Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Isaac Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Isaac was a man of faith, peace, and obedience. He experienced God’s blessings and was part of the covenant lineage. However, his mistakes in parenting show us the dangers of favouritism and spiritual blindness.
CHARACTER STUDY OF ISAAC – SON OF ABRAHAM AND SARAH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 21:1-3
"And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac."
Supporting Texts: Genesis 22:1-18, Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 26:1-33, Genesis 27:1-40, Hebrews 11:20
INTRODUCTION:
Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, was the child of promise through whom God’s covenant would continue. His life was marked by obedience, faith, divine blessings, and challenges. Isaac was a man of peace who trusted God in times of difficulty. His character study teaches us valuable lessons about patience, trust, and the consequences of partiality in parenting.
1. ISAAC'S MIRACULOUS BIRTH
Isaac's birth was a fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah.
a) Promised by God – God assured Abraham that Sarah would bear a son (Genesis 18:10-14).
b) Born in Old Age – Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 when he was born (Genesis 21:5).
c) Laughter and Joy – His name, Isaac, means "laughter" because Sarah laughed in disbelief but later laughed in joy (Genesis 21:6).
d) The Covenant Son – Though Ishmael was Abraham’s firstborn, God established His covenant through Isaac (Genesis 17:19).
e) Biblical Example: Samuel was also a child of promise, given to Hannah after years of barrenness (1 Samuel 1:19-20).
2. ISAAC'S WILLINGNESS TO BE SACRIFICED
Isaac demonstrated faith and submission when Abraham took him to Mount Moriah.
a) A Test of Faith – God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a test of obedience (Genesis 22:1-2).
b) Isaac’s Submission – He willingly allowed himself to be bound and placed on the altar (Genesis 22:9).
c) God’s Intervention – At the last moment, God provided a ram in his place (Genesis 22:12-13)
d) A Foreshadowing of Christ – Isaac’s near sacrifice prefigures Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity (John 3:16).
e) Biblical Example: Jesus also submitted to God’s will in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).
3. ISAAC’S MARRIAGE TO REBEKAH
Isaac’s marriage was divinely arranged and filled with signs from God.
a) Abraham’s Concern – Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his homeland (Genesis 24:3-4).
b) Rebekah’s Selection – The servant prayed for a sign, and Rebekah fulfilled it (Genesis 24:12-20).
c) Rebekah’s Willingness – She agreed to go with the servant immediately (Genesis 24:57-58).
d) A Loving Marriage – Isaac loved Rebekah, and she brought him comfort after his mother’s death (Genesis 24:67).
e) Biblical Example: Jacob also married according to divine arrangement (Genesis 29:20-30).
4. ISAAC’S LIFE OF PRAYER AND PATIENCE
Isaac relied on God in difficult situations, showing faith and patience.
a) Prayed for Rebekah’s Barrenness – He interceded for his wife, and she conceived (Genesis 25:21).
b) Prospered in Famine – He obeyed God and stayed in Gerar, where he was blessed (Genesis 26:1-3).
c) Dug Wells in Peace – He avoided conflict and prospered wherever he settled (Genesis 26:17-22).
d) Renewal of God’s Covenant – God reaffirmed His promises to Isaac (Genesis 26:24-25).
e) Biblical Example: Hannah also prayed persistently for a child (1 Samuel 1:10-11).
5. ISAAC’S FAMILY CHALLENGES AND PARTIALITY
Isaac’s parenting mistakes led to family division.
a) Esau and Jacob’s Rivalry – Rebekah conceived twins who struggled even in the womb (Genesis 25:22-23).
b) Favouritism Towards Esau – Isaac loved Esau because of his hunting skills, while Rebekah favoured Jacob (Genesis 25:28).
c) Esau Sold His Birthright – Isaac’s failure to rebuke Esau led to carelessness (Genesis 25:29-34).
d) Blessing Deception – Rebekah and Jacob tricked Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing (Genesis 27:1-29).
e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s brothers also suffered from parental favouritism (Genesis 37:3-4).
6. STRENGTHS OF ISAAC
Isaac displayed great virtues throughout his life.
a) A Man of Faith – He trusted God’s promises even in difficulties (Genesis 26:3-5).
b) A Man of Peace – He avoided strife and trusted God for provision (Genesis 26:22).
c) A Man of Prayer – He interceded for his wife’s barrenness (Genesis 25:21).
d) Obedient to God and Parents – He followed God’s guidance and accepted an arranged marriage (Genesis 24:67).
e) Biblical Example: Daniel was also a man of faith and prayer (Daniel 6:10).
7. WEAKNESSES OF ISAAC
Despite his strengths, Isaac also had flaws.
a) Favouritism Towards Esau – This led to conflict and deception (Genesis 25:28).
b) Repeated His Father’s Mistake – He lied about his wife to Abimelech, just as Abraham did (Genesis 26:7-9).
c) Lacked Discernment – He failed to recognise God’s plan for Jacob over Esau (Genesis 27:1-4).
d) Weak Leadership in the Family – He allowed Rebekah and Jacob to manipulate him (Genesis 27:5-13).
