Abraham: Four Great Tests

Introduction:
     A.  Heb. 11:8-19
     B. Abraham's faith, it stood the test

I. Leave Home
     A. Gen. 12:1-4
     B. We may leave home, but home is in us
     C. Leaving requires separation
          1. From home (apron strings)
          2. From the world
              (2 Cor 6:16-17)  "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
              for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in
              them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my
              people. {17} Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate,
              saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"

II. Temptation of Power
     A. Gen. 14:21-24
     B. Abraham had his priorities right
     C. I Tim. 6:5-12
     D. Are your priorities right?

III. The Test of Delay
     A. Abraham had to wait  25 years for Isaac
     B. Promise came at 75  years (Gen. 12)
     C. Isaac born at 100 years (Gen. 21)
     D. Some may lose patience and doubt the coming of Christ (2 Peter 3:4)
     E. We are assured He is coming
          (2 Pet 3:8)  "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is
          with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."
     F. When He comes, will you be ready?

IV. The Sacrifice of Isaac (Gen. 22)
     A. Abraham was willing to sacrifice the most precious thing in his life
     B. Christ sacrificed His life for you
     C. What will you sacrifice for Him, how far will you go?

Conclusion:
     A. Abraham was tested often, he passed the test
     B. We also may be tested in this life (pain, sickness, poverty, death)
     C. Will your faith stand the test?
     D. Put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:11-18)

Michael E. Grooms