Abraham: Father of Faith

May 01, 2022 By: Pastor Joseph LoSardo Series: Hebrews: Greater Than Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-16
Verses 8–20 then reflect on the faith of Abraham and his heirs. By faith Abraham left his homeland not knowing where he was going (11:8). By faith, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived in the land of promise as exiles (11:9). The strength they derived to live as sojourners was found in the fact that they looked forward to the future unseen city of God (11:10). By faith, Abraham and his wife Sarah trusted in the promise of children and heirs who would be as numerous as the stars of heaven (11: 11–12). Yet they did not see the promises fulfilled and lived as exiles and strangers even while in the promised land (11:13). It was clear from this that they were all seeking a heavenly homeland (11:14-16); so, God was pleased to be called even by their name – the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (11:16). In this section we see the prototype of saving faith seen in “father Abraham.” In particular, this section emphasizes trust in God for the future as faith looks to Him for a future reward. We see God’s goodness in rewarding Abraham with a greater home, a greater home, and a greater future. And we too, as children of Abraham, by faith, are promised these very same things if we walk by faith and not shrink back into unbelief.