Abraham the Friend of God

1. Read: Hebrews 11:8-10

2. About the Text:

1) The Hebrew writer is exhorting Jewish Christians to be faithful.

2) The way of Christ is the way of faith.

3) Abraham along with the other Old Testament greats exemplified this faith.

3. Perhaps more than any other Old Testament character we find descriptions of Abraham in both the Old and New Testaments.

1) Friend of God. (2 Chron.20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23).

2) A prophet of God (Genesis 20:7).

3) Faithful Abraham (Galatians 3:9).

4) Blessed of Melchisedec (Hebrews 7:1).

5) To Whom the Promises Were Made (Galatians 3:16).

6) Father of the faithful (Romans 4:16; Gal.3:7).

7) God’s servant (Psalm 105:6, 42).

8) He hoped against hope (Romans 4:18).

9) He believed God (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23).

4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. In his trust in God.

i. In his relocation

1) Genesis 12:1-5.

2) Hebrews 11:8, 9 “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:”

ii. In the promise and birth of Isaac.

1) Genesis 15:1-6.

2) Romans 4:17-21.

2. In his willingness to obey God.

i. God told him to leave his home and he went.

ii. Covenant of circumcision (Genesis 17:1-27).

1) Abraham was 99 years old.

2) He circumcised his whole house according to God’s command.

3. In his willingness to sacrifice.

i. He allowed Lot to choose the best of the land. Gen.13:1-13

ii. He offered up his only son Isaac at God’s command.

1) Gen.22:1-18

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

1. His son respected his leadership.

i. Isaac could have rebelled against his father.

ii. Isaac chose to go with Abraham to the sacrifice.

iii. There is no record of Isaac putting up a fight.

2. His wife respected his leadership.

i. 1 Peter 3:5, 6 “For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”

3. God respected his leadership.

i. Genesis 18:19 “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

1. He was a friend to Lot, his nephew.

i. In letting Lot pick the land he wanted (Genesis 13:1-12).

ii. In saving him from slavery (Genesis 14:12-16).

iii. In begging God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:20-33).

2. He was a friend to Sarah.

i. She was the daughter of his father, but not his mother. (Genesis 20:12).

ii. He always sought to protect her. Particularly in the land of Egypt.

iii. He respected her decisions when it came to the issue of her handmaidens.

3. He was the friend of God.

i. He worshipped God appropriately.

ii. He believed the words of God. He recognized that faith comes by hearing the word of God.

iii. He carried out God’s desires in his life.

iv. 2 Chron.20:7 “Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?”

v. Isaiah 41:8 “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.”

vi. James 2:23 “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”

1. This world is not our home. Abraham lived in tents and he was satisfied with this.

2. God will bless those who are faithful to him.

3. When we truly love God we will be willing to make personal sacrifices for Him.

4. Abraham loved his family through loving God.

5. All things are possible with God. Abraham hoped against hope to have Isaac.

6. God loves the righteous but opposes evil. For 10 people God would have spared all the wicked in Sodom and Gomorrah.

7. Abraham made personal sacrifices for his friends.

8. Abraham believed God (period). This is his legacy.

1. Abraham’s character gives us a great example of

i. Faith

ii. Family

iii. Friendship

2. Invitation