Scripture Reading: Genesis 22:1–18
Introduction
A. We have learned some valuable lessons from the early chapters of the Bible and the characters and events in them.
B. This morning we considered the love that Abraham showed for God, but there are so many more lessons to be learned from him.
Discussion
I. From Abraham we learn that God will always provide.
A. God provided him with great riches (Genesis 13:2).
B. God provided him with protection (Genesis 14:15; 12:17).
C. God provided him with what he wanted most—a son (Genesis 12:2; 15:4; 17:16; 18:10; 21:1–2).
D. God provided him with a sacrifice (Genesis 22:7–13).
II. From Abraham we learn that God will always listen.
A. He listened when Abram expressed his concerns about being childless (Genesis 15:1–6).
B. He listened when Abraham pleaded for the souls of Sodom (Genesis 18:23–32).
C. He listened to Abraham as one would listen to a friend (James 2:23; Isaiah 41:8; cf. 1 Peter 3:12).
III. We learn that God will count faith for righteousness.
A. Abraham was by no means a perfect man (Genesis 12:12–13; 16:4; 20:2).
B. Abraham was faithful (Hebrews 11:8, 18; James 1:21–22).
C. God counted this man’s faith for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; cf. James 2:23; Romans 4:9–12, 23–24).
Conclusion
A. We can be children of Abraham (Romans 2:28–29; Galatians 3:26–29).
B. We can be as faithful as he, and we can obtain the promise.