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Sermon Introduction

The author wrote a list of people who pleased God. The list included Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. And there was one thing in common among them— their faith in the invisible God and faith in His word. The author made it clear that without faith, it is impossible to please God (11:6). One of the stories of faith remembered by many is the story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, the son through whom God would fulfill the promise. The age of Isaac is unclear when his father bound him. He could be in his 20s or 30s. Abraham proceeded with the travel and preparation of the altar. One may presume that Isaac willingly submitted to the process. God tested Abraham, and he passed the test of faith. In his heart was faith in God. Nothing got in the way, not even his beloved son.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 11:17-19 NASB

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and the one who had received the promises was offering up his only son; 18 it was he to whom it was said, “Through Isaac your descendants shall be named.” 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

Notes

The author wrote a list of people who pleased God. The list included Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. And there was one thing in common among them— their faith in the invisible God and faith in His word. The author made it clear that without faith, it is impossible to please God (11:6). One of the stories of faith remembered by many is the story of Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, the son through whom God would fulfill the promise. The age of Isaac is unclear when his father bound him. He could be in his 20s or 30s. Abraham proceeded with the travel and preparation of the altar. One may presume that Isaac willingly submitted to the process. God tested Abraham, and he passed the test of faith. In his heart was faith in God. Nothing got in the way, not even his beloved son.

1. By faith, Abraham prepared to offer Isaac when God tested him. The patriarch proceeded to obey God despite the apparent difficulty. Without faith, Abraham could not have obeyed (11:17).

2. One of God’s promises to Abraham is that his descendants would grow in number, to a level that would be difficult to count. The promise was through Isaac, not Ishmael (11:18).

3. Abraham believed, and he was willing to obey God’s commands. If he offered Isaac, the patriarch believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead so God would fulfill the promise. Isaac became a typology of Christ (11:19).

Application

1. Expect God to test our faith because He will, either through adversity or abundance. By faith, let us obey God’s word even through difficulties, even if we lose everything. We surrender all.

2. God will fulfill His promise to Abraham to bless every nation, meaning people from every language and ethnic group. The fulfillment in Christ is making disciples of all nations. Thus, let us make disciples.

3. Faith gives us the confidence to know that God is sovereign. His will is sure no matter what. The reality of the typology is God sacrificed His Son and resurrected Him. He calls all to believe in His Son and repent of their sins. God will give life to their souls.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What was God’s test to Abraham?

2. How did the author explain Abraham's faith?

3. What can we learn from Abraham and Isaac’s story?