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Big Idea: The Binding of Faith.

Genesis 22: 1-19

1. Fulfillment of Promise.

Genesis 22: 2

“He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”

• The critical request: "Your son, your only son, Isaac."

• Abraham's test and the brink of Covenant fulfillment.

2. Abraham’s Assurance.

Genesis 22: 4

“On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar.”

• The third day's significance.

• Abraham's faith in returning with Isaac.

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 lHe considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

3. Isaac’s Imagery.

Genesis 22:8

“Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’”

• Isaac as a symbolic type of Christ.

• "God will provide the lamb": Prophetic of Jesus.

4. The Tree of Life.

Genesis 22:13

“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.”

• The tree as a symbol that continues to bring salvation.
• The Cross as a life-giving tree.

5. Hope on the Horizon.

Genesis 22:17

““I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore.”

• Post-event: The disappearance and reappearance of Isaac.

Next Steps:

• Believe: Living a life of faith requires risk. There are no guarantees regarding the outcomes or what will happen next, but we can trust in the goodness and plan of God.

• Become: A person of faithfulness to God. God is looking for partners willing to obey Him in what the rest of the world may call ridiculous.

• Be Sent: Would you travel three days in radical obedience to God? Where is God asking you to go? What is God asking you to do?

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the most costly gift someone has given you? 
2. Was that gift the greatest you've ever received?
3. Why does God ask Abraham to make a sacrifice if he knows he'll stop him anyway?
4. What would happen to Abraham's relationship with God if he refused?
5. Have you ever refused something you felt God was asking of you?
6. Have you seen God provide for you after you were willing to take a step of faith?
7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you surrender everything to Jesus daily this week.