let me get home before dark.
The darkness of tattered gifts, rust-locked, half-spent or ill-spent,
A life that once was used of God now set aside.
Grief for glories gone or Fretting for a task God never gave.
Mourning in the hollow chambers of memory,
Gazing on the faded banners of victories long gone….
Cannot I run well unto the end?….
Of Your grace, Father, I humbly ask.…
Let me get home before dark.

Further Discussion

1) Describe a person who has finished well. What did they do? How did they live?

2) List some of Abraham’s successes and failures. How did Abraham change through the journey of life?

3) Do you find the marathon analogy of faith in Scripture helpful? Why or why not? Do you see your journey of faith as a marathon?

4) Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:12-14, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, and Galatians 5:7. What further details and instructions does Paul give to us who are running the marathon of faith?

5) What does it mean in Hebrews 12:2 when the author instructs us to “look to Jesus” as we run? How do we do this?

6) Hebrews says that Jesus is the “author and perfector of our faith.” How was God perfecting Abraham? Do you have personal examples of times when God was perfecting you in your faith?

7) What part of studying Abraham’s marathon did you find most helpful?

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