1. Three Essential tests of genuine Faith
Hebrews 11:17-19
Three Essential tests of genuine Faith

2. Many faiths mentioned in scripture…
“Little Faith” - Matthew 6:30
“No Faith” - John 12:37-40
“Weak Faith” - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
“Hidden Faith” - John 12:42, 43
“Only Faith” - James 2:14-26
“Demonic Faith” - James 2:19
“Worthless Faith” - James 2:17
“Traitor Faith” - 2 Timothy 4:10
“Almost Faith” - Acts 26:26-29
“Giant Killing Faith” - 1 Samuel 17:32-51
“Fiery Furnace Faith” - Daniel 3:22-30
“Lion Proof Faith” - Daniel 6:11-28
“Great Faith” - Matthew 8:5-10

3. Hebrews 11:17-19
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure

4. Introduction Abraham’s faith was tested by God
He faith is said to have been tempted or proved
Genesis 22:1
Abraham demonstrated his faith was genuine
Abraham’s faith passed three essential tests
We will discuss these three tests of Abraham’s faith

5. The Test of AUTHORITY Abraham’s faith tested…
If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows - 1 Timothy 5:16
Abraham’s faith tested…
Based on specific authority - Genesis 22:2
What was offered - cf. Items of worship
Singing, Prayer, Teaching, Giving & L. Supper 1st day of week
Who did the offering - Prepared by Abraham
Executing vengeance - Romans 12:19-13:4
Christians or Civil Government?
Praying for forgiveness - Acts 8:22, 12-13
Erring brother or alien sinner
Lord’s Work
Church or human institutions
Reliving needy saints - 1 Timothy 5:16
Church or individual?

6. A Difference: Individual & Church
“If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them…”
(1 Tim. 5:16)
“...and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows” (1 Tim. 5:16)

7. The Test of AUTHORITY Based on general authority - Genesis 22:3
Donkey & men included in the command to “take”
Methods of taking the wood to the place
Donkey & men are parallels to aids of worship
Building/meeting place, song books, lights etc.

8. The Test of TRUST Abraham Trusted God’s… Promise Power Purpose
Vs. 18, 19; Genesis 12:1-2; 21:12
Power
Vs. 19; Genesis 22:5, 7-13
Purpose
Did not question WHY?
God’s Word is the only reason needed for…
Baptism, Lord’s Supper every Lord’s day
Must respect the reason, even if it is given
Baptism - Mark 16:15, 16
Lord’s Supper every first day - 1 Corinthians 11:20 ff.
Collection every first day - 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2

9. The Test of WORKS Abraham justified by Faith when it worked
When (not until) he made the offering
Not by works of the law or merit - Romans 4:1-8
By works of an obedient faith - James 2:21-24
Romans 1:5
We are “Abraham’s seed” and children of God by faith when (not until)…
We are baptized into Christ - Galatians 3:26-29

10. Galatians 3:26-29
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise

11. We Need Faith That… This Results in a Genuine Faith!
Respects the word of God and the One behind the word
Obeys the word of God and the One behind the word
Trusts the word of God and the One behind the word
This Results in a Genuine Faith!