0102. THE TRIAL OF FAITH.

THE TRIAL OF FAITH.

Gen_22:1-14.

Faith is precious (2Pe_1:1). See what it has done (Heb. 11). The trial of it is more precious than gold (1Pe_1:7). Here we might notice-

I. The Sacrifice of Faith. "His only loved son" (Mat_25:2). This simply meant his all. All must be given up to God (Mat_19:21; Rom_12:1-2; Rom_15:3).

II. The Obedience of Faith. "He rose up early" (Mat_25:3). By faith he obeyed (Heb_11:7). Love makes swift the feet of faith. He reasoned not (Joh_2:5).

III. The Expectation of Faith. "I and the lad will come again" (Mat_25:5); accounting that God was able to raise him up (Heb_11:19). His promise could not fail (Gen_21:12).

IV. The Work of Faith. "He laid the burden (wood) on the offering" (Mat_25:6). Solemn work to faith. "He bore our sins in His own body on the tree" (1Pe_2:24).

V. The Assurance of Faith. "God will provide" (Mat_25:8). On the path of obedience many a question will arise (Mat_25:7) which only faith can answer (Act_27:25).

VI. The Persistence of Faith. "He bound Isaac, and took the knife" (Mat_25:9). The faith that fails in the hour of trial is no faith (Mar_4:40).

VII. The Victory of Faith. "Now I know," says God, and the lad is saved; yet an offering made (Mat_25:12), and faith abundantly rewarded (Rom_9:33; Mar_9:25; 1Jn_5:4).

Autor: James Smith