ABRAHAM’S FAITH
Text: Genesis 22
31 January 2012
(I) ABRAHAM’S FAITH
1. Evidenced in his declaration to his servants
“We will come back to you” Genesis 22:5
2. Evidenced in his declaration to his son, Isaac
“My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering” Genesis 22:8
(II) THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE IN MOUNT MORIAH
1. Altar built (Genesis 22:9)
2. The wood borne by Isaac placed on the altar (Genesis 22:6, 9)
3. Fire in hand (Genesis 22:6)
4. Isaac laid on altar (Genesis 22:9)
5. Abraham stretched forth his hand to slay his son (Genesis 22:10)
(III) DIVINE INTERVENTION
1. The Angel of the LORD
a) This is a special reference to the Pre-incarnate Christ
b) His manner of speaking sets Him apart from other angels
2. Word of the Angel of the LORD to Abraham
a) Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him (Genesis 22:12a)
Isaac is not to be harmed
b) Now I know that you fear God (Genesis 2:12b)
The fear of the Lord is of paramount importance
c) Since you have not withheld you son, your only son, from Me (Genesis 22:12c)
Sacrifice that is offered to the Lord must see us dare to withhold nothing
(IV) THE PROVISION OF THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB
1. Abraham had believed that God would provide the sacrificial lamb
2. His faith in God was not in vain (Genesis 22:13)
3. “God-will-provide” (Genesis 22:8, 14)
(V) THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM
1. By Myself I have sworn (Genesis 22:16a)
A most solemn oath
2. Because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son (Genesis 22:16b)
Because you have obeyed My voice (Genesis 22:18)
Blessings as a reward of faith
Principle: “Because”
3. Blessing pronounced (Genesis 22:17-19)
a) Blessing I will bless you
b) Multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven
And as the sand which is on the seashore
c) And your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies
d) In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed
(VI) RETURN TO BEERSHEBA
(Genesis 22:19)
1. Abraham did return to his servants with his son Isaac
2. They returned to their home in Beersheba
(VII) BRIEF COMMENTARY ON ABRAHAM’S FAMILY
(Genesis 22:20-24)
1. Abraham’s brother and sister-in-law
Nahor and Milcah (Genesis 22:20)
2. Milcah had 8 children (Genesis 22:22)
3. Second marriage (concubine)
4 children (Genesis 22:23)