Intro: Can you remember back to high school or college, at some of your teachers and their test-taking opportunities? I can think of two different extremes in teachers I had. The first was Mr. Harris. He was my history teacher in college. He always gave the opportunity to pick the test you wanted, either an essay test or an objective test: multiple choice, fill in the blank, etc. Now, I just hated essays, because I hated to write so long. I loved objective tests. The only problem with Mr. Harris’ tests was that he asked things that weren’t in the book and had never been studied in class. His thought was that if you wanted an “A” you would have studied outside of class materials and would know the answers. Almost everyone, myself included, always took the essay test.
The other extreme was Mr. Foose. Mr. Foose also was a history teacher, and he loved history. Yet, he loved his students and loved to see them achieve and do well. I can remember many tests where a student would be perplexed and not have a clue. Mr. Foose would come over their shoulder, whisper, “Oh, come on, you know that one. Don’t you remember when Washington was crossing that big river--what was it’s name. Oh, come on, it’s one of the states, the first to join the Union. If Della Reese was there, what would she wear. Come on, what would Della wear?
Mr. Foose loved to see us succeed.
Sometimes we look at the tests God gives us in life like Mr. Harris’ objective tests. We think that God is out to get us, he’s trying to make us fail, he wants us to sin. This morning, I would say that that is far from the truth. This morning, let’s look at God like Mr. Foose: he gives us tests to show us that we can do it; when we need help, he’s right there to come along side us and to prompt us a little. Sometimes he even gives us the answers we need when we don’t know what to do.
God brings testing into our lives, but he does it to have us pass the test with flying colors. James 1 tells us that we should count it joy when we face trials. If we need wisdom to face our trials, we can ask of God, and he will give it to us. God never tries to get us to sin; he never tempts us with evil. Rather he allows tests to come to show us approved. We want to look at one of these tests that came into the life of Abraham. In Genesis 22, we see one of these tests. We’ve already read the story, but let’s talk about the test Abraham faced in giving his son Isaac.
I. Tests are often difficult, but always passable.
Remember what we have already said, that God’s desire is that we pass the test, that we grow and learn, but not to have us fail. If we never were faced with difficulties, there would be no struggle and no growth. Let’s look at the struggle of this test.
*22:2 - sacrifice -This was a test that was going to cost Abraham something. It was a sacrifice
of possession -“his only son - Abraham was not sharing something he had plenty of, but giving up totally the only son he had from his body
of emotions - “whom you love - Abraham was called to give up that which was very precious to him, his emotions were focused in his son. God often calls us to give up that which means the most to us. Many times we think we have complete control over all we have, but God calls us to give up all for him. He wants everything we have.
of hope - “burnt offering” - this was total abandonment. In a burnt offering there is no way the animal (or person in this case) would be walking back from the altar.
Yet, while this test seems unbelievable, yet is was a test that was passable. Abraham had already committed to following the ways of God. Look back in 21:4 - Abraham starts out Isaac’s life by obeying God’s commands in circumcising Isaac. Abraham sets a good example for Isaac, worshiping and calling on God’s name at Beersheba, in 21:33.
Hebrews 11:17-19 it tells us “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
Even though this was a test of sacrificing that which was dear to him, Abraham had already committed himself that Isaac was devoted to God. Even though all hope would be gone by a living sacrifice, Abraham still hoped in the goodness of God to do that which was impossible.
**This test also was a drawn out test. It wasn’t something that could be done in a matter of minutes. It took Abraham three days, traveling with his son, each day knowing that at any time he could turn back and just disregard the commands of God. Each step closer to the mountain was a step closer to his son’s death.
Yet, as we have said,tests are often difficult, but always passable. 1 Cor. 10:13 tells us that whatever test we face, God provides us a way to pass the test. If we’re willing to take his way.
II. Our Response to Testing shows our heart towards God.
Often we think that God looks on the heart, and he just wants us to say we love him. Yet, we can see that God looks for action to show that we love him. We’ve been looking at James on Wednesday nights, and James tells us we can’t have faith without deeds. If we love God, we will show it by our actions. Let’s look at the actions of Abraham.
*immediate obedience - When God calls him to the test, we see he obeys, early the next morning. He doesn’t waste any time. What God calls him to do is of prime importance. He didn’t say, “Give me a few years or weeks. he obeyed right away.
*preparation for obedience - Abraham could have gone and then gotten to the mount and said, “Well, I don’t have any wood or fire or knife. I guess we can’t go through with this.” No, he prepared. He gathered enough wood and brought the fire and knife. He was prepared to obey God.
-often we have an attitude, “Well, if everything works out just right I’ll do what God wants. If my boss comes over to my desk, pulls out a Bible, and starts asking me questions, I’ll witness to him. But often we don’t want to take the necessary steps to obey God.
*willing to face the test alone - left the servants - he wasn’t trying to hide in a crowd. He was willing to stand alone in obeying God.
-often we are strong witnessed for God when we’re in the sanctuary at church. How do we do when we’re home alone and the neighbor comes over. How bold of a witness are we then?
*faith - Abraham tells the servants - we go to worship and we will come back. Abraham showed his faith by expecting God to do miracles for him. he planned to do his part and he planned to let God do His part. He showed his faith by his action.
III. God responds to our obedience
Whenever God brings a test into our lives, it is brought to see us pass it. When we do pass it, God is there cheering as our biggest fan. Look what he does for Abraham.
*Provision of his needs - he stops Abraham from killing his son, and he provides a lamb for the sacrifice. He enables Abraham to worship without sacrificing his son.
Abraham responds that God would provide a sacrifice, and he had provided Isaac. But God provides another substitute sacrifice.
*Blessings on his life - not only did God provide for Abraham to worship, but he pours out his blessings on Abraham for his faithfulness. He is promised a blessing - numerous descendants, he is promised victory--over his enemies, and he is promised the Messiah-- through Abraham’s line the Messiah would come who would bless all peoples on the face of the earth.
God responds to Abraham’s obedience and gives provision and blessing.
##dad, daughter: plastic pearl necklace. Wore everywhere. Dad-throw in fire. No. Tears, did.
Dad pulled out case- real pearl necklace.
It is not until we give up our fighting and striving to make our lives amount to something and finally surrender to God that he can finally reach out and offer us the blessing that he desires to give us all along. Are we fighting God? He wants to give us more than we could ever imagine.
Concl: There is another only son who a number of years after Abraham was taken to the same mountain where Isaac was taken. This son also didn’t resist and was bound and offered as a sacrifice. This time though the son’s death was not stopped. This son was Jesus Christ. Offered as the sacrifice for our sins on Mt. Moriah, the same mount where Isaac was brought. Jesus Christ was offered as the sacrifice for our sins so that we could experience the forgiveness and all the blessings of God upon our lives. This morning, let’s not struggle against the plans of God. Let’s obey quickly so that he may offer his blessing upon our lives.
