An Example of Faith
(Genesis 22:1-14 ; Hebrews 11:17,19)
In this sermon we will look at the question of why Abraham was so willing to offer Isaac and how Abraham’s is a great example of faith.
Why was Abraham so willing to sacrifice his son?
1) First we will look at some of the history concerning Abraham and his son Isaac.
- Genesis 15:1-6 (Original promise, note the word of the Lord comes to him)
- Genesis 16:1-16 (Birth of Ismael)
- Genesis 17:15-19 (Promise of Isaac vs. Ismael)
- Genesis 21:1-8 (Birth of Isaac)
2) Note the surety of Abraham (Genesis 22:5)
- Abraham says they are both coming back.
3) Why such certainty? (Hebrews 11:17-19)
- Abraham believed that God would raise up Isaac because of the above promises.
Is this just Blind Faith?
There was something else that increased Abraham’s faith regarding the resurrection of Isaac, if he had sacrificed him. In Romans 4:13-23 we see that Abraham had received Isaac by way of resurrection already which is what is meant in Hebrews 11:19. God was waiting on Abraham to be unable to have children physically so that he could bring his body back to life in order to have Isaac. He we see the resurrection that Hebrews is speaking of.
This connects Isaac with the Spiritual seed (stars of heaven Genesis 15:5, as well as the sand of the sea Genesis 22:17. Note that Isaac is said to be born of the Spirit (Galatians 4:29).
Abraham’s faith is said to be made perfect when he offers up Isaac (James 1:21,22)
How can we apply this to us?
1) Abraham’s faith is a type of our faith (Romans 4:1-25)
2) Faith is no good until it is tried (James 1:3 ; 1 Peter 1:7)
- Note Genesis 22:1(tempt) with Hebrews 11:17(tried)
Abraham was given the word and then an example to show him that God’s word will come to pass. We are given the word and tremendous examples in the word and life. Therefore Abraham is our example and we should follow in his footsteps of faith.