Hero’s Of The Faith

The Example Of AbrahamHis Salvation And Our Salvation

Introduction:

• Certain Old Testament characters are held up even in the New Testament as heroes of faith and good examples for us to follow—

• Noah, Moses, David.• Romans 15:4 • However, one of the most endearing of the

Old Testament figures is Abraham, often called the father of the faithful.

Acts 7:2-8

• When Stephen preached his sermon for which he was stoned, he began with Abraham.

• There are so many lessons that we can learn from considering the life of Abraham.

• The purpose of this lesson is to look at four elements related to Abraham and his salvation.

Grace

• God showed grace to Abraham by choosing him to be the founding father of the nation of Israel: Genesis 12:1-3, 13:14-17

• In like manner, those who are in Christ are chosen for salvation: Ephesians 1:3-7

• And because it was God’s choice to save those in Christ, it is by His grace: Ephesians 2:1-9

Faith

• Abraham believed God: Genesis 15:1-6• We also must believe to be saved: John 3:16,

8:24, 20:30-31• And Abraham is given as an example of being

justified by faith: Romans 4:1-3, 13,

Obedience

• Abraham demonstrated His faith by His works: (rem. Ch. 12) Genesis 22:1-12

• This specific example of Abraham’s faithful obedience is cited in the New Testament: Hebrews 11:17-19

• James also uses it to remind us of an important principle: James 2:14, 17, 20-24, 26

Forgiven

• Abraham wasn’t sinlessly perfect—he messed up on occasion: Genesis 12:10-20, 16:1-5ff; 20:1-13 (needed forgiveness)

• Also, we as Christians sometimes mess up and need God’s grace to receive forgiveness: Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 John 1:8-9

• So, in spite of his times of messing up, Abraham is still cited as a good example: Hebrews 11:8-10

Conclusion:

• Abraham lived under a different covenant, so some of the specifics of his salvation are different from ours.

• But the general principles of grace, faith, and obedience are just as true for us as they were for him.

• And his life gives us comfort that even though we may mess up, we can find forgiveness and still look “for the city which has foundations whose builder and maker is God….”