Abraham experienced the kind of trials we could only imagine. And time after time he was reminded of future promises, while still having to go through more hard things. We are studying the trials of Abraham found in Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2 today and how we can apply those experiences to persevere in our lives.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Abraham 2:1-5 (Abraham’s father’s idolatry)
Genesis 17:5,15 (Abram and Sarai’s new name)
Genesis 22:1 (God tried Abraham)
Words of the General Authorities:
You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite as necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God, and God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God. (Joseph Smith, relayed by John Taylor, Deseret News: Semi-Weekly, Aug. 21, 1883, Recorded in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Chapter 19: Stand Fast through the Storms of Life)
Translations:
Tempt - nasah = to test, try, or prove (Hebrew)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Alma 26:27 (God will give us success)
Romans 8:28 (All things work together for good)
Abraham 1:1-12 (First trial of Abraham - Almost sacrificed by his father)
Abraham 1:18 (I will lead thee by my hand)
Genesis 12:10-20 (Second trial - Encounter with Pharaoh)
Translations:
Abram = Father (Hebrew)
Abraham = Father of many nations (Hebrew)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Genesis 13 (Third trial - Strife with Lot)
Genesis 13:8 (Abraham the peacemaker)
Genesis 13:14-18 (The Lord repeats the covenant)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Genesis 14:1-11 (Fourth trial - War of the Kings)
Genesis 14:23 (God made Abraham rich)
Translations:
Melchizedek = King of righteousness (Hebrew)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Genesis 15:4-12 (Land, Deliverance, Seed)
Genesis 15:13-17 (Fifth trial - Tempted by Satan)
Genesis 15:18 (The Lord cut a covenant with Abraham)
Genesis 16 (Sixth trial - Hagar)
Translations:
Made a covenant - karat berit = Cut a covenant (Hebrew)
Beer-lahai-roi = He who sees me (Hebrew)
Ishmael = God hears (Hebrew)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Genesis 17:1 (Seventh trial - Be perfect
Genesis 17:5-15 (The Abrahamic Covenant)
Words of the General Authorities:
Repetition is a vehicle through which the Holy Ghost can enlighten our minds, influence our hearts, and enlarge our understanding. (David A. Bednar, “Repeat Over Again...the Same Things as Before”, BYU-Idaho Speeches delivered on January 26, 2016)
Every test, every trial, every challenge and hardship you endure is an opportunity to further develop your faith. (Russell M. Nelson, “Choices”, October 1990 General Conference)
Translations:
Perfect - tamim = Perfection, complete or whole; from the root of integrity (Hebrew)
Isaac = to laugh or rejoice (Hebrew)
View transcript here.