Faith As Demonstrated By Abraham
A test of faith on Mount Moriah – Gen. 22:1-14
v3 – immediately complied with God’s instructions.
v5 – demonstrated his confidence in God’s promises.
v8 – demonstrated his trust in God’s provision.
v12 – passed the test of his faith with colors flying (fear = trust, faith, confidence).
Why is Abraham the best example of the faithful man.
A. Gal. 3:6-9 – because he is the father of those who are of faith.
- To the Jew by covenant – Rom. 4:9-16.
- To Jew & Gentile apart from covenant – Rom. 4:9-16.
The characteristics Of faith as demonstrated by Abraham.
A. Faith requires decision – Hob. 11:8
- We give evidence of our faith when we make right choices based upon clear instruction.
- Gen. 12:1-4 = God said “go”, Abraham “departed”. He had two choices – go or stay.
- Choice is the outstanding element of faith.
- v8 – he obeyed, he could have disobeyed.
v9 – he sojourned, he could have gone home (11:15 says so).
v17 – he offered, he could have refused.
4. Through faith Abraham made the right choices, true of the other examples in the chapter.
- v4 – Abel chose aright, Cain did not.
5. Has practical application in salvation.
6. Has practical application in the Christian walk.
Not under the law, but under grace – Rom. 6:14 Praying always for all saints – Eph.6:18 Study to show thyself approved – 2 Tim. 2:15 Give, not grudgingly – 2 Cor. 9:7 Forgive one another – Eph. 4:32 Be kindly affectioned one to another – Rom. 12:10 B. Faith requires vision – Heb. 11:10. 1. Our faith should be identified by the quality that enables us to look beyond present circumstances, and empowers us to visualize God’s eternal purpose and our future in ages to come. 2. Why was Abraham able to live, and die, in a strange land? The answer found in vv13-14. Died in faith (not in the faith) which means they had confidence in death. Had a vision of what would be despite present circumstance. He visualized the city of God and his place in it. He visualized a country peopled with his descendants. Recognized the temporary nature of life in the flesh. 3. Exactly the perspective we are to have. Phil. 3:20-21 – where our vision is to be focused. Col. 3:1-3 – where our affections are to be fixed. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 – recognize the temporal nature of our time on earth. The things that happen to us are not so important, and of eternal consequence. C. Faith requires trust – Heb. 11:11
D. Faith is sound (the means of a good report). Everyone knows what a good report is (ill. children & report cards). Pro. 15:30 -” a good report maketh the bones fat.” I don’t know what fat bones are, but I guess that is what every kid wants on report card day.
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