God Tests, God Provides, Part II

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Caitlin Jefferson
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1 God Tests, God Provides, Part II I. Introduction and review A. Genesis Chapter 22 recounts the ultimate test in Abraham s life 1. This test for Abraham involved the most important thing in his life 2. The test that God relates to us in this chapter, may best be described as an assay, that is a test of the a. Authenticity, and b. Purity and value of Abraham s faith c. It also involves the strengthening of that faith B. We asked ourselves last week, what was the most important thing in our lives 1. Would we be willing to give it up if God asked us to C. We also came to understand that God used this story from Abraham s life to paint a picture of the future 1. In theological terms that is called a type 2. Can we be sure that god really intended for there to be types 3. Consider Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18 it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. 4. That now leads us to an understanding of John 8:36 D. Now we witnessed Abraham s new style of obedience 1. Obedience that is based on faith Page 1 of 6

2 2. Obedience that is immediate 3. Obedience that is thorough and complete II. A Key question in this story is who knew? A. People who didn t know 1. The servants 2. Isaac B. What about Sarah? 1. If Abraham told Sarah, then that creates a second battlefield a. God will want to use her in Abraham s life b. Satan will also want to use her 2. If Abraham told Sarah, then that creates an opportunity for great closeness or great division 3. If Abraham told Sarah, how could she have been used against him a. I don t believe that God would tell you to kill your son b. If you take him to the mountains of Moriah, when you come back I will not be here 4. If Abraham told Sarah, how should of Sarah reacted a. Are you sure God told you b. Abraham, my husband, when you leave I will start my fast and my prayer c. I will not cease to pray for you and our son until the both of you return d. I believe that this will be a high point in our lives Page 2 of 6

3 5. Think about Abraham and Isaac s return in each instance 6. Consider our Pastor and his wife III. How did Abraham refer to what he was going to do? A. He called it worship B. What was worship to Abraham? 1. Worship is first and foremost an encounter with the living God a. Remember Exodus 3:5 Then He said, "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." b. The location where Moses was, was made holy because of God s presence c. His shoes were removed as a show of reverence d. We must always remember that God is our friend but He is also our sovereign Lord 2. Genuine worship involves submission and obedience to the Lord a. In Genesis 22 Abraham is the perfect example of obedience b. Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" 3. Worship is only as real as the involvement of those participating in it a. Dry, meaningless rituals do not involve worship b. But the heart of worship is understanding in a very real way what God has done c. Abraham understood what God was going to do in a very real way Page 3 of 6

4 4. A true worship experience is often the result of our preparation for that time a. Consider Abraham s preparation for Mount Moriah (1) both during his life leading up to this event, and (2) during his trip to the place opf worship with his son Isaac b. Exodus 19:9-11, 17 9 The LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever." Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD. 10 The LORD also said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; 11 and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 5. Worship is bringing the best we have to God a. Matthew 2:11 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. b. What did Abraham do when he went to Mount Moriah to worship C. Verses 6 & 8 speak of Abraham and his son walking on together 1. We saw that this phrase means more that going in the same direction 2. It speaks of a oneness of mind and purpose 3. Abraham s relationship with Isaac, through this experience of worship, has now reached a level that few fathers and their sons ever obtain IV. Genesis 22:9-14 Page 4 of 6

5 A. How would Abraham have killed Isaac? 1. Not by stabbing him 2. But by slicing his throat B. Verse Who calls to Abraham a. The one whose sacrifice will not be stopped 2. The levels of closeness to God involve four attitudes which produce four responses to Him a. Faith b. Love c. Obedience d. Fear 3. God speaks in terms of the fourth or culminating level of relationship with Abraham C. Verse 14, the name Yahweh Jireh 1. We should understand this verse to say that Abraham called the name of God in that place, Yahweh Jireh 2. What does that name hold for us in promise and understanding 3. In Abraham s life God has always made provision for him 4. Can you look back in your life and see where in the past He has made provison for you 5. What is the key to seeking and obtaining His provision V. Genesis 22:15-19 Final Principles for Us to Acknowledge Page 5 of 6

6 A. When we obey, God becomes more real to us B. When we obey, God relieves the pressure as He affirms our faith C. When we obey, God provides D. When we obey, God multiplies His blessings as he ratifies His promises Page 6 of 6

GOD WILL PROVIDE GENESIS 22

Text: Genesis 22:8 GOD WILL PROVIDE GENESIS 22 Genesis 22:8 8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. Introduction: 1. WE ARE