5 Biblical Lessons We Can Learn from Abraham

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James referred to Abraham as God’s friend in James 2:23. In Galatians 3:7, you’ll even find references that elude to all generations to be children of Abraham. And other than the references to Moses in the Old Testament, there is no other character mentioned as many times in the New Testament other than Abraham. It’s safe to say that Abraham is very important and has greatly impacted our history.

Abraham’s story is deeply discussed in Genesis. His obedience is constantly referenced and that is what makes Abraham so special. Hebrews 11:8 mentions his faith by saying, “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he didn’t know where he was going.” Not many of us would willingly leave behind everything we know and love to journey on to an undisclosed location. During Abraham’s time families were extremely strong knit and it was very odd for family members to live far away from each other.

There is no question that many life lessons can be derived from Abraham. From understanding the blessing of simple obedience to his undying faith in a higher heavenly presence, Abraham shows Christians how we can live a more Godly life. His life is a testimonial to God’s grace and reinforces our faith that God will forgive us for our sins and guide us down the path we were meant to follow. Here’s what you can learn from the wise Abraham.

Be Unquestionably Obedient

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Abraham was faced with a number of challenges during his life; however he always listened to God even though the reasoning wasn’t always a visible painted picture. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his own flesh in blood. There’s no doubt that Abraham hesitated to slay his own son, but he believed in the Lord’s plan and wanted to be obedient. Ultimately, Abraham had faith in God’s plan.

We as followers of God must have unquestionable faith in our God and be confident that He will provide the tools to live our life and the path to walk for our future. This is conveyed in Genesis 22:12-14. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.”

We take our time on this earth for granted. Instead of stopping to appreciate the world around us, we maintain a fast pace and never come up for air. However, if we took the time to be obedient to God we’d learn that we must listen and put our complete faith in God’s hands.

Obedience Shouldn't be Forced

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Even though Abraham was always obedient, he never forced his actions. There are several instances of this told in Genesis. One great example is when Isaac asks his father where the lamb went. Genesis 22:8 states Abraham’s reply, “Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” No matter what obstacles came into Abraham’s path, he always whole heartedly believed that the Lord would make the situation completely right – there was never any doubt.

Often times we are hesitant to respond to God and take actions that He puts in front of us because we ultimately doubt God’s reasoning and course of action. In order to be a true follow of Christianity, you must be willing to let go and allow your obedience for the Lord to become second nature. It’s important to understand that God knows whether or not your intentions are driven by His placements or at your own will. Strive to be obedient to the Lord within every aspect. Once you’ve implemented this into your every day, you’ll discover your actions are second nature.

Sacrifice isn't Supposed to be Easy

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When Abraham loaded up the donkey, took his two servants and his son Isaac with him that day there was no doubt that Abraham had a heavy heart. Sacrificing his only son wasn’t an easy task to come to grips with, but he was unquestionably obedient. Abraham had all night and morning to change his mind and go against God’s plan; however he realized that the bigger the task means the bigger the sacrifice.

While we will never truly know what Abraham was feeling because the thought of sacrificing ones’ child is truly heart breaking and unfathomable. We can relate the monumental sacrifice to many difficult situations we’re faced with during our life span. Single parents work several jobs in order to keep food on the table, a shelter over their family’s heads and clothes on their children’s backs. They endure sleepless nights and long hours away from their loved ones for the greater good of the family. All in all, sacrifice has its pros and cons; however the bigger the sacrifice the harder it is on an individual.

Live a Life of Faith

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Over and over again, during Abraham’s life, we see a number of instances where Abraham lives a life of faith. From wanting a child to sacrificing his child, Abraham constantly displays and carries out a life directed by faith.

A lot of people expect God to reciprocate them for their devotion and sacrifices; however God has already provided us a life and forgiven us for the sinful nature that we live. Yet we as His children still believe that we must we are owed something for our obedient actions. Instead of expecting the Lord to provide us with more, we must live a life of faith and realize that if we truly need it then God will provide. Faith must become second nature – an action that doesn’t require any hindsight or evaluation. You’ll discover that once you’re able to life a life of faith, then your connection with God will be stronger and the bond will be indescribable.

Faith is Not Hereditary

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How many people can testify that their faith in God was not something they inherited from their parents? Whether that be a belief in God’s faith or not. There are three distinct examples that prove it is not enough to be physically descended from Abraham – Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8 and John 8:39. We may raise our children in a Christian home, but we cannot follow them into heaven and vouch for their faith. Instead, as Abraham did, we all must choose our faith and allow it to direct us an individuals. God does not have to save us or be there to catch us when we fall.

Even though we are taught by others within our church and those worship leaders guide us down a path towards salvation, we must continue to carry that torch and light it when it goes out. God will always be by our side and forgive us for our sins; however He cannot change something that doesn’t want to be changed or give something that doesn’t want to be accepted. Have you ever heard of the saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink? Those words clearly define faith and how it must be taken on by the individual – not their blood line.

Walk as a Christian

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Abraham was not your average man. Today many people call themselves Christians, but they don’t walk the line of Christianity. Yes, they’re good people. Yes, they do good for others. However, it’s probably relatively safe to say that the majority of Christians could learn a thing or two from Abraham. To be a real Christian, we must all allow God to steer the wheel. We mustn’t question His teachings or silence. Instead of wondering why He hasn’t revealed himself or given us something we want, we need to be obedient and believe that he will provide when we actually truly need it. Abraham presents everyone with an idealistic goal to achieve as a follower of God. Ultimately, we must be unquestionably obedient and enrich our lives with faith so that it’s no longer something that we have to think about it – instead it’ll be just our way of life.