Abraham Obeys God

Abraham Obeys God

Introduction (Genesis 22:1–19):
In Genesis 22 we read of Abraham’s supreme test of obedience when God commanded him to offer Isaac, his only son, as a burnt offering. This event shows us the true nature of faith proven through action.

The Test of Abraham’s Faith
When God commanded Abraham to take Isaac to Mount Moriah, the request seemed beyond human understanding. Why would God, who had promised descendants through Isaac, require this? From a human standpoint, the command had no purpose. Yet Abraham did not argue, delay, or refuse. He rose early, prepared the wood, and set out to obey. Hebrews 11:17–19 explains that Abraham believed God was able to raise Isaac from the dead. That is the depth of faith we see—trusting God even when we do not understand His command.

Faith Proven by Works
Scripture makes it clear that faith is not simply what we believe in our hearts. James 2:18–22 points directly to Abraham, showing that his faith was perfected by his works. God could see Abraham’s heart, but He did not count him faithful without obedient action. If Abraham had refused, his claim of faith would have been empty. The lesson is simple: true faith always results in obedience. Without works, faith is dead.

The Modern Parallel of Baptism
Today, God commands all men to be baptized into Christ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). Some say that baptism is unnecessary, that God knows the heart, and that faith alone saves. Yet 1 Peter 3:21 states baptism is the appeal of a good conscience toward God. It is the obedient response of faith. Just as Abraham’s faith was made complete by offering Isaac, so our faith is made complete by obeying the command of baptism. Colossians 2:12 teaches that in baptism we are raised through faith in the working of God. Faith and obedience are inseparable.

Faith Lived Out Daily
James further illustrates dead faith with the example of seeing a brother in need yet doing nothing to help (James 2:15–16). The thought may be kind, but without action it accomplishes nothing. So it is with our faith in God. If we claim to believe but neglect His commands—whether evangelism, worship, purity of speech, or regular study—our faith is unprofitable. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Our faith must be evident in daily obedience.

Conclusion
Abraham obeyed fully and became the father of the faithful. His example reminds us that faith cannot remain hidden in the heart. It must be shown in obedience to God’s word. The same God who tested Abraham calls us to obey Him today with the same wholehearted trust.

Abraham Obeys God Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Genesis 22:1–19)
  • Abraham’s supreme test of obedience.
  • Faith demonstrated through action.
• The Test of Abraham’s Faith
  • God’s command to sacrifice Isaac.
  • Human reasoning could not explain the command.
  • Abraham trusted God’s promise, believing in resurrection (Hebrews 11:17–19).
• Faith Proven by Works
  • God sees the heart but requires action (Hebrews 4:13; John 2:24–25).
  • Abraham’s faith perfected through obedience (James 2:18–22).
  • Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
• The Modern Parallel of Baptism
  • Baptism commanded (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).
  • Baptism as the appeal of faith toward God (1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12).
  • Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6).
• Faith Lived Out Daily
  • Illustration of dead faith (James 2:15–16).
  • Faith demonstrated by daily obedience:
    • Evangelism (Matthew 28:19–20).
    • Worship (John 4:24).
    • Purity of speech (Ephesians 4:29).
    • Diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15).
• Conclusion
  • Abraham as the father of the faithful.
  • Faith must be shown through obedience.

Call to Action
God tested Abraham, and his obedience became a testimony of living faith. Our lives are tested in the same way. Do not be content with faith that stays in the heart without action. If you have not obeyed the gospel in baptism, do so. If you have obeyed, then continue daily in obedience, living out your faith in worship, service, and holiness. Like Abraham, obey God all the way.

Key Takeaways

• Faith is proven by obedience (James 2:18–22).
• God requires action, not just intentions (Hebrews 4:13).
• Baptism is the obedient response of faith (1 Peter 3:21).
• Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
• Daily faithfulness is shown through obedience to God’s word (Matthew 4:4).

Scripture Reference List

• Genesis 22:1–19 – Abraham’s test of obedience.
• Hebrews 11:17–19 – Abraham believed God could raise Isaac.
• James 2:18–22 – Faith perfected by works.
• Hebrews 4:13 – God sees all.
• John 2:24–25 – Jesus knew what was in man.
• 1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism as the appeal of faith.
• Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16 – Baptism commanded.
• Colossians 2:12 – Raised with Christ through faith.
• Galatians 5:6 – Faith working through love.
• James 2:15–16 – Dead faith illustrated.
• Matthew 4:4 – Living by every word of God.
• Matthew 28:19–20 – Command of evangelism.
• John 4:24 – Worship in spirit and truth.
• Ephesians 4:29 – Purity of speech.
• 2 Timothy 2:15 – Diligence in study.

Prepared by Mike Glenn

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