Peter Tan-Chi - Saving Faith That's Passed On
- Watch
- Donate
Summary
This sermon explores God’s faithfulness as the foundation of saving faith, using Abraham as the prime example. God is utterly dependable, always keeping His promises despite human unfaithfulness. True saving faith is God-centered (anchored in His character and promises, not feelings or works), obedient (evidenced by actions), progressive (growing through failures and tests), and surrendered (fully trusting God’s timing and ways, even offering up one’s «Isaac»). The climax points to Mount Moriah, where Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac foreshadows God’s provision of Jesus as the ultimate substitute on the same location.
God’s Faithfulness: The Foundation
So today, I want to look at one attribute of God that is seldom discussed, which is the faithfulness of God. Everybody, read this verse. I want you to learn something about God. «Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God—» everybody, read «—the faithful God who keeps His covenant». (Deuteronomy 7:9)
I don’t know if you appreciate faithfulness. Today, the norm is unfaithfulness. Unfaithfulness abound. You have politicians, they make promises, but they don’t fulfill it. You have husbands and wives, they make vows, «'til death do us part, » but they don’t fulfill their commitment. You have business people, they shake hands, they sign contracts, but the reality is they look for ways to get around those contracts.
Ladies and gentlemen, unfaithfulness is the norm today. But I have good news for you. God is faithful.
So when we say, «God is faithful, » what do we mean, and how should this impact your life? Everybody, let’s read the definition of the Biblical faithfulness of God. «It is—» everybody, «It is His unchanging, eternal reliability to keep His promises». God keeps His word. He keeps His warning, He keeps His promises because He is faithful.
He always acts consistently with His word, His promises and His character. He’s utterly dependable, never failing or forgetting. He always keeps His promises. I have friends who are very sincere, but they are not able to be faithful. Let me tell you why: Not because they don’t want to, but they are unable.
The Bible is so emphatic that in 2 Timothy— let’s read this together. «If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny himself». (2 Timothy 2:13) This is the foundation of your faith and my faith. God is faithful, you can trust Him, absolutely.
When He makes a promise, you claim it. The only problem is this: Do you know Him? Do you know His promises? The quality of faithfulness is essential to the very nature of God. God has to be faithful because if He’s not faithful, He is not perfect, He is not good.
What kind of a God— What kind of a good person is that person, if he will not keep his word? So to be unfaithful is not part of God’s character traits. Unfaithfulness is contrary to the very nature of God.
Abraham: The Father of Faith
So today we will look at Abraham’s faith. Why? Let me tell you about Abraham’s faith. Let’s read this together, everybody: «Look to Abraham your father—» Abraham is not just the father of the Jewish people, he’s the father of all Christians. He’s called the father of faith.
So all of us technically are descendants of Abraham because of faith. I will show you in a short while. Let us look at what God has to say about Abraham. Notice, I want you to learn about Abraham because «When he was but one, God said, 'I called him, then I blessed him and multiplied him». (Isaiah 51:2)
Abraham was just one (person) when God called him, and out of Abraham, God made nations out of Abraham. And after Abraham, God called all of us. We are the spiritual descendants of Abraham because it is God’s plan to multiply His people. God wants to use you, to use you, to multiply you, to impact the lives of others through faith.
What do I mean? One more verse. Everybody, read: «I have chosen Abraham so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him». (Genesis 18:19)
This is very important. God made promises to Abraham, but it does not mean Abraham had no part. And that’s why this message is important. I want you to learn what is Saving faith. Let’s read this together: Saving Faith That’s Passed On.
Saving faith will have to be passed on. You have to pass on Saving faith, it cannot stay with you. What kind of faith do you have? Is it cultural faith? Cultural faith is because everybody believes the same thing, and you say, «Yeah, I’m a Christian».
That’s called cultural faith. It’s a religious faith because everyone is having the same belief. That’s not the faith I’m talking about. It is not nominal faith. Nominal faith = Just in name, superficial. That’s not what I’m talking about.
I’m talking about Saving faith, real faith that will transform your life. So you can now understand, I’m not talking about religious faith, I’m talking about a personal faith that will impact your life, the people around you, and your eternity.
Four Characteristics of Saving Faith
What is Saving faith? Are you ready to learn? Well, I want you to realize, Saving faith— I want to emphasize four characteristics.
1. God-Centered Faith
Number one, it is God-centered faith. What do we mean by God-centered faith? Faith always has an object.
Let me prove to you. You make faith decisions. Even today, just coming here how many of you rode a car coming here? Raise your hand. You rode a car. You rode public transport? Raise your hand.
Whatever it is, you are exercising faith. If you rode on a Grab or a taxi or a public vehicle, you don’t even know the driver. But you are exercising faith. Faith always has an object. You cannot have faith on faith.
The secret of faith is not in yourself, it is in the object of your faith. If the object of your faith is reliable, a small faith will do. If the object of your faith is totally unreliable, it doesn’t matter how big your faith is, you will be disappointed.
What is Saving faith? The object is what? God-centered faith. It is anchored on the character, on the promises of God, not your feeling. And that’s why many people don’t understand salvation, because their faith is anchored on their feelings, on their opinions.
Let’s look at the Bible. «[Thus] Abraham 'believed God'—» the object of his faith was God, His promises «—'and it was credited to him as righteousness». (Galatians 3:6–7)
I want you to notice the word «credited». The word credited is an Accounting term, Accounting word. You know, «Debit, Credit»? Credit. It is transferred to your account by virtue of God. That’s salvation.
«Realize then it is those who have faith who are children of God». (v.7) You see, you become a child of God when God credited righteousness to your account. It is not your own righteousness, it is God’s righteousness placed in your ledger, in your account.
The Bible tells us, «The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'All the nations will be blessed in you.'» (Galatians 3:8)
Continue. What does that mean? «For through faith you are all—» everyone read «—you are all children of God in Christ Jesus». (v. 26) In short, it is faith in God, in His promises. That’s why you become a child of God.
Notice the next verse. «If you belong to Christ—» everybody, read «—you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise». (v.29)
God used Abraham as an example so that you will know what is Saving faith. So, I will share with you the faith of Abraham, how he trusted in God’s promises, and God credited to him righteousness.
What do I mean? Okay, look at Romans 4. Together: «What does the Scripture say»? Everybody, read: «'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'» (Romans 4:3) Credited, transferred to his account. Remember that word, Credit.
«Now to the one who works, the wages are not credited as a favor, but as what is due». (v.4) Salvation is not because of works, it’s by grace, it’s credited to your account. Salary is something you deserve. Salvation is not a salary, you don’t deserve it.
It’s credited by virtue of what? Grace. Everybody, read, «To the one who does not work—» You don’t work for salvation. «—but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness». (v.5)
If you believe with all your heart that God will justify you, declare you not a sinner because of Christ, that kind of faith is credited. It is Saving faith.
But if you think you need to earn your way to heaven, that kind of faith is not Salvation Faith, that is faith based on works. That’s not what I’m talking about.
I’m talking about a faith that is based on God, what He did for you, what He has done for you on the cross. The word credit, credit, credit is repeated again and again, so that you will know that the faith that saves is centered on God, on Jesus, not you, not what you have done.
Are we clear? So, ladies and gentlemen, what is the basis of your salvation? What did that promise us? That He will send Jesus to die on the cross, to pay for your sins, and if you repent and you trust Jesus, God says He will declare you what? Not guilty.
Do you believe in God’s promises? Yes or no? So, my question: Are you righteous today? Yes or no? Why? Why are you righteous? Because my faith is centered on God, what He has done for me.
So if you look at the, you know, this weighing scale– You know, many people, that’s their theology. Sin. Good works. «If I have more good works, I’ll go to heaven». That’s what most people think.
Sin. Good works. If you have more sin, in Tagalog, «Sabit ka». («You’re in trouble».) Many of you have that mindset. No, no. You go to heaven no matter how much sin you have, because it is credited, your righteousness is credited by Jesus, so that sin is removed, on the cross. Credited by Jesus.
So are you going to heaven, yes or no? Yes. I did not say that. It is God who made that promise. So, is the Bible very clear? Let’s read «–Faith comes from hearing, and hearing the word of Christ». (Romans 10:17)
There is no way your faith will be mature and biblical, if you do not know the Word of God. And many of you are dreaming that you will grow in faith without studying the Bible. How will you know God? How will you know His promises when you don’t even study His word?
2. Obedient Faith
Number two, Saving faith is Obedient faith. Say that with me. Obedient faith. My friend, if you want Saving faith to be passed on– Tell your neighbor, «Pass on Saving faith».
But to pass on Saving faith, you better make sure your faith is the true kind of faith. Saving faith. God-centered based on His promises, not your feelings. Number two is Obedient faith.
What do I mean by Obedient faith? Well, I will show you. Let’s read this together. «The LORD said to Abraham, 'Go forth from your country, from your relatives, from your father’s house to the land which I will show you». (Genesis 12:1)
Notice, God initiated the spiritual journey of Abraham. God initiated the first movement. God spoke to Abraham. God told Abraham, «Go, leave your country, to the land I will to show you; leave your family».
And then God made a promise: «'I will make you a great nation. I will bless you. I will make your name great. You shall be a blessing.'» (v.2) God makes unilateral promises to Abraham. «I will bless you». «You will be a great nation».
Remember, Abraham has no children as of now, when God speaks to him. He is 75 years old. And the Bible tells us, God promised him, «I will bless those who bless you, the one who curses you, I will curse. In you, all the families of the earth will be blessed». (v. 3)
These are the blessing God promised Abraham. One condition: Go, leave your family. Abraham was living in Iraq at that time. Mesopotamia. He was asked to travel almost a thousand kilometers to go to the land where God promised him.
And the Bible tells us, «Abraham went forth as the LORD had spoken to him. Abraham was 75 years old». (v.4) Why did Abraham obey? The Bible tells us, faith leads to obedience.
Let’s read together: «By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out not knowing where he was going». (Hebrews 11:8)
You see, when you follow God, you don’t have to know what is the end destination. All you need to know is, «Lord, I follow You. Wherever You go, I will follow». That’s what Abraham did.
My friend, faith is never alone. Faith will have fruit. Real Saving Faith is never alone, it has evidence. Everybody, read: «Faith, of itself, if it does not have works, is dead». (James 2:17)
If there is no evidence in your life and you tell me you believe in Jesus, but no transformation, I am afraid your faith is dead. What do I mean by dead faith? Counterfeit, not real, it’s all in the mouth, putting on a front.
Now, what do I mean? «…someone may say, 'You have faith, I have works.' Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. You believe that God is one, you will do well. Even the demons believe and tremble». (vv.18–19)
Ladies and gentlemen, do not ever be deceived to say that you believe but there’s no evidence, no repentance, no transformation. That is dead faith.
The Bible is very clear. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith. Amen? Something you cannot deserve. You don’t earn it, it’s a gift.
However, the Bible is equally clear. Genuine faith is never alone, there will be evidence. It’s called transformation. It’s life.
If I have Christ in me, His life will manifest. I cannot imagine somebody who will come to Christ and still continue living in rebellion and sin. That is not possible.
Once upon a time, I was a rebel against the Lord, I did not walk with Jesus. I was a sinner, I knew I was a sinner. But when I gave my life to Jesus, He, slowly but surely, He changed my life.
He changed my taste, He changed my desire. He did something inside I cannot explain. Am I still tempted? Yes. But do I live in sin? No.
What happened? Am I perfect? No. But my lifestyle has changed. The evidence of real faith: God-centered— what’s number two? Did you forget already? Obedience.
Because according to Jesus, He’s the one who said, everybody, read: «Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord, ' and not do what I say»? (Luke 6:46)
That’s why it’s hard for me to think of CCFers, who claim to be a child of God, but in whom I don’t see evidence. You see, my job is not to make you feel good, I want to let you know the truth.
If it means I will disturb you today, it’s okay. I’d like you to feel good, but my job is not to make you feel good. My job is to teach you the truth.
So, according to Jesus, please read, He’s talking to you now. Everybody, read. «Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord' and not do what I say»? That’s not me, okay? It’s Jesus talking to you.
So, ladies and gentlemen, do you have real faith or no? What kind of faith do you have? Religious faith or Saving faith?
I have a friend, and he gave me permission to share his story. After coming to Christ, the Lord convicted him. He has to pay taxes. So he told his family, «We are going to start paying taxes».
His father told him, «We’re going to go bankrupt because all the competitors don’t pay taxes, so, if we are the only one paying taxes, we go bankrupt». But you know what?
Faith means obedience because your faith is not in your ability to make money, it is in God who is faithful. They began paying taxes. Today, his corporation is within the top ten highest-paying corporation in taxes to the Philippines. Praise God! He gets an award every year.
My friend, the father thought, «We will go bankrupt» but the Father didn’t realize his company would become so big that they became one of the top taxpayers in this country. God is faithful and your faith is anchored in His faithfulness. Amen?
3. Progressive Faith
Number three, what is Saving faith? Would you like to know what’s number three? It’s called Progressive faith. What is progressive faith? Progressive faith means it is growing.
It does not mean when you come to Christ, you become perfect, of course not. You will stumble, you will fail, but you’ll get up again and again because your faith is real. Amen?
Real faith means when you fall, what do you do? You get up because your faith is real. Dead faith, when you fall? Hasta la vista. Finished. No, no. My faith is real. I’ve fallen, I get up. I’ve fallen, I get up.
What about you? Have you fallen? It’s progressive. Now, I want you to see the faith of Abraham, okay? Abraham is noted for what? Everybody, look at me. What is Abraham famous for? Faith. Yes or no?
What is the weakness of Abraham? Many of you do not know. Abraham is famous for faith, but he’s also weak in one area of his life. Can you guess? In Tagalog, «Duwag». Abraham was a coward.
Let me repeat. Abraham was a coward. He allowed his fear to impact his choices because his faith was just progressing. You see, the key to overcoming fear is faith.
When fear comes in, faith goes away. Abraham needed to grow in faith so that it will conquer his fear, but he allowed fear to conquer his faith because faith is growing, it’s progressing.
What’s my proof? All right, I will show you what Abraham did. You know, Abraham, when he went to Egypt, he told his wife, «Madame, you are so beautiful. When people ask you, tell them I am your brother, don’t tell them I’m your husband».
Why would Abraham do that? Look at his logic. «It came about… He said to Sarai his wife, 'See, now you are a beautiful woman; when the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you.'» (Genesis 12:11–13)
Look at the logic of Abraham. He was willing to sacrifice his wife to save his own neck. You know, when Pharaoh saw the wife of Abraham, you know what Pharaoh did? Pharaoh said, «Bring her to my palace».
And Pharaoh took the wife of Abraham. But you can see before Pharaoh could do anything to the wife of Abraham, God intervened. God shook the empire of Egypt.
You know that? Let’s read together, quickly. Ready? Go! «The LORD…» «…Pharaoh called Abraham…» What did Abraham discover? God intervened, in spite of Abraham’s unfaithfulness. Abraham’s faith needed to grow.
Now, do you think Abraham learned your lesson? No. Years later, he was in another place called Gerar. And the king saw his wife. The king said, «Wow! That chick is beautiful. Who is she»? «Sister, sister».
Abraham did the same thing. And you know what the king did? The king took his wife. And you know what happened? Amazing how God intervened.
«God came to Abimelech in the dream of the night, and said to him, 'Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you had taken; she is married». (Genesis 20:2–3)
You know, the king got scared and the king began to talk to God. The king said, «God, did he not say, 'She’s my sister? ' And did she not say, 'He’s my brother? '»
«In the integrity of my heart—» the king is now talking to God «—Lord, I was very sincere. I thought, sister, brother». And then you know what? Look at what happened.
«God said to him in the dream–» everybody, read, in the dream, what did God say? «I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, I also kept you from sinning against Me. Therefore, I did not let you touch her». (v.6)
What did Abraham learn? Abraham learned something. But before I tell you this lesson— God used a pagan king to lecture Abraham.
God told the pagan king, «Restore the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, he will pray for you and you will live. But if right now, if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours». (v.7)
The power and the sovereignty of God to intervene in the affairs of men. You know what Abimelech did? He gave Abraham a lecture.
«Abimelech called Abraham—» everybody, read, look at the lecture. «What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done». (v.9)
He lectured Abraham. In Tagalog, «Anong ginagawa mo? Mali, mali»! (What are doing? That is wrong!) And then you know what Abraham said?
«Because I thought, surely there’s no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife». (v.11) You see Abraham’s problem? He limited God.
He could not connect God’s promise for him to have children, to have offspring, with God’s protection for his life. He could not connect.
Just like you, just like me. If you allow fear in your life, you will compromise. Just look at your life. How do you make decisions?
Many times, you and I make decisions out of fear and we compromise. Abraham needed to grow. The faith of Abraham needed to grow.
And praise God, Abraham learned that God is faithful even if he is not faithful. Abraham learned that God is stronger than unbelievers, that God is sovereign and is in complete control. Amen.
And then the Bible tells us, Abraham learned a lot.
4. Surrendered Faith
Lastly, what can we learn about Abraham, the faith of Abraham? Surrendered faith. You know, Saving faith is not just God-centered, it’s from God, it’s anchored on His character, His promises, His word.
It’s also obedient, that’s real faith, But it’s not perfect, you need to grow, but eventually it will mature. Surrendered faith.
What is Surrendered faith. Surrendered faith is when you completely trust God for everything. His timing, His ways, His solution. You stop dictating to God what He must do. You stop giving God timetable for what He will do.
You say, «Lord, I trust You, I surrender to You». That’s called Surrendered faith. What do I mean? Well, let’s read together.
Abraham, remember, he waited for 25 years. God told him, «You would have a son, » but he has no son. He waited, waited. waited.
Now, here is where you will learn now how faith will grow. The Bible tells us, «Abraham fell on his face and laughed… 'Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? '» (Genesis 17:17)
See, by this time Abraham, was 100 years old. «And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child»? Do you understand Abraham’s predicament? He’s too old.
And then look at the problem. «Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years, and Sarah had stopped having her menstrual periods». (Genesis 18:11)
Do you understand Sarah’s problem and Abraham’s problem? Not only was Sarah barren, the Bible says, she was barren, and she was past menstrual period. What is that in Tagalog? «Tuyo na». Nothing. No more. No more. Impossible to have a baby.
This is the predicament of Abraham. And then Sarah said— «Sarah laughed… 'Now that I’m worn out and my husband is old, am I still to have sexual pleasure»? (v.12)
You see, it’s very realistic. The Bible is very descriptive. And then, «The LORD said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really bear a child? '» (v.13)
I love verse 14. Everybody, read verse 14. «Is anything too difficult for the LORD»? Do you know that word, Difficult?
If you read the other translations— You know, the Hebrew words are very rich, they have shades of meaning because the Hebrew language has less words than the English language, so, one word can have a different depth of meaning.
That phrase, «Is it too difficult»? can also mean, «Is anything too marvelous for the Lord»? «Is there anything too amazing for God to do»?
And God is asking you, is there anything in your life that you think is too amazing for God to do? What’s your answer? Yes or no?
Is there anything too hard for the Lord? Louder? I don’t know your God, but my God is amazing. When my God gives me a promise, He will do it, I don’t know when.
And that’s what happened to Abraham; he decided to give up giving God a timetable. The Bible tells us, «Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, being fully assured that what had God promised, He was also able to perform. Therefore, it was credited to him, as righteousness». (Romans 4:20–21)
You see, your faith has to grow. Abraham’s faith grew. He saw how God intervened, he saw how God protected his wife, he saw how God protected this life.
As the years went by, he realized, «Wow! God is real». You know what the Bible tells us? In God’s time, «The LORD took note of Sarah as He had said He would; the LORD did for Sarah—» everybody, read «—did for Sarah as He had promised». (Genesis 21:1–2)
The Bible tells us, God gave Sarah a baby. (v.3) What’s the name of the baby? Isaac. How old was Sarah? 90. So those of you who are still single, there’s still hope.
All right. Now, you will think that maturity of Abraham is over. Uh-uh. Faith has to keep growing. Surrendered faith. Genesis 22.
«Some time afterward, God put Abraham to the test». I know you and I don’t like tests, but real faith is always tested. Let me repeat. Genuine faith is always tested.
A faith that cannot be tested is dangerous. Faith will be tested. In fact, the Bible tells us, why your faith will be tested. Can I tell you why? To let you know whether you are real or not.
You see, it is very dangerous to go through life thinking your faith is real, but it’s not real; thinking you have salvation, but you don’t have salvation. So, your faith will be tested.
So, what is real faith? Number one, centered on God; number two, obedience; number three is progressive, it has to grow; and number four, surrendered.
Have you reached this point where your faith is Surrendered faith? Okay, let’s go back. So, God tested Abraham.
«God said: Take your son Isaac (the word Isaac means laughter because the wife laughed) your only one, whom you love…» (Genesis 22:2)
My friend, the first time the word Love is used in the entire Bible is in Genesis 22:2. It is the love of a father to a son.
God told Abraham, «Take now your son, your only son, whom you love». The love of a father. Why? Because God wanted to protect Abraham from idolatry.
What is idolatry? Anything that is good can be an idol; your family, your children, your career, it becomes more important than God.
So, God told Abraham, «Give Me your son Isaac». Remember these two words: Whom you love.
Apparently, all of us have idols. I don’t know your Isaac, but you have idols. Have you surrendered your idol to God? Only you can answer that.
God wants your heart. Sometimes, you fall in love with a blessing that you forget, who gives a blessing. Don’t fall in love with the blessing of God, the greatest blessing is God Himself.
And then remember this place: «…go to the land of Moriah». (v.2) So, remember that word, Moriah.
What did Abraham do? What will you do if you’re Abraham? Will you be thinking, «God, I waited for this son 25 years».
«Next morning—» notice «—early the next morning Abraham saddled his donkey, took with him his servants, his son Isaac, and after cutting the wood for the burnt offering, set out for the place…» (v.3)
It’s called Mount Moriah. So what did Abraham do? Immediate obedience. Ladies and gentlemen, remember this: «Instant obedience is the only obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience». (Thomas A Kempis)
I always tell people, «If God asks you to forgive somebody, never say, 'I am not ready to forgive' because delayed obedience is disobedience». No such thing.
When the King of Kings issues a command, obey. «Abraham said to his servants: 'We will go worship and then come back.'» (v.5)
Notice, Abraham, because his faith has matured, «I will worship and come back». He made a declaration. «I will bring my son back».
But God told him to offer his son as a burnt offering. What does that mean? Can you now see what is mature faith?
Mature faith is being able to put pieces together. «Your word, Your promises, circumstances. Uh-huh». «I will just obey You, I know the event will resolve, You will fulfill Your promises».
So he made this statement of faith. «We will worship but we will come back». And then, the Bible tells us, «By faith—» okay, that’s why he offered.
«By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac». (Hebrews 11:17) You know why he offered up Isaac? Here is a theological reason:
«…He who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son». (v.17) God promised Abraham, «You will have descendants, and your descendants will come from Isaac».
«So, if You want to kill Isaac, how will the promise be fulfilled»? Abraham connected the pieces.
«…Whom it was said, 'Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.'» (v.18) Isaac has to survive, Isaac has to live, and therefore, look at the next verse.
«He reasoned that God was able to raise even Isaac from the dead». (v.19) That’s why he was able to offer up Isaac.
Ladies and gentlemen, faith is not blind, it is full of logic. My friend, when God asks you to do something, you have to transcend your human wisdom. You trust God.
And that’s what happened. The Bible tells us, «Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, laid it on Isaac, his son…» (Genesis 22:6)
Now, listen to me. How old was Isaac? Josephus tells us, Isaac was not a boy. He was probably from 25 to 33 years old, less than 37. Isaac was a man.
He (Abraham) put the wood on the shoulder of Isaac to bring it to the mountain. Are we communicating? So, imagine the love of the father.
«I waited 25 years, and I helped him to become a man. Now that he’s a man, You want me to offer him to You»?
I love this verse. «…He took in his hand, the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked together». (v.6)
Beautiful picture; father and son walking together to the mountain. And then Isaac spoke to his father.
«Father, here’s the fire and the wood, where is the sheep for the burnt offering»? (v.7) He asked his father.
The father said, «My son, God will provide the sheep for the burnt offering». (v.8) Abraham made another statement of faith. «God will provide».
So, they went. Let me ask you a question. If you were Isaac, what would you do? What would you do?
Look at what Abraham did to Isaac. «…Abraham built an altar there, arranged the wood. Next he bound his son Isaac, put him on top of the wood of the altar». (v.9)
Let me ask you a question. Can Isaac fight? He could. Can you run? He could, but he didn’t. Why?
Because the faith of Abraham was transferred to his son. The son believe in God. The faith of Abraham was transferred.
I saw that is how you transfer faith when you are completely surrendered. Isaac knew that faith is real, that God is real. So he did not mind.
He didn’t mind. «You want to kill me? It’s okay because I have the promise that I will have children».
So, my friend, 2,000 years ago, God used Abraham as a picture, to offer up Isaac. And the Bible tells us, 2,000 years ago what happened?
When Abraham was supposed to sacrifice Isaac, you know what happened? «Abraham looked and saw a single ram caught by its horns in the thicket. Abraham went up the ram, offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son». (v.13)
You see, God intervened at the last minute. When Abraham was about to kill his son, the Bible tells us, a voice came out.
«Abraham, Abraham, don’t touch your son. I know your heart. I know». And then the Bible tells us, God provided a sacrificial lamb in place of Isaac.
«Abraham named that place—» everybody, read «—Jehovah Jireh». (v.14) Jehovah Jireh is the name of a place, it’s in Mount Moriah, it is present day Jerusalem.
It is the place where Jesus Christ, 2,000 years later, was offered on the same place. Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac; 2,000 years later, God offered up His Son, Jesus. Mount Moriah.
Same place, except there was no substitute because Jesus is your substitute to pay for your sin and for my sin.
That, my friend, is the faith that saves. That God so love us, He gave us His Son to die in your place, in my place.
My question to you is this: What is your Isaac that is preventing you from living out the life that God wants you to have because you are holding back?
All of you have Isaacs. I don’t know what it is. It can be your career, it can be a relationship, it can be money.
Whatever you have, what do you love more than you love God? You see, God wants your heart, but He wants to protect you.
Many times we have idols. How do you know you have idols? Very simple. Look at how you spend your time. How do you spend your money?
What really makes you happy? What really makes you angry? Whatever those things are, that’s your idol.
If something can cause you to be angry, that’s your idol, it’s your pride. If you love God more, nothing will make you angry.
What is it that you are keeping today that may not be bad, but it is your idol, it’s your Isaac. God says, «Surrender».
Are you willing to surrender that? What kind of faith do you have? You have an Isaac in your life?
Closing Prayer
Let’s bow our heads and pray. Lord Jesus, I surrender to You my Isaac. You know what it is, You know my idols. I surrender it to You.
Lord, you have given me Your own, You have given me Your best. Now, I want to respond by giving You back what’s best for me. I give You my all.
Jesus Christ, thank you for your son, Jesus. Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross to pay for my sins.
I thank You that on the cross You took my place, You suffered in my behalf, that I may have eternal life.
And now, I surrender to You my own. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen and amen.