A. God’s command to Abraham (Gen 22:1-2)

 

1. Isaac was the promised heir (Gen 17:18-19)

 

2. Child sacrifice was a grim reality in ancient times (2 Kings 3:27, Jer 19:5)

 

Lesson #1: God tests His people (1 Pet 4:12 NASB, Jer 17:10)

 

B. Abraham’s Response (Gen 22:3-12)

 

1. Traditionally identified as Mount Moriah (Gen 22:2, 2 Chr 3:1)

 

2. Abraham had three days to think about this

 

3. Isaac was a strong young man (Gen 22:5-6)

 

4. Isaac trusted his father (Gen 22:7-8)

 

5. Abraham trusted God (Gen 22:9-10, Heb 11:17-19)

 

7. God delivered Isaac (Gen 22:11-12)

 

Lesson #2: We need to trust God always (Prv 3:5-6, 1 Tim 6:17)

 

C. God’s Reaction toward Abraham (Gen 22:13-19)

 

1. Abraham’s test had a higher purpose

Abraham pictured God the Father offering His only Son

Isaac carried the wood just as Jesus carried His cross

He was symbolically dead during the 3 day journey

He was symbolically resurrected on the 3^rd day (Heb 11:19)

 

2. God promised to bless Abraham (Gen 22:15-18, Heb 6:13)

Deut 1:10 descendants as the stars of heaven

2 Sam 8:6, 14 possessed the gates of their enemies

Gal 3:8 all families of the earth blessed in Christ

 

Lesson #3: God rewards faithfulness (Deut 7:9, Ps 37:3-4)