Faith’s Hall of Fame: Abraham & Sarah
Hebrews 11:8 – 19
INTRODUCTION
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for” (Heb. 11:1 – 2).
As we continue in our walk through the portrait gallery of Faith’s Hall of Fame we come to a large portrait. This portrait is different from most of the others, its size for one thing is immense and instead of seeing the picture of a single person we see two in this portrait. Abraham is the main figure in this picture but there in the background is his wife Sarah. As we look at this picture we begin to see the reason why it is displayed so prominently in the hall.
If anyone was ever sure of what they hoped for and certain of what they did not see is was Abraham and Sarah. Abraham and Sarah are commended because they took God at his word and believed in his promise. They gave up the things of this world and looked forward to a greater reward.
MAIN BODY
I. Abraham was considered faithful because he trusted God’s word.
A. When God spoke to Abraham he believed and obeyed.
B. God speaks to us today through his word. (Heb. 1:1 – 3)
C. To be faithful to God we must believe and obey. (Matt. 7:21)
II. Abraham and Sarah were considered faithful because they trusted God’s promises.
A. Abraham and Sarah trusted God to fulfill his promise.
B. “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised” (Heb. 11:11 NKJV)
C. God made a promise to us and asks us to trust in his promise. (Rom. 4:16 – 25)
III. Abraham was considered faithful because he trusted God’s guidance.
A. God tested Abraham’s faith.
1. God never induces anyone to sin. (James 1:13)
2. God does test our faith to see if it is genuine.
B. Abraham didn’t question God, he trusted in God.
1. Even though God had made his promise through Isaac, Abraham trusted God, it was for God to reconcile his promise and his command.
2. Abraham trusted in God’s guidance.
C. God’s promise to those who trust his guidance is a home in heaven. (John 1:1 – 3)
CONCLUSION
Read Hebrews 11:13 – 16
