Abraham

ABRAHAM

Heb. 11:8-19

Introduction:   “The father of the faithful” is the title most often given to Abraham. “The Friend of God” (James 2:23; Isa. 41:8) is Inspiration’s title!

The name “Abraham” is honored by Jews, Arabs, and Christians. He is chosen in four great chapters of the New Testament as an example of “Justification By Faith”: Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11, James 2.

More verses are devoted to Abraham in Hebrews 11 than to any other individual.

Notice three things in Abraham’s life that are used here to illustrate Abraham’s faith.

I.            His Move from Ur to Canaan (vv. 8-10)

              A.      “He went out, not knowing whither he went.”

                        1.         A long journey!

                        2.         A hard journey!

                        3.         Left a civilized city.

                        4.         Became a nomad (H. McCord: “Lived from a suitcase the rest of his life.”)

B.      Why would he do this?

1.       “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (v.10).

2.       His treasure was “laid up in heaven!”

II.          His Faith in the Promise of Being a Father of Many Nations (vv. 11-l2)

A.      Read Genesis 15:1-6

1.       The promise is made that Abraham’s descendants will be as the stars of heaven (v. 5).

2.       But as yet, Abraham had not even one child!

B.      It is in this context that it is said, “And Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

1.       Rom. 4:19-21: “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

2.       Though there were obstacles that would have caused many to stumble, Abraham remained “sure-footed!”

III.         The Offering of Isaac (vv. 17-19)

A.      See Genesis 22:1—14

1.       The ultimate test of loyalty and trust.

2.       Think of the solemn journey!

B.      Divine commentary sheds light on Abraham:

                         1.         He knew that God had said “In Isaac shall thy seed be called.”

2.         Now, God commands him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

                        3.         Abraham concluded that, in order for both of these things to take place, which on                                              the surface appear to be mutually exclusive, God must raise Isaac from the                                                   dead!

C.      Though Isaac was not actually slain, the boy was “as good as dead” in Abraham’s heart.

1.       The sparing of Isaac was like a resurrection, as far as Abraham was concerned.

2.       To that extent, this episode became a foreshadowing of the resurrection of Jesus, who through death conquered death (see 1 Cor. 15:54).

Conclusion:               Wherever faith is spoken of, Abraham’s name cannot be far out of mind!