HEROES OF FAITH
Lesson 4 – THE GREAT TEST OF FAITH
TEXT: Gen. 15:1-6; 22:2; Heb. 1:17-18
INTRODUCTION:
A. A DRAMATIC AND TOUCHING STORY - INSPIRING.
B. INVOLVES A GREAT TEST OF FAITH.
I. DEFINITIONS:
A. TEST: "a measure of trial; specifically, subjection to conditions that show the real character of a person or thing in a certain particular."
B. FAITH: "confidence and conviction based on dependable and reliable testimony."
C. TESTS OF FAITH: "devices of deity by which man’s devotion to God is gauged"
D. MORAL COMMANDS: "that which is right in itself; matters which commend themselves to all good people as right in the nature of things.
E. POSITIVE COMMANDS: "signifies a type of command that is peremptory, arbitrary and absolute originating in the will of God and right because of the authority which promulgates it." God said so!
1. Commands in which we are unable to see any connection between that which is required and the blessing which is dependent thereon, i.e. Naaman.
2. Command which are of such a nature that the duties imposed are contrary to the natural feelings, distasteful and obnoxious, ie. Jonah.
3. Commands that necessitate the doing of things which, but for the fact that God commanded them would be positively wrong, ie. Abraham.
II. TO KEEP HIS PROMISE OF Gen. 12:3 IT WAS NECESSARY:
A. TO GIVE ABRAHAM NUMEROUS POSTERITY( Gen. 15:6 ).
B. TO KEEP THEM SEPARATE FROM OTHER PEOPLE( Eph. 2:11-12 ).
C. TO GIVE THEM A LAND IN WHICH TO DEVELOP( Gen. 15:8 ).
D. FOR THEM TO HAVE A LAW - MOSES( Ex. 19:5-6; 24:6-8 ).
E. MOST IMPORTANT - NECESSARY TO HAVE A SON!( Gen. 15:4-6; 21:12 ).
III. ABRAHAM’S FAITH IS TESTED( Gen. 22:1-2 ).
A. HE BELIEVED GOD, FAITH PERFECTED IN WORKS( James 2:20-23).
B. OBEDIENCE WAS PROMPT( Gen. 22:3; Psa. 119:60 ). NO DOUBT.
C. THE EXTENT OF ABRAHAM’S FAITH( Gen. 22:4-5 ).
1. By faith Abraham offered Isaac( Heb. 11:17-19 ).
a. His only begotten son( vs. 17 ). Compare John 3:16.
b. The one of promise( Gen. 22:15-16; 21:12 ).
c. Abraham believed God could raise Isaac( Heb. 11:19 ).
2. By faith Abraham did what God told him to do.
a. Faith comes by hearing( Rom. 10:17 ).
b. Faith alone cannot stand( James 2:20-24 ).
CONCLUSION
: HOW DOES YOUR FAITH MEASURE?