Three Essential tests of genuine Faith Hebrews 11:17-19 Three Essential tests of genuine Faith

Many faiths mentioned in scripture… “Little Faith” - Matthew 6:30 “No Faith” - John 12:37-40 “Weak Faith” - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “Hidden Faith” - John 12:42, 43 “Only Faith” - James 2:14-26 “Demonic Faith” - James 2:19 “Worthless Faith” - James 2:17 “Traitor Faith” - 2 Timothy 4:10 “Almost Faith” - Acts 26:26-29 “Giant Killing Faith” - 1 Samuel 17:32-51 “Fiery Furnace Faith” - Daniel 3:22-30 “Lion Proof Faith” - Daniel 6:11-28 “Great Faith” - Matthew 8:5-10

Hebrews 11:17-19 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure

Introduction Abraham’s faith was tested by God He faith is said to have been tempted or proved Genesis 22:1 Abraham demonstrated his faith was genuine Abraham’s faith passed three essential tests We will discuss these three tests of Abraham’s faith

The Test of AUTHORITY Abraham’s faith tested… If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows - 1 Timothy 5:16 Abraham’s faith tested… Based on specific authority - Genesis 22:2 What was offered - cf. Items of worship Singing, Prayer, Teaching, Giving & L. Supper 1st day of week Who did the offering - Prepared by Abraham Executing vengeance - Romans 12:19-13:4 Christians or Civil Government? Praying for forgiveness - Acts 8:22, 12-13 Erring brother or alien sinner Lord’s Work Church or human institutions Reliving needy saints - 1 Timothy 5:16 Church or individual?

A Difference: Individual & Church “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them…” (1 Tim. 5:16) “...and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows” (1 Tim. 5:16)

The Test of AUTHORITY Based on general authority - Genesis 22:3 Donkey & men included in the command to “take” Methods of taking the wood to the place Donkey & men are parallels to aids of worship Building/meeting place, song books, lights etc.

The Test of TRUST Abraham Trusted God’s… Promise Power Purpose Vs. 18, 19; Genesis 12:1-2; 21:12 Power Vs. 19; Genesis 22:5, 7-13 Purpose Did not question WHY? God’s Word is the only reason needed for… Baptism, Lord’s Supper every Lord’s day Must respect the reason, even if it is given Baptism - Mark 16:15, 16 Lord’s Supper every first day - 1 Corinthians 11:20 ff. Collection every first day - 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2

The Test of WORKS Abraham justified by Faith when it worked When (not until) he made the offering Not by works of the law or merit - Romans 4:1-8 By works of an obedient faith - James 2:21-24 Romans 1:5 We are “Abraham’s seed” and children of God by faith when (not until)… We are baptized into Christ - Galatians 3:26-29

Galatians 3:26-29 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise

We Need Faith That… This Results in a Genuine Faith! Respects the word of God and the One behind the word Obeys the word of God and the One behind the word Trusts the word of God and the One behind the word This Results in a Genuine Faith!