June 3, 2018

Faith and Testing (Hebrews 11:17-19)

Pastor: Ben Muresan Series: Hebrews: Christ Is Superior Topic: Hebrews Scripture: Hebrews 11:17–19

First Reading: Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Matthew 22:34-40

Second Reading: Genesis 22:1-19

Sermon Text: Hebrews 11:17-19

In Genesis 22 we read that God came to Abraham and tested him. This was not the first time God tested Abraham, but it was the most severe test that Abraham had faced. What was Abraham’s response? Hebrews 11:17 simply tells us, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.” Abraham’s response was one of obedience to God’s command. Abraham had faith—he was receiving and resting in the promise that God had given him. As a result, he was able to obey God’s command even when it seemed to contradict God’s promise.

Though Abraham’s great faith is displayed in Genesis 22, God’s faithfulness shines even brighter. God spared Isaac and provided a substitute to die in his place. The ram that Abraham saw caught in the thicket was a shadow that pointed forward to the Perfect Substitute that was to come, the One who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). God revealed his faithfulness by renewing his promise to Abraham that all the nations of the earth would be blessed by Abraham’s offspring. God has fulfilled his promise to Abraham in Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

other sermons in this series