Scripture Reading: Romans 4:1–3

Introduction

A. Literary scholars have identified seven basic types of story: rags to riches, defeating the monster, voyage and return, comedy, tragedy, rebirth, and quest.

B. An excellent example of the quest is Pilgrim’s Progress (1678), in which the hero journeys from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, facing many dangers and fears along the way.

Discussion

I. One of the greatest quest stories of all time is that of Abraham.

A. Abraham set out on his journey without even knowing the destination (Genesis 12:1; Hebrews 11:8).

B. He encounters many obstacles, including famine (Genesis 13:10), war (Genesis 14), fears (Genesis 13:11–13), and even some doubt (Genesis 15:1–6).

C. It might appear that he failed to reach his goals, until you realize what he was seeking (Romans 4:1–7; Hebrews 11:9–10).

II. Every person’s life is a quest of some sort.

A. Many of us are seeking different things (Matthew 6:31–33).

B. Unlike our father Abraham, we know our destination (John 5:29; 1 Peter 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18).

C. Like him, we will face obstacles along the way (Matthew 5:12).

D. You cannot finish a quest you never begin (Matthew 7:13–14).

Conclusion

A. Are the goals in your life worth living and dying for?

B. The ending of your story will be determined in a large part by the decisions you are making today.