On the mountain of "Here I Am"

Faith Tested: Abraham's Model of Trust

Bible Passage: Genesis 22:1–14

Summary: In Genesis 22:1–14, we encounter the profound story of Abraham's faith being tested as God commands him to sacrifice Isaac. This passage highlights Abraham's obedience, the deep trust he had in God, and the foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the importance of trusting God even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. It encourages believers to reflect on their own faith, asking themselves whether they are willing to trust God with their 'Isaacs'—the things they hold most dear. It serves as a reminder that God's plans are often beyond our understanding and that true faith may require tremendous sacrifice.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that faith is not merely belief but an active trust in God's character and His promises. It emphasizes that obedience to God is a demonstration of faith and that God sometimes tests our faith to grow and strengthen it. The story of Abraham offers a model for how believers can navigate their own trials with confidence in God's provision and timing.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Just as Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, God provided His own Son, Jesus, as the Lamb for humanity. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed not just as testing faith but as providing redemption through a sacrificial system that culminates in Christ's sacrifice for our sins.

Big Idea: True faith involves trusting God completely, even when His commands seem difficult or incomprehensible, because He is always faithful to provide for our needs and to fulfill His promises.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the theological implications of sacrifice throughout the Old Testament using Logos. Explore how this passage connects with other instances of testing in Scripture, and examine the Hebrew context of the terms used in God's command to Abraham. Look for insights on the Trinity's involvement in the story, as well as implications for Christian living today amidst trials.

1. Command to Sacrifice

Genesis 22:1-3

You could start by discussing how God's command for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac can seem incomprehensible yet highlights the nature of a testing faith. Perhaps emphasize that true faith requires readiness to relinquish control and entrust everything to God, even when the outcome is unclear. Engage the audience in reflecting on the things they hold dear, urging them to consider if they are willing to surrender them for the sake of obedience to God.

2. Confidence in Provision

Genesis 22:4-8

In this section, perhaps focus on Abraham's unwavering trust despite the heart-wrenching journey he undertakes with Isaac. Maybe discuss his faith-filled declaration that 'God will provide the lamb,' which echoes the assurance believers can have in God's provision even when current circumstances seem bleak. Encourage listeners to emulate Abraham's faith, trusting in God's ability to deliver on His promises.

3. Culmination and Provision

Genesis 22:9-14

You could conclude by examining the moment when God intervenes and provides a ram for the offering. Perhaps connect this to the self-giving love of Christ, who became the sacrificial lamb for humanity. This can lead to a reflection on how God's provision often surpasses our expectations, encouraging believers to have faith in His timing and ways. Emphasize that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, providing exactly what we need for His glory.

From the Mountaintop, Week 2

Title: On the Mountain of “Here I Am” Text: Genesis 22:1–14 Theme: God calls us to trust Him with what we hold most dear. Big Idea: True faith involves trusting God completely, even when His commands seem difficult or incomprehensible, because He is always faithful to provide for our needs and fulfill His promises.

Introduction: The Test of Faith

Have you ever faced a test so great that you didn’t know how you would get through it? Maybe it was a diagnosis, a broken relationship, a financial crisis, or a decision that weighed heavily on you. In those moments, the question beneath all the others is this: Can I really trust God?

That’s the question Abraham faced on Mount Moriah. Genesis 22 brings us one of the most shocking and profound stories in Scripture: God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. It’s a story that unsettles us, yet it points us toward the very heart of faith and ultimately toward the cross of Christ.

In life, we often get comfortable with our 'Isaacs'—those things or people we treasure most. Think of the child who clutches his favorite toy, terrified of losing it. Abraham faced this test on Mount Moriah, but instead of holding on, he released his grip, trusting God would provide. Like that child who learns to share and finds joy beyond his toy, we too can discover greater blessings in God's hands when we let go of our fears.

I. The Command to Sacrifice

Text: Genesis 22:1–3

“Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering.”

Can you imagine the weight of those words? Isaac was not only Abraham’s beloved son—he was the miracle child, the fulfillment of God’s promise, the one through whom the covenant would continue.

The command seems incomprehensible. Why would God ask this? Scripture tells us: God was testing Abraham.

Testing is not the same as tempting. Temptation leads us toward sin. Testing refines our faith and reveals its strength. Abraham’s immediate response—“Here I am”—shows his readiness to obey, even without understanding.

Consider a gardener who prunes a tree. At first, it looks like a disaster, leaving only bare branches. But over time, those branches flourish with fruit. Similarly, God tests us not to tear us down but to help us grow stronger in faith, just as Abraham demonstrated by responding, 'Here I am!'

Think of a plane preparing for takeoff. The rigorous checks aren’t meant to discourage the passengers but to ensure their safety. In our walk with God, tests fortify our faith, preparing us for the journey ahead. Like Abraham’s quick 'Here I am,' our readiness can turn a test into a launch toward greater faith.

Application: What is your Isaac? What is that precious thing, relationship, or dream you hold most dear? Faith means being willing to place even that in God’s hands, trusting that He is good and His purposes are higher than ours.

II. Confidence in Provision

Text: Genesis 22:4–8

Abraham sets out on the three-day journey. Imagine each step, the heaviness in his heart, the weight on his shoulders. Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham replies: “God himself will provide the lamb.”

This is not denial—it’s declaration. Abraham trusts in God’s character, even when he doesn’t understand God’s command. His confidence is not in circumstances but in the God who has always been faithful.

A funny story: I once asked a friend if he'd ever gone hiking. He replied, 'Only when I have a map and my mom told me where to go!' Many of us are like him—wanting a clear path before we move. But Abraham ventured forth without knowing the destination on God's command. His trust wasn't in a mapped-out plan, but in a God he knew would guide him.

Application: We all face moments when the way ahead feels impossible. Faith doesn’t mean we see the outcome—it means we trust the Provider. Abraham teaches us to walk forward in obedience, declaring with confidence: “God will provide.”

III. Culmination and Provision

Text: Genesis 22:9–14

The moment comes. Abraham raises the knife—and God intervenes: “Do not lay a hand on the boy… Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld your son.” Then Abraham sees the ram caught in the thicket. The Lord has provided.

And Abraham names that place: “The Lord will provide.” (Jehovah Jireh)

In college, I learned to budget tightly, but during finals week, I had one too many late-night study sessions and found myself out of snacks! Just as I resigned myself to hungry nights, a friend showed up with pizza and cookies! Like Abraham saying, 'The Lord will provide,' I realized sometimes God sends little provisions our way, reminding us we are never truly alone, especially in stressful times. It’s those moments we’ll look back on and laugh!

Here is the gospel foreshadowed: Just as God provided a substitute for Isaac, so God would one day provide His own Son, Jesus, as the Lamb for the world. On another mountain, Golgotha, the Father did not withhold His Son but gave Him up for us all.

Application: God’s provision is greater than we can imagine. It may not look like what we expected, but it will always be enough. At the cross, He has already provided everything we need for life, forgiveness, and salvation.

Conclusion: Faith on the Mountain

The story of Abraham and Isaac is not easy—it’s not meant to be. But it teaches us the essence of faith: trusting God completely, surrendering what we love most, and believing in His provision.

When God tests us, it is not to break us but to grow us. When He calls us to trust, He also promises to provide. And when we look at Mount Moriah, we see the shadow of Calvary, where God’s ultimate provision was made in Christ.

Takeaway: When life’s tests feel overwhelming, remember: The Lord will provide.

Children’s Message (short idea):

Bring a backpack with some heavy books inside. Ask a child to carry it and notice how heavy it feels. Then take the load out yourself and carry it for them. Explain: “Sometimes life feels heavy, like Abraham carrying the weight of trusting God with Isaac. But God promises that we don’t have to carry the load ourselves—He provides for us, just like He did for Abraham. And the greatest gift He gave was Jesus, who carries our burdens.”

One-Sentence Takeaway:

“Faith trusts God with what we love most, because He is always faithful to provide.”

Pastoral Prayer (Intercession):

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, You are the God who calls us to trust You, even when we do not understand. You are the God who tests our faith, not to harm us but to strengthen us. You are the God who provides—Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who sees our need.

We bring before You today the Isaacs we hold dear—our families, our futures, our fears. Teach us to trust You with them. We pray for those who are walking through trials right now—be their Provider. For the sick, bring healing. For the grieving, bring comfort. For the weary, bring strength. We thank You above all for the Lamb You have provided—Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the world. Help us live each day in the confidence of Your love and provision.

In the name of Jesus, the Lamb of God, we pray. Amen.