ABRAHAM


A. "BY FAITH ABRAHAM, WHEN HE WAS CALLED TO GO OUT INTO A PLACE WHICH HE SHOULD AFTER RECEIVE FOR AN INHERITANCE, OBEYED; AND HE WENT OUT, NOT KNOWING WHITHER HE WENT." HEBREWS 11:8
  1. The story of the life of Abraham:
    1. Has become legendary - being repeated by many faiths; Jews, Christians, and the Mohammedan world
    2. His life of faith has become the incentive for greater faith in God among many nations; in fact, his life has become immortal in its influence
  2. These facts make the story of Abraham most intriguing to Bible readers:
    1. Its beneficial powers seem inexhaustible
    2. And it seems clear that providence wants it that way
B. THE LIFE STORY OF ABRAHAM
  1. Began with his call from God:
    1. To leave his home, his relatives and his native country; "Now the Lord had said unto Abram, "Get thee out of the country and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house unto a land that I will shew thee" - Gen. 12:1
    2. To break away from the homeland, from loved one, from the home environment is the very first requirement in our walk with God: Examples Jesus Christ made this move a condition of discipleship - Mark 10:28-30; the rich young ruler refused to take this step - Matt. 19:16-19
    3. But the Bible makes it plain, that there are definite reasons for this requirement; Examples: In Abram's case it was the practice of idolatry; in the case of most Christians it is worldliness - compare 2 Cor. 6:14-17 with I Pet. 4:1-5
  2. But there were other vital reasons for Abram leaving his homeland:
    1. He was to be God's missionary bringing the faith to other people - Gen. 12:2-3
    2. This is the great reason for leaving home - Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8-9
C. SEVEN IMPORTANT OBJECT LESSONS FROM THE LIFE STORY OF ABRAHAM
  1. The power of Christ-centered faith:
    1. Living, active faith in God's promises is just about synonymous with the life story of Abraham
    2. It seems impossible to dwell upon faith and not be reminded of our father Abraham - Rom. 4:11-16
  2. That, again emphasizes the power of saving faith; this is made crystal clear in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews - the chapter of faith:
    1. It will be very useful for us to study that chapter to learn the mighty power of Christ-centered faith
    2. This faith is not the speciality of a few individuals, but is accessible to all who embrace it regardless of race, color or state
  3. This faith is the fruit of a life subject to continuous tests, trials and perseverance:
    1. Abraham's faith was tested from the time he left his homeland to the day that he fell asleep to await the call of the life giver
    2. The tests were not easy but very severe as indicated in the sacrifice of Isaac - Gen. 22:1-12
  4. This faith is not the out-burst of human emotions, but rather upon childlike trust in the unfailing goodness of God:
    1. For He who promised, will not, cannot lie - Rom 4:21; Heb. 10:23; 11:11
    2. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" - Heb. 11:1
  5. This faith is divinely linked with obedience to the word of God:
    1. Abraham obeyed - Heb. 11:8; Gen. 22:1-12
    2. Faith without works is dead - James 2:26
  6. This faith is accessible to all:
    1. Note these scriptures - Acts 10:34-35; Rom. 10:11
  7. Finally, the life story of Abraham is incontrovertible proof of God's fidelity to man and His promises to men - Heb. 6:13-18


Design © John Bryant 2011