Abraham’s Sacrificial Faith

Prepared by Bobby Stafford, church of Christ at Granby, MO

Faith That Is Proven by Obedience
James 2:21–24 highlights the remarkable faith of Abraham by pointing to the moment he offered Isaac on the altar. James asks plainly, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?” This account demonstrates that Abraham’s faith wasn’t just a feeling or private conviction—it was proven through obedience. When God commanded Abraham to offer his only son, the son of promise, Abraham did not hesitate. Genesis 22 tells us that he rose early the next morning and set out for Mount Moriah. He trusted that God could still fulfill His promises, even if it meant raising Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:17–19). That is sacrificial faith in action.

Faith Is Made Complete by Works
James explains that Abraham’s faith was “working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect.” Faith is not complete until it obeys. It must be tested, and when it is, it grows stronger. Abraham believed God’s promise in Genesis 15:6, and it was accounted to him as righteousness. But that belief was ultimately fulfilled—completed and confirmed—when he acted years later in obedience. A living faith obeys; a dead faith remains idle. James is clear: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”

Sacrificial Faith Requires Trust in God's Plan
The test God gave Abraham was not just about offering his son. It was about trusting God’s plan completely. Isaac represented more than a child—he represented the future, the promise, and the hope of generations. Yet Abraham laid him on the altar. Real faith says, “Even when I don’t understand, I will obey.” That’s the kind of faith Jesus calls us to. In Luke 14:26–27, He said we must be willing to forsake everything and take up our cross. Sacrificial faith trusts in God when the path is hard, and the outcome uncertain.

Faith Without Works Is Useless
The lesson James drives home is that faith without obedience is powerless. Many today believe they are saved simply because they believe in God or say they trust in Christ. But as James says earlier in the chapter, “Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19). Abraham didn’t just say he believed—he acted on it. His faith moved him to obey, and that’s why he was called the friend of God. If we want to be justified like Abraham, we must live as he lived—obeying God fully, even when the sacrifice is great.

The Law of Liberty and God's Mercy
James concludes his argument by calling believers to live as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. This means taking God’s word seriously and understanding that even one sin—if left unrepented—makes us a transgressor. The mercy God offers us now is available because of Christ. But that mercy must be received through obedient faith. Abraham’s story reminds us that faith is not merely about believing in God—it is about believing God enough to obey Him in everything.

Sermon Outline: Abraham’s Sacrificial Faith

Text: James 2:21–24; Genesis 22; Hebrews 11:17–19
Theme: Genuine faith is demonstrated through obedience, even when it requires great personal sacrifice.

I. Abraham’s Faith Was Not Passive

• James 2:21 — Abraham did something
• Genesis 22 — He rose early and obeyed God’s exact command
• Faith without action is empty

II. Faith and Works Work Together

• James 2:22 — Faith is made perfect by works
• Genesis 15:6 fulfilled in Genesis 22
• Hebrews 11: faith that acts, not sits still

III. Sacrificial Faith Trusts God’s Plan

• Hebrews 11:17–19 — Belief in resurrection
• Genesis 22:8 — “God will provide”
• Luke 14:26–27 — Carry your own cross

IV. Justified by Obedient Faith

• James 2:24 — “Not by faith only”
• Romans 6:3–4 — Obedience in baptism
• Abraham believed and obeyed

V. A Friend of God

• James 2:23 — Abraham called friend of God
• John 15:14 — Friends obey Jesus
• Sacrificial obedience leads to divine approval

Call to Action

Abraham didn’t offer words—he offered action. And God called him His friend. What about you? Is your faith living or dead? Have you obeyed God in baptism, repented of sin, and begun walking in sacrificial trust? If not, today is the day to follow Abraham’s example. God’s mercy is available while you live—but mercy is not promised at judgment to those who reject obedience. Lay your all on the altar today. Obey God fully, trust Him completely, and become His friend.