Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualima
paralleling ASFG 1, lesson on “KNOW THYSELF”
GENESIS 12:10 TO 20:18
(pages 17 and 18)
1. The Three Ages of Human Development
Adam to Noah = Physical Age
This period in the Bible emphasizes physical conditions. Adam, Cain, Abel, and the early patriarchs represent humanity learning to survive physically. Sin is expressed in bodily indulgence, violence, and corruption. The Flood (Noah) symbolizes the cleansing or transition from purely physical temptations to something higher.
Noah to Jesus = Mental Age
After the Flood, Cayce says “the mind became the builder.” Humanity develops through mental choices. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, and the prophets represent sides of the mental self — qualities of thought, decision, and willpower being tested and refined. Temptation shifts from purely physical appetites to how the mind dwells (for example, Ham’s sin was mental mockery, Lot’s choice was self-serving, David’s downfall began with desire in thought before action).
Jesus onward = Spiritual Age
With Christ, the focus turns to spiritual awareness. Jesus teaches the inner law of love, service, and oneness with God. The Spirit becomes the guiding force, not just body or mind. Humanity is invited into direct relationship with God through the Christ-consciousness, transcending both physical and mental limitations.
2. Biblical Figures as Aspects of the Mental Self
From Noah to Jesus, the main biblical characters (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David, Samuel, the prophets) are not just historical people but also symbols of parts of our mental life:
Abraham → Faith and the call to trust God inwardly.
Isaac → Obedience, the willingness of the mind to yield.
Jacob → Struggle of the self-will vs. God’s will (wrestling with the angel).
Joseph → Imagination and vision, showing how mental pictures guide destiny.
David → Desire and passion, both creative (psalms, leadership) and destructive (sin with Bathsheba).
Samuel/Prophets → Intuition, the voice of the higher mind pointing toward Spirit.
These represent the different “sides” or faculties of the mind that can either align with Spirit or fall into corruption.
3. Integration Toward Spirit
The Mental Age prepares humanity for the coming of Christ. Once the mind is tested and refined through the stories of the patriarchs and prophets, the soul is ready for the Spiritual Age, where the Christ within becomes the guide.
As A Search for God says, the soul’s journey is from physical → mental → spiritual. Each step is necessary, and each biblical figure is like a mirror of our own mental struggles and victories on the way to Spirit.
In summary:
Adam to Noah: physical instincts and survival dominate.
Noah to Jesus: the mind is tested and built — through faith, obedience, struggle, vision, desire, and prophecy.
Jesus onward: Spirit awakens; the Christ becomes the pattern.
The patriarchs and prophets show us not only history but the unfolding of the mental self striving to become spiritualized.
The life of Abraham as compared with the division of the lesson KNOW THYSELF, entitled Self In Relation To Others.
1. Abraham as Example of Faith and Relationship
Cayce Bible Minutes (2/14/1939): Abraham is called the father of the faithful. Jesus himself referred to Abraham when saying Lazarus went to “Abraham’s bosom” — showing that through faith, the soul advances to higher development. Abraham’s life illustrates how inner awareness of God allowed him to resist being ruled by outward circumstances. Cayce reminds us that God is as mindful of us today as of the Patriarchs, if we too are faithful.
ASFG Lesson: To relate rightly to others, we must first be true to ourselves in God. We cannot love or serve others if we have not aligned with divine law. This alignment begins with the great commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart … and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:27).
2. Egypt and Sarah: God’s Protection
Cayce: Abraham told Sarah to say she was his sister when they entered Egypt. Pharaoh took Sarah into his house, but God afflicted Pharaoh’s household until she was released, showing divine protection of Abraham’s covenant. Abraham left Egypt wealthy.
ASFG: This reflects the principle that when we are faithful, even when mistakes or half-truths occur, God’s larger protection is at work. Our duty is to act honestly toward others, measuring words and actions so as not to cause stumbling.
3. Strife Between Abraham and Lot
Cayce: Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen quarreled over land. Abraham allowed Lot to choose the best land, taking the other for himself. This exemplifies humility and peace in relationships: it is better to yield than to create condemnation. Jesus also said, “Offences must come, but woe to him by whom they come.”
ASFG: The lesson of self in relation to others is to see ourselves as others see us, to examine our motives: Why did I act this way? Did I reflect God to my neighbor? To seek peace and yield when necessary reflects true self-knowledge and service.
4. Lot in Sodom: Warning of Poor Associations
Cayce: Lot, once separated, chose prosperity and the “high life” in Sodom. His wealth attracted envy and danger. This shows how human nature has not changed — worldly gain without spiritual grounding leads to downfall.
ASFG: Similarly, when our motives in dealing with others are self-serving or envious, the result is discord. True relation is based on sacrifice, service, and love, which keep us aligned with God and protect us from destruction.
5. Application: Self and Neighbor
ASFG: We must study and discipline ourselves so our words and deeds reflect the divine law. Each encounter with others is an opportunity to measure ourselves by Christ’s standard. “No man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7).
Cayce: Abraham’s life illustrates this principle: his dealings with Sarah, Lot, Pharaoh, and the kings of Canaan all show that our relationship with others reveals the state of our own inner self. Abraham is not just a historical figure but represents an inner condition we must cultivate — faith, humility, and right relation to others.
Key Takeaways
Abraham’s faith shows the inner ark of trust that protects and guides us.
Yielding to others, as Abraham did with Lot, prevents condemnation and keeps peace.
Lot’s downfall warns that worldly gain without spiritual grounding destroys relationships.
True self-knowledge is tested in our relationships with others — as ASFG says, “Be what you seem. Live your creed. Hold up to earth the torch divine.”
Abraham’s Life (Genesis 12–20) & “Self in Relation to Others”
Genesis 12:10–20 — Abraham and Sarah in Egypt
Biblical Event: Abraham tells Sarah to say she is his sister. Pharaoh takes Sarah, but God intervenes with plagues, protecting the covenant. Abraham leaves Egypt wealthy.
Cayce Insight (2/14/1939): God’s mindfulness extends to us if we are faithful, even when we falter. Abraham’s covenant shows divine protection in relationships.
ASFG Principle: Self in relation to others begins with honesty and alignment with God. Our words and actions affect others — we must reflect truth and avoid causing harm.
Genesis 13 — Strife Between Abraham and Lot
Biblical Event: Herdsmen of Abraham and Lot quarrel. Abraham yields, letting Lot choose the land.
Cayce Insight: Better to yield than cause condemnation. Offences may come, but woe to those who bring them.
ASFG Principle: True self-knowledge means seeing ourselves as others do, asking: “Did my actions reflect God to my neighbor?” Peace and humility safeguard relationships.
Genesis 14 — Lot Captured and Rescued
Biblical Event: Lot is taken captive in a regional conflict. Abraham risks himself to rescue him.
Cayce Insight: Even when Lot chose wrongly, Abraham’s love and duty overcame resentment.
ASFG Principle: Love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). Service and sacrifice protect both self and others, reflecting divine law.
Genesis 15 — God’s Covenant with Abraham
Biblical Event: God promises Abraham countless descendants and land.
Cayce Insight: Faith opens Abraham to higher consciousness, an inner awareness of God.
ASFG Principle: Self-knowledge and faith build trust in God’s plan. When aligned, we live not for ourselves alone, but as channels of God’s will.
Genesis 16 — Hagar and Ishmael
Biblical Event: Sarah, barren, gives Hagar to Abraham. Strife develops between Sarah and Hagar.
Cayce Insight: Human weakness creates division, but God provides for all.
ASFG Principle: Criticism and envy disrupt relationships. Discipline of self is required to prevent hurting others and to recognize all as children of the same family.
Genesis 17 — Covenant of Circumcision
Biblical Event: God appears to Abram, renames him Abraham (“father of many nations”), and Sarai becomes Sarah. God establishes an everlasting covenant: Abraham’s descendants will inherit the land, and circumcision is given as the outward sign of belonging to the covenant people. Abraham, though old, is promised a son through Sarah. Ishmael is blessed but Isaac will be the covenant child.
Cayce Insight (implied through 2/14/1939 themes): The covenant marks a deepening of Abraham’s faith and responsibility. It shows that spiritual growth requires both inner consecration and outer demonstration. Circumcision, as a symbol, reflects the “cutting away” of what is not aligned with God, just as self must be disciplined in relation to others. Faithfulness brings renewal even when human limitations seem impossible.
ASFG Principle — Self in Relation to Others: Honesty and alignment with God: The covenant requires visible and inner faithfulness. Just as Abraham was renamed, self-knowledge transforms identity.
Peace and humility safeguard relationships: Abraham accepted God’s command in humility, marking himself and his household. Our outer actions must reflect our inner alignment with God.
Service and sacrifice protect self and others: By committing to God’s covenant, Abraham set an example for his descendants — showing that fidelity to divine law creates harmony in the community.
Living Christ’s law: This chapter foreshadows Christ’s call to inner circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29) — a life where love and truth cut away selfishness, enabling true service to God and neighbor.
In summary: Genesis 17 adds a vital layer — Abraham’s relationship to God deepens, and this commitment shapes his relationship to others. Self in relation to others begins with a covenantal heart — disciplined, honest, and faithful — so that outward actions (circumcision then, service now) reflect inner truth.
Genesis 18 — Visitors and the Promise of Isaac
Biblical Event: Three visitors promise Sarah a son. Abraham intercedes for Sodom, showing compassion.
Cayce Insight: Abraham’s faith and hospitality show how inner awareness translates into right action with others.
ASFG Principle: To live Christ’s law is to love God and neighbor. Serving others without pride or humiliation aligns us with divine will.
Genesis 19 — Lot in Sodom
Biblical Event: Lot lives in corrupt Sodom. His wealth and choices place him in danger. God spares him for Abraham’s sake.
Cayce Insight: Lot represents the danger of self-serving choices and poor associations.
ASFG Principle: Relationships built on self-interest collapse. Only love, sacrifice, and service endure.
Genesis 20 — Abraham and Abimelech
Biblical Event: Abraham again says Sarah is his sister. Abimelech takes her but God warns him in a dream. Abimelech restores Sarah and honors Abraham.
Cayce Insight: God’s protection continues despite Abraham’s weakness. Faith sustains relationships.
ASFG Principle: Be what you seem. Live your creed. Our actions should hold “the torch divine” before others, reflecting Christ’s standard.
Key Integration
Abraham’s life illustrates faith, humility, mistakes, and God’s continued protection.
Cayce’s insight: Abraham is not just a Bible character but a condition of our own soul’s journey — faith and right relationship to others.
ASFG principle: Self-knowledge shows itself in how we relate to others. We love God by loving our neighbor.
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