Focus: Qualities of Abraham's Faith (Pt.2)

Text: Heb.11:8

"By FAITH Abraham… OBEYED…"

We are looking at the qualities of Abraham's faith. In our last discussion we considered the history of his faith, obedience of faith, believing faith, and sojourning faith.

O, the faith of Abraham! (Rom.4:16). Amazingly, today, we are Abraham's children through faith in Christ Jesus!

Let's move on to other qualities of Abraham's faith.

*Hopeful faith

Paul says of Abraham, "Who against hope BELIEVED IN HOPE…" (Rom.4:18). Against all odds he believes. Against the hopelessness of his circumstances he hopes on. He doubted his doubts and damned his fears.

*Weathering faith

Paul declares, "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom.4:20). Things to make him waver in his faith were there, but he refused to stagger. No wavering. No staggering. He locked all doors and windows against unbelief. It's faith for all weather, both fair and foul.

*Welcoming faith

The writer of Hebrews says, "Having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and EMBRACED them" (Heb.11:13). Abraham, by the lens of faith, sights the promises from a distance and welcomes them as if they are already within grasp. By the eyes of faith he sees the promises and by the hands of faith he grasps them.

*Confessing faith

The writer continues, "And CONFESSED that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb.11:13). Faith is not afraid to speak up. Faith knows it's identity and destiny and lives a life of integrity. Faith says, I don't belong here. I am just passing through this way. I'm heading home to my God. I'm temporarily here for a purpose.

*Truth-honoring faith

The Lord Jesus Christ says to His Jewish audience, "But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: THIS DID NOT Abraham" (Jh.8:40). Faith and truth belong together. They are inseparable. Real faith is founded on the absolute truth of God. Abraham holds truth in highest honor. He would not kill to suppress or disrespect truth. There are things that people of Abraham's faith wouldn't do, and murder is one of them.

*Joyful faith

The Lord Jesus Christ declares, "Your father Abraham REJOICED to see my day: and he saw it, and was GLAD" (Jh.8:56). Abraham is among those who "believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1Pet.1:8). Faith is pleased and blessed with joy in beholding Christ, "the author and finisher of our faith." Paul speaks of "joy of faith" (Phil.1:25), and we are filled "with all joy and peace in believing" (Rom.15:13).

*Walking faith

Paul talks about us "who also WALK in the STEPS of THAT FAITH of our father Abraham…" (Rom.4:12). By faith Abraham takes steps. Paul says we walk by faith, and not by sight. Faith is a principle of life. We live by it.

*Worshipping faith

Abraham says to his servants, "Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and WORSHIP…" (Gen.22:5). Faith is a worshipper. Faith goes yonder to worship. Worship is the vertical ministry of faith.

*Sacrifice-oriented faith

Abraham responds to Isaac about the lamb for the sacrifice, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering…" (Gen.22:7,8). Faith sacrifices the most precious things to God. Nothing is too great to offer to God.

*Working faith

James inquires, "Was not Abraham our father JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" (Jam.2:21). Jesus addresses the Jews, "If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the WORKS of Abraham…" (Jh.8:39). Sacrificing Isaac is a great work. Apart from the sacrifice of Isaac, he did other works. Works are the proof of faith.

*Faithful faith

Paul says, "So then they which be of faith are blessed with FAITHFUL Abraham" (Gal.3:9). Abraham is not only having faith, he's faithful. He perseveres in his faith - living a life of loyalty and integrity, and firm in faith to the end. The Word says that "these all DIED IN FAITH, not having received the promises…" (Heb.11:13). He keeps faith till death. He died in the faith or died still believing.

Weigh your faith and know where you stand. I trust God to supply whatever is lacking in your faith. Amen.

by Bishop Moses E. Peter