Introduction

  • James 2:21-23 – Abraham was called a friend of God.
  • Abraham was justified by an active faith – his works. Works here are works of obedience – not works that earn one salvation.

Sacrifice

  • Hebrews 11
    • Nouns (faith, belief)
    • Verbs (prepared, offered, etc.)
  • I John
    • Walking, confessing, keeping, loving, abiding, practicing, guarding, purifying
    • If we say we have faith in God, we prove it by what we do!
  • James 2
    • “Faith was completed by his works.”
  • Chronology of God’s promises to Abraham
    • Genesis 12:1-3 – 75 years old when promised a seed/offering
    • Genesis 16:15-16 – 86 years old when Ishmael (not the promised offspring) is born
    • Genesis 17:1-19 – 99 years old when he and Sarah would have a son named Isaac
    • Genesis 18:9-14 – 99 years old – in one year Sarah to give birth to Isaac
    • Genesis 21:1-5 – 100 years old when the promised son Isaac is born
    • Genesis 22:1-2 – Age unknown – God tells Abraham to offer Isaac.
  • Did Abraham actually sacrifice Isaac?
  • James 2:21
  • God got the sacrifice He wanted: He wanted Abraham.

Abraham the friend of God sacrificed his logic

  • II Kings 5:9-12 – Naaman didn’t think Elisha’s instructions made any sense!
  • Baptism may not make sense to us from a human standpoint.

Abraham the friend of God sacrificed his emotions

  • Matthew 10:34-38

Abraham the friend of God sacrificed his will

  • Matthew 16:24 – We must deny ourselves.