Introduction : If an angler throws a hook without bait into the water, fish will not be caught. However, if he puts bait that fish like on a hook, he will catch fish right away. Greed is the bait with which the devil tempts humankind. Because of greed, Adam was caught by the devil´s bait in the Garden of Eden. However, since Jesus had no greed, He was not tempted by the devil. In order not to be snared by the devil, we must not have greed (Jas 1:13-15).


1. The obedience of Abraham (Ge 12:1)
    1) The price to be paid to follow God. We must leave physical pleasure, mental lust,
        and the fame of this world. We can´t have both this world and God.
    2) He faced trouble because he didn´t leave his father´s household. Abraham didn´t
        leave Lot, his nephew. (Ge 11:27-28)
        (1) He went down to Egypt (Ge 12:19)
        (2) Later it caused strife in Canaan (Ge 13:9-11)
    3) God blessed him when he left his father´s household (Ge 13:14-17)
    4) He was blessed when he left (Ge 12:2-3)

2. The obedience of Jesus
    1) He left heaven to save humanity (Jn 1:1, 3:13-15)
    2) He left the world to save humanity. He was tempted by the devil in the desert.
        (Mt 4:8-10)
    3) He gave up His life to give the kingdom of heaven to humanity
        (1) The Lord also loved His life (Lk 22:39-42)
        (2) Jesus gave up His life (Lk 22:42; Php 2:5-8)
    4) He received blessing by giving up (Php 2:9-11)

3. To follow God
    1) We must leave the world (1 Jn 2:15-17)
        The world is like Lot. If we follow God with the world, we will keep facing trials and
        hardship.
    2) Take up your own cross (Mt 10:37-39)
        (1) Give up yourself before God (Gal 2:20; Php 1:21)
        (2) Devote your whole life to God. Abraham couldn´t serve God with Isaac.
            (Ge 22:9-10,12)
    3) Blessing given to those who leave everything (Mt 19:27-30; Eph 2:6; Rev 3:10-11)


Conclusion : When a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it bears much fruit. When God calls us, we must leave the world for the Promised Land of blessing. Unless we take up our own cross by leaving and giving up, we will never enjoy salvation and blessing.