The Sacrifice of Isaac

Genesis 22:1-8

Introduction

1.       The Christian religion is a bloody religion

2.       The background for the sacrifice of Jesus lies in the Old Testament system of animal sacrifice

3.       In particular, Abraham was called to make a sacrifice that was prophetic of the sacrifice of Jesus  

Discussion

1.       Background for the story

a.       God calls Abraham to leave  

b.       God promises a son  

c.       The arrangements that led to the birth of Ishmael  

d.       The birth of Isaac, the child of promise  

2.       God tests the faith of Abraham

a.       God spoke; Abraham listened  

b.       God instructed Abraham  

c.       The trip to Mt. Moriah  

d.       The sacrifice  

e.       The promise – Gen 22:15-18  

3.       Some implications and applications

a.       A response to those who question how God could ever have asked for the sacrifice of Isaac  

b.       An understanding that God is in the business of testing character  

c.       An understanding that God expects those who believe in Him to act in ways that are radically different from the world  

Conclusion

1.       Today, people want a religion that entertains, soothes, comforts and requires nothing

2.       God offers something completely different, from the music that we make with our singing, to the money that we put in the collection plate, we understand that God requires that each of us give our best to Him

3.       Luke 14:25-27