see: Genesis 12:1-9; Genesis 22; Hebrews 11: 8-19
In these passages on Abraham leaving his father's home and sacrificing his son at the Lord's request we are shown an example of a man who has radical faith in God.
In looking at Abraham's example and looking Biblically at the concept of faith we see there are five principles to learn about the life of radical faith.
The life of faith will:
1. Be difficult.
The life of faith is not easy. God calls his people to do difficult things, things that may go against popular opinion. The sacrifices we have to make will be hard at times, there's no avoiding that. If you want to follow Christ at times it will be difficult. But its worth it. We have to accept that at times it will be difficult, count the cost, and realize that it is worth the sacrifice every time. Living a life of radical faith may be difficult but its better than the alternative: living a safe life that doesn't serve the kingdom of God.
2. Come from trust in God.
see: Hebrews 11:1; 1 Corinthians 2: 5; Galatians 2:20
We see in Hebrews 11 that Abraham believed that even if he did kill his son the Lord would resurrect him, he was so confident in the Lords promise that he knew that not even death could stop Him from making Isaac his son through whom the whole world would be blessed. We can live lives of radical faith if we believe God's promises to us and know that He is faithful!
3. Brings praise to Christ.
see: 1 Peter 1:7
Our lives of faith in Christ bring Him honor as He is able to prove His nature again and again in our lives.
4. Make us more like Christ.
see: James 1:2-4
There is no one who lived more of a life of radical faith than Christ. As we step out in faith we take on more of His character as we follow His example. Living a life of faith builds more faith and that faith produces Godly character.
5. Be worth it in the end.
While stepping out in faith is difficult and may not make sense at times it is worth it in the end. Now that Abraham is in Heaven he does not regret leaving his father's house or obediently preparing to sacrifice his son. The Lord has proved Himself over and over in the lives of others, so we can count on Him that whatever He asks us to do (while it may be difficult) it is best for us.
In these passages on Abraham leaving his father's home and sacrificing his son at the Lord's request we are shown an example of a man who has radical faith in God.
In looking at Abraham's example and looking Biblically at the concept of faith we see there are five principles to learn about the life of radical faith.
The life of faith will:
1. Be difficult.
The life of faith is not easy. God calls his people to do difficult things, things that may go against popular opinion. The sacrifices we have to make will be hard at times, there's no avoiding that. If you want to follow Christ at times it will be difficult. But its worth it. We have to accept that at times it will be difficult, count the cost, and realize that it is worth the sacrifice every time. Living a life of radical faith may be difficult but its better than the alternative: living a safe life that doesn't serve the kingdom of God.
2. Come from trust in God.
see: Hebrews 11:1; 1 Corinthians 2: 5; Galatians 2:20
We see in Hebrews 11 that Abraham believed that even if he did kill his son the Lord would resurrect him, he was so confident in the Lords promise that he knew that not even death could stop Him from making Isaac his son through whom the whole world would be blessed. We can live lives of radical faith if we believe God's promises to us and know that He is faithful!
3. Brings praise to Christ.
see: 1 Peter 1:7
Our lives of faith in Christ bring Him honor as He is able to prove His nature again and again in our lives.
4. Make us more like Christ.
see: James 1:2-4
There is no one who lived more of a life of radical faith than Christ. As we step out in faith we take on more of His character as we follow His example. Living a life of faith builds more faith and that faith produces Godly character.
5. Be worth it in the end.
While stepping out in faith is difficult and may not make sense at times it is worth it in the end. Now that Abraham is in Heaven he does not regret leaving his father's house or obediently preparing to sacrifice his son. The Lord has proved Himself over and over in the lives of others, so we can count on Him that whatever He asks us to do (while it may be difficult) it is best for us.