Trusting God: The Journey of Faith Like Abraham
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to trust in the Lord with unwavering conviction. This evening, we delved into the life of Abraham, a man whose faith was tested and refined through various trials and circumstances. Abraham's pilgrimage is a testament to the growth that occurs when we place our trust in God's promises and providence.
Abraham's life was marked by a series of steps that shaped his faith. From his initial call to leave Ur of the Chaldees to the ultimate test of offering his son Isaac, Abraham's trust in God was deepened with each challenge. His obedience, even in the face of uncertainty, serves as a powerful example for us. As he journeyed, Abraham learned to trust God more profoundly, understanding that God's promises are sure and His provision is sufficient.
We, too, are on a pilgrimage, and like Abraham, we are called to grow in our faith. Our trust in God is not a passive acceptance but an active reliance that compels us to action. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, and it is grounded in the truth of God's Word. As we encounter life's trials, we must remember that these are opportunities to trust God more deeply and to see His faithfulness at work.
Our faith is measured by our willingness to act upon our trust in God. It is not enough to intellectually agree with the truths of Scripture; we must live them out. This active faith is what sets us apart as followers of Christ. We are called to trust God for our provision, protection, and the fulfillment of His promises. In doing so, we experience the peace that comes from knowing God is in control.
As we grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ, our faith is strengthened. We are reminded that God does not abandon us but walks with us, guiding and providing every step of the way. Our trust in Him should be complete, affecting every area of our lives, from our personal relationships to our service within the church.
In summary, the life of Abraham challenges us to examine our own faith journey. Are we growing in our trust in the Lord? Are we willing to act upon that trust, even when the path ahead is unclear? Let us be inspired by Abraham's example to live a life of faith, trusting God's promises and His perfect timing.
Key Takeaways:
- Abraham's life demonstrates that faith is a journey of trusting God's promises and acting upon that trust. Each step of obedience, even when it involves sacrifice or uncertainty, strengthens our relationship with God and our reliance on His faithfulness. [49:33]
- True faith is not merely intellectual agreement but is evidenced by action. It is the practical outworking of our trust in God, seen in how we respond to His call and the challenges we face. Our actions reveal the depth of our belief and our commitment to God's Word. [35:35]
- The trials we encounter are not meant to discourage us but to grow our faith. Just as God used various tests to build Abraham's trust, He uses our life experiences to shape and refine our faith, preparing us for the work He has called us to do. [31:50]
- Trusting God with our whole heart means surrendering every aspect of our lives to His will. It involves believing that He will provide, protect, and fulfill His promises, and then living in a way that reflects that belief. [56:56]
- Spiritual growth is an expectation for every believer. As we add to our faith virtues such as knowledge, patience, godliness, and love, we mature into the likeness of Christ, who is the perfect example of trust in the Father. [58:11]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:8-19
- "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: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 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."
2. Genesis 12:1-3
- "Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."
3. Romans 4:20-21
- "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Abraham take in response to God's call in Hebrews 11:8-10?
2. How did Sarah demonstrate her faith according to Hebrews 11:11?
3. What was Abraham's response when God tested him by asking him to offer Isaac, as described in Hebrews 11:17-19?
4. According to Genesis 12:1-3, what promises did God make to Abraham when He called him to leave his country?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Abraham's journey of faith, as described in Hebrews 11, illustrate the concept of trusting in God's promises even when the outcome is uncertain? [24:00]
2. In what ways did Abraham's faith grow through the various tests and trials he faced, as mentioned in the sermon? [30:00]
3. How does Romans 4:20-21 emphasize the importance of unwavering faith in God's promises? How did Abraham exemplify this? [51:01]
4. What can we learn from Abraham's partial obedience in Genesis 12:1-3, and how did it affect his journey? [40:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Abraham's journey, can you identify a time in your life when you had to trust God without knowing the outcome? How did that experience shape your faith? [24:00]
2. Abraham's faith was tested through various trials. What current challenges in your life could be opportunities for your faith to grow? How can you actively trust God in these situations? [30:00]
3. The sermon emphasized that true faith is evidenced by action. What specific steps can you take this week to act on your faith in God's promises? [35:00]
4. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac demonstrated his complete trust in God. Is there something in your life that you find difficult to surrender to God? How can you take a step towards surrendering it? [51:01]
5. The sermon mentioned that God uses life experiences to shape and refine our faith. Can you think of a recent experience where you saw God's faithfulness at work? How did it impact your trust in Him? [31:50]
6. How can you apply the lesson of trusting God for provision, protection, and the fulfillment of His promises in your daily life? What practical changes can you make to reflect this trust? [56:56]
7. Spiritual growth is an expectation for every believer. What specific virtues (e.g., knowledge, patience, godliness) do you feel called to develop in your faith journey? How can you work on these areas in the coming weeks? [58:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Deepens Trust
Faith is not static; it is a dynamic journey that involves active trust and obedience to God's direction. Abraham's life exemplifies this truth as he responded to God's call to leave his homeland and later, to sacrifice his son Isaac. Each act of obedience, though fraught with uncertainty and potential loss, served to deepen Abraham's trust in God's faithfulness and promises. Similarly, believers today are called to take steps of faith that may lead them into unknown territories or challenging circumstances. It is through these acts of obedience that one's trust in God is tested and strengthened, revealing a faith that is alive and growing.
In the life of a believer, obedience is the tangible expression of trust in God. It is easy to profess faith when the path is clear and the outcomes are predictable. However, true trust is demonstrated when one follows God's leading, even when it defies human logic or personal comfort. This kind of trust requires a surrender of one's own plans and an embrace of God's greater purpose, which is often revealed one step at a time. As one walks in obedience, the assurance of God's presence and provision becomes more real, and the relationship with Him deepens.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise." (Hebrews 11:8-9 ESV)
Reflection: What step of obedience is God currently asking of you, and how can taking this step deepen your trust in Him?
Day 2: Faith Manifests in Action
True faith is not merely an intellectual assent to theological truths but is demonstrated through actions that reflect a deep trust in God. It is the practical outworking of belief, seen in the way one responds to God's call and faces life's challenges. The life of a believer should be marked by actions that are consistent with the faith they profess. This means making choices that align with God's Word, even when they are counter-cultural or personally challenging. Faith in action is the evidence of a heart that truly believes and trusts in God's sovereignty and goodness.
The call to live out one's faith is a call to be set apart. It is not enough to agree with Scripture; one must allow it to transform their life and decision-making. This transformation is often most evident during times of trial or decision points that require a leap of faith. When a believer chooses to act in faith, they bear witness to the reality of God's kingdom and the transformative power of His truth in their lives. Such actions not only strengthen the individual's faith but also serve as a testimony to others of God's power and faithfulness.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23 ESV)
Reflection: How can you put your faith into action today in a way that aligns with God's Word and demonstrates your trust in Him?
Day 3: Trials as Opportunities for Growth
The trials and challenges encountered in life are not meant to discourage but to serve as catalysts for spiritual growth and increased faith. Just as Abraham's faith was refined through his trials, believers today can expect their faith to be tested and strengthened through their own experiences. These trials are opportunities to trust God more deeply and to witness His faithfulness in action. It is through enduring and overcoming these challenges that one's character is shaped and their faith becomes more resilient.
Understanding trials as opportunities requires a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing difficult situations as obstacles, they can be seen as divinely appointed moments to grow closer to God and to rely more fully on His strength. It is in the midst of trials that the truth of God's Word is put to the test, and its power is made manifest in the believer's life. Embracing trials as part of God's refining process allows one to persevere with hope and confidence, knowing that God is at work for their good and His glory.
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV)
Reflection: What current trial in your life can you view as an opportunity to deepen your trust in God and to experience His faithfulness?
Day 4: Wholehearted Trust in God
Trusting God with one's whole heart means surrendering every aspect of life to His will and believing that He will provide, protect, and fulfill His promises. This level of trust affects every area of life, from personal relationships to service within the church. It is a trust that does not waver in the face of uncertainty but rests in the knowledge that God is in control and His plans are perfect. Wholehearted trust leads to a peace that transcends understanding and a life that is characterized by a deep sense of security in God's sovereign care.
To trust God completely is to let go of the need for control and to embrace the freedom that comes from reliance on Him. It means making decisions based on the conviction that God's ways are higher than our own and that His timing is always right. This trust is not passive; it is an active surrender that influences how one lives, loves, and serves. It is the foundation upon which a life of faith is built, and it is the source of strength and courage to face whatever comes.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to exercise wholehearted trust in God, and what practical steps can you take to surrender this area to Him?
Day 5: Spiritual Growth as a Believer's Goal
Spiritual growth is an expectation for every believer, and it involves adding to one's faith virtues such as knowledge, patience, godliness, and love. As believers mature in their faith, they increasingly reflect the likeness of Christ, who is the perfect example of trust in the Father. This growth is not accidental but intentional, pursued through the study of God's Word, prayer, and the practice of spiritual disciplines. As one grows in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, their faith is strengthened, and their life becomes a more accurate reflection of the gospel they profess.
The pursuit of spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires diligence and commitment. It is a process of becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed. This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, but it also involves the believer's active participation. By intentionally seeking to grow in virtue, believers equip themselves for the work God has called them to do and become more effective witnesses of His grace and truth in the world.
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV)
Reflection: What specific virtue do you need to cultivate in your life to grow into the likeness of Christ, and what action can you take today to develop that virtue?
Quotes
1) "Faith is based upon fact. We just take the scripture and the promise of the scripture and we accept it by faith." [34:20] (Download)
2) "The degree to which you act on it is the degree into which you believe it. You really only believe what you act upon." [35:35] (Download)
3) "God works in our lives the same way. First he comes to you and says, can you trust me to lead you?" [53:06] (Download)
4) "God allows things into our life and tests us in order to grow our faith. He only allows things that he knows we can take." [31:50] (Download)
5) "If you could see what God had planned for your life... you might quit. That's why God uses and grows our faith in steps." [33:05] (Download)
6) "Abraham's faith is amazing. He accounted that God was able to raise Isaac from the dead because of the promise that was made by God himself." [28:05] (Download)
7) "Abraham learned from those lessons. He learned from his failures and God took Abraham on to the next step only when he was ready." [30:35] (Download)
8) "We learn to trust in him. Through those circumstances we learn to trust him one step at a time. And we learn to trust him more and more each time." [31:50] (Download)
9) "Abraham's faith grew and his trust of God grew and grew as time went on. If we could see what God had planned for our lives, we might quit." [33:05] (Download)
10) "Abraham was not saved by his works, but by faith, by total confidence and trust in the Lord and his promises." [51:51] (Download)
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