The Faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, aand Joseph

July 23, 2017
Sermon
Lesson 38
Hebrews 11:17-19

The Divinely Tested Faith of Abraham

Main Idea: What To Do When God Tests Our Faith
Abraham’s Dilemma:

· God’s promise: a land, a people and a blessing
· God’s command: to sacri'ce his “one and only” son
· God’s tes*ng: God’s command seems to con+ict with God’s promises!
· Believe God’s promises (17-18)
 Þ Trust Him: “By faith” (17)
 Þ Receive His promises (18)

“Through Isaac shall your o5spring be named.”
· Expect God’s tesng (17)
· Obey God’s commands (17)
· Think in divine, sovereign terms (19)
 Þ God is able to do resurrecons (19)
 Þ The tension itself is divine (and not our problem to resolve!)

· Enjoy the fruit of faith! (19)
 Þ The resurrecon of Christ
 Þ The resurrecon of believers

Applicaon

Do we have this kind of “saving faith” today?
Are we responding “faithfully” to God’s testing?