BEING FAITHFUL LIKE FAITHFUL ABRAHAM 

BEING FAITHFUL LIKE FAITHFUL ABRAHAM: FAITHFULNESS IS GOD’S STEWARD’S BADGE!  

“Hearken to me, ye that FOLLOW AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS, ye that seek the Lord: LOOK UNTO THE ROCK whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. 2 Look unto ABRAHAM YOUR FATHER, and unto SARAH THAT BARE YOU: for I CALLED him alone, and BLESSED him, and INCREASED him. 3 For the Lord shall COMFORT Zion: he will COMFORT all her waste places; and he will make her WILDERNESS like Eden, and her DESERT like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody” Isaiah 51:1-3. 

Faithfulness is the spirit of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something, and putting that loyalty into consistent practice regardless of extenuating circumstances. This is the measure that is being put on demand in this context, today and now – for you and for me. For faith is now [Hebrews 11:1]. As I read Isaiah 51:1-3, and pondered [meditated] on it, this write-up came to me. I recalled countless times I have sung, and still sing these songs: “ABRAHAM BLESSINGS ARE MINE . . .” and “THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB . . . “. It dawned on me that as a seed of Abraham, there is the need to remain steadfastly steady in being FAITHFUL, just as FAITHFUL Abraham was to God’s FAITHFULNESS in Christ Jesus. This is what I have found myself doing for over 50 years, and still counting, as I journey in the grace of God. For it is a requirement to be found faithful as good stewards of God’s plan, purpose, and pursuit unto the ends of the earth [1 Corinthians 4:1-2]. And then, while working on the cause and course of this month’s theme, the Lord reminded me again of the Scripture, Galatians 3:9, 29, with even more ASSURED insight and foresight, as written: 

“So then THEY which be of FAITH are BLESSED with FAITHFUL ABRAHAM. . . 29 And if ye BE Christ’s, then ARE ye Abraham’s SEED, and HEIRS according to the PROMISE” Galatians 3:9, 29. 

“So then, let us [who minister] be regarded as servants of Christ and STEWARDS (trustees, administrators) of the mysteries of God [that He chooses to reveal]. [2] In this case, moreover, it is REQUIRED [as ESSENTIAL and DEMANDED] of STEWARDS that one be found FAITHFUL and TRUSTWORTHY” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2/Amplified. 

How gracious and graceful it is for one to easily lay claim to being Abraham’s seed and to desire Abraham’s Blessings. More so, to be God’s friend as Abraham was – as we do sing “I AM A FRIEND OF GOD”, even as the Scriptures declare in James 2:23. Yes, the Scriptures do say in Galatians 3:6-9, 13-14, 26-29 that as many of us who ARE OF FAITH in Christ Jesus, ARE OF Abraham, and can share in the Abrahamic BLESSEDNESS of God in Christ Jesus’ stead. Amen. This becomes possible because Abraham was ascribed as FAITHFUL ABRAHAM. This was due to his obedience and humility in believing God’s word above anything else, and in being ASSURED of God’s FAITHFULNESS to His promise. He let go of himself and let God be in all things – doing life and living godly to fulfil God’s divine PURPOSE meaningfully. 

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father JUSTIFIED by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how FAITH wrought with his works, and by works was FAITH made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the FRIEND of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” James 2:20-24. 

Abraham was FAITHFUL toward God from the moment the GOSPEL as stated in Galatians 3:8 was PREACHED to him. And I repeat: the GOSPEL of God in FAITH was PREACHED to him, wherein he BELIEVED and acted upon it accordingly, intentionally, and unreservedly. He believed God, and in obedience through FAITH, he journeyed with God in FAITHFULNESS until death – as recorded in his memoir in the Holy writ: Genesis 12-25, and Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-19. And all who have come afterwards in FAITH have shared in his BLESSEDNESS with God, because he was FAITHFUL – ascribed as FAITHFUL ABRAHAM. 

“Even as Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they WHICH ARE OF FAITH, the same are the CHILDREN of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED before the GOSPEL unto Abraham, saying, IN THEE SHALL ALL NATIONS BE BLESSED. 9 So then they which be of faith ARE BLESSED with FAITHFUL Abraham” Galatians 3:6-9. 

Let us CINSIDER some FAITHFUL CHARACTERISTICS of FAITHFUL ABRAHAM that we can learn from him, and use as a measure to ascertain our SHARING in his GOSPEL-ENABLING for us today: 

1. He was FAITHFUL to OBEY when he received the call of God, he did not confer with flesh and blood. He left all – his people inclusive – to cleave to God in faith. How I wish we could learn of him how to LEAVE and CLEAVE to a CAUSE – PURPOSE. [Genesis 12; Galatians 1:12-17; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5 (Make 10:7)].
2. He was FAITHFUL to depend on God’s provision when he was tried and tested by his nephew Lot, who in greed pursued business deals and acquisitions, he turned his face to God instead of fighting over Earthly possessions that take lives instead of giving life. [Genesis 13; Luke 12:15; Mark 10:28-3; Philippians 4:13, 19; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Corinthians 3:4-6].
3. He was FAITHFUL to pay TITHE in FAITH without pressure or dispute; he paid the TITHE of his earnings in FAITH. [Genesis 14; Hebrews 7:1-9; Matthew 23:23; Matthew 22:15-22; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Luke 6:38; Luke 8:1-3; Acts 20:32-35; (Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:10-12; Deuteronomy 26:1-19; Leviticus 27:30-33)].
4. He was FAITHFUL toward God in Covenant in FAITH, he was assured that God would do what He promised. [Genesis 15-17; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 5:14-15; Hebrews 10:23, 35-39].
5. He was FAITHFUL to receive and entertain Angelic visitors. He received them unawares, without question or cost. [Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:1-3; Romans 12:9-21].
6. He was FAITHFUL to intercede in prayer for his family and for the nation in crisis and under God’s judgement, peradventure God might show mercy. [Genesis 18/19; Isaiah 59:16; Ezekiel 22:30; Romans 8:26:26-27; Isaiah 53:12; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25].
7. He was FAITHFUL to let GO when challenged. He was willing to let go of his wife in a challenging moment in order to fulfil PURPOSE in God. And God, foreseeing his sincerity saved him and his wife from that test of their marital relationship. [Genesis 20; Mark 10:28-31; Colossians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Romans 8:28-30].
8. He was FAITHFUL in the midst of CONFUSION. Even with the errors and failures he made in the course of time through his decisions, he remained faithful. And God turned his MESS into a MESSAGE because he was broken and repentant. [Genesis 21; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Galatians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 1 John 1:9-10].
9. He was FAITHFUL to let Go of his precious and most treasured gift – his son Isaac – at God’s request and demand, without questioning or arguing with God concerning His intent. [Genesis 22; Hebrews 11:17-19].
10. He was FAITHFUL even in loss and in bereavement. Even at the loss of his dear wife, he turned his loss into legacy. By her burial place, he set a foundation stone – the land of Canaan – that earmarked what God would FULFIL for posterity, as Prophesied to MOSES and the Israelites in years to come. [Genesis 23; (Galatians 3:17-18; Genesis 15:12-14); 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; John 11:1-45; Romans 12:15; James 5:13].
11. He was FAITHFUL to create the needed atmosphere for his son Isaac to be faithfully married. [Genesis 24; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:1-8; Ephesians 6:1-4; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-12].
12. He was FAITHFUL to leave an inheritance for his Children as he died in FAITH, fulfilling PURPOSE in FAITHFULNESS. [Genesis 25; Proverbs 13:22]. 

Abraham HAD FAITH in God’s FAITHFULNESS – and therefore he was FAITHFUL. That is why, from the moment he received the GOSPEL OF FAITH, he was prepared to LET GO of himself and of anything, counting and knowing that God would take CARE of him no matter what might happen. This shows that whatever he let go at God’s request, God knew best. For He is a FAITHFUL God who will repay in far better placement than what we could have held onto and held back – in selfishness, and in not BELIEVING and TRUSTING that GOD IS FAITHFUL to keep to His PROMISE. 

Today, we as Abraham’s seed, who are partakers of his enabling in Christ Jesus, how much can it be said of us that we are like him – that we may be called FAITHFUL ABRAHAM? Let us not be the Believers in Christ Jesus who desire the BLESSEDNESS of Abraham, but are not PREPARED FOR THE PROCESS. For it is that very process that FORTIFIES us and makes us grounded and rooted in FAITH and in THE FAITH in Christ Jesus’ stead, as we share in His blessing. 

ABRAHAM was called a friend of God – James 2:23 – because of the attribute of being FAITHFUL ABRAHAM. May we be as he was toward God in Christ Jesus. This I pray, now and always. Amen. 

SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK. 

SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT: 

“Even as Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they WHICH ARE OF FAITH, the same are the CHILDREN of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED before the GOSPEL unto Abraham, saying, IN THEE SHALL ALL NATIONS BE BLESSED. 9 So then they which be of faith ARE BLESSED with FAITHFUL Abraham . . . 13 Christ hath REDEEMED us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that THE BLESSING of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith . . . 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” Galatians 3:6-9, 13-14, 26-29. 

“By FAITH Abraham, when he was CALLED to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, OBEYED; and he went out, NOT KNOWING whither he went. 9 By FAITH he sojourned in THE LAND OF PROMISE, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through FAITH also Sara herself RECEIVED STRENGTH TO CONCEIVE SEED, and was DELIVERED of a child when she was past age, because she judged him FAITHFUL who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable . . . 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” Hebrews 11:8-11, 17-19. 

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father JUSTIFIED by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how FAITH wrought with his works, and by works was FAITH made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the FRIEND of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” James 2:20-24. 

“As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations, before him whom he BELIEVED, even God, who QUICKENETH the dead, and CALLETH those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against HOPE believed in HOPE, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness . . .” Romans 4:17-25. 

Further Scriptural Reading Text: Romans 4:16-25; Hebrews 11:8-19; Genesis 12-25. 

SUMMARY 

The message is a charge to the Church to become “FAITHFUL ABRAHAM” — because FAITHFULNESS IS GOD’S STEWARD’S BADGE. 

Drawing from Isaiah 51:1-3, the message calls us to “LOOK UNTO ABRAHAM OUR FATHER” and learn how to walk in the same faith that made him the friend of God and heir of the promise.

KEY POINTS  

1. OUR IDENTITY: ABRAHAM’S SEED IN CHRIST
   As believers, we sing “Abraham’s blessings are mine”. Galatians 3:9, 29 confirms it:
   “They which be of FAITH are BLESSED with FAITHFUL ABRAHAM… if ye BE Christ’s, then ARE ye Abraham’s SEED, and HEIRS according to the PROMISE.” 
   To claim the BLESSEDNESS, we must also embrace the PROCESS of faithfulness. 
2. THE DEFINITION OF FAITHFULNESS
   Faithfulness is “the spirit of unfailingly remaining loyal to God and putting that loyalty into consistent practice regardless of circumstances.”
   1 Corinthians 4:1-2 AMP: “It is REQUIRED of STEWARDS that one be found FAITHFUL and TRUSTWORTHY.” 
3. 12 FAITHFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF FAITHFUL ABRAHAM
   These are our measuring line:
   FAITHFUL TO OBEY – Left all to follow God’s call Gen 12 
   FAITHFUL TO DEPEND ON GOD’S PROVISION – Chose peace over fighting Lot Gen 13 
   FAITHFUL TO PAY TITHE – Gave in faith without pressure Gen 14 
   FAITHFUL IN COVENANT – Trusted God to fulfil His promise Gen 15-17 
   FAITHFUL IN HOSPITALITY – Received angels unawares Gen 18 
   FAITHFUL TO INTERCEDE – Stood in the gap for family and nation Gen 18-19 
   FAITHFUL TO LET GO WHEN CHALLENGED – Surrendered in a test, God preserved him Gen 20 
   FAITHFUL IN CONFUSION – God turned his MESS into MESSAGE Gen 21 
   FAITHFUL TO SURRENDER ISAAC – Offered his most precious gift Gen 22 
   FAITHFUL IN LOSS – Turned bereavement into legacy in Canaan Gen 23 
   FAITHFUL TO BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION – Created atmosphere for Isaac’s marriage Gen 24 
   FAITHFUL TO LEAVE INHERITANCE – Died fulfilling PURPOSE Gen 25 

4. THE CORE TRUTH
   Abraham HAD FAITH in God’s FAITHFULNESS — therefore he was FAITHFUL.
   From the moment he received the GOSPEL OF FAITH Gal 3:8, he was prepared to LET GO of anything, knowing God would take CARE and repay in far better ways. 
5. THE WARNING
   Let us not desire the BLESSEDNESS of Abraham without being PREPARED FOR THE PROCESS.
   It is the process that FORTIFIES us and roots us in FAITH and THE FAITH in Christ Jesus. 

CALL TO ACTION 

1. EXAMINE YOURSELF: As Abraham’s seed, can it be said of you that you are FAITHFUL ABRAHAM? Check your life against the 12 characteristics. 
2. CHOOSE TO LET GO AND CLEAVE: Be willing to let go of self, comfort, and control to cleave to God’s PURPOSE. Don’t hold back in selfishness. 
3. BELIEVE AND TRUST GOD’S FAITHFULNESS: Like Abraham, be “fully persuaded that what He promised, He is able to perform” Romans 4:21. Faith without works is dead James 2:20. 
4. EMBRACE THE PROCESS: Don’t run from the trials. They are what ground and root you in faith to carry the blessing. 

FINAL WORD: 
May we be found as faithful stewards. 
ABRAHAM was called the FRIEND OF GOD James 2:23 because he was FAITHFUL ABRAHAM. 
May that same testimony be ours in Christ Jesus. 

REV. CHUKIE MORSI