Scripture Reading: James 2:23

Introduction

A. Some might think that the Old Testament would make a poor instructor on the subject of love, but Jesus said that it is all about love from start to finish (Matthew 22:35–40).

B. There are few examples of love for God as striking as that of Abraham. How did “the friend of God” show his love for Him?

Discussion

I. Abraham did all that God commanded.

A. This is the true test of a man’s love for God (Deuteronomy 11:1; 30:16; Joshua 22:5; 1 John 5:3; John 14:23–24).

B. When God called him to leave his father’s house, he left (Acts 7:2–3; Hebrews 11:8; Genesis 12:4).

C. When God commanded him to be circumcised, he obeyed (Genesis 17:5–11; cf. Colossians 2:11–12).

D. When God commanded him to send Ishmael away, he did (Genesis 21:12–14; cf. 17:18–19).

II. Abraham put God above everything else in his life.

A. He put God above his father and his father’s gods (Joshua 24:2–3).

B. He put God above his country (Hebrews 11:15–16).

C. He put God above money (Genesis 13:10–13; 14:21–23).

D. He put God above his children (Genesis 21:12–14; 22:2–12).

Conclusion

A. Do you love God the way that Abraham did? Do you love Him enough to keep His commandments and put away all other gods?

B. Do you love God enough to enter a covenant with Him and to become a true child of Abraham (Galatians 3:26–29)?

C. Loving God is what the Scriptures are all about. Do you love Him?