What can we learn from Abraham?

Faith obeys God before it sees the way: Abraham went out, “not knowing whither he went” (Heb 11:8). We are declared righteous before God by faith, not by works, just as Abraham was even before his circumcision (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3-11). God tests our faith to make it genuine: hold nothing back from him, not even what you love most (Gen 22:12; Jas 2:21-22). Human shortcuts, like Hagar, produce lasting conflict: waiting for God’s timing is better (Gen 16:2-6).

The patriarchs · c. 2000 BC

Abraham in the Bible

The father of faith. Name meaning: “Father of a multitude” (originally Abram, “exalted father”); God changes his name in Genesis 17:5

Called by God to leave Ur of the Chaldees and then Haran, Abraham sets out for Canaan without knowing where he is going, on God’s word alone. God makes a covenant with him and promises him a land, countless descendants, and a blessing for all the families of the earth. “He believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness” (Gen 15:6): he is “the father of us all” who believe (Rom 4:16) and “the Friend of God” (Jas 2:23).

Main books: Genesis

Key moments

God calls him to leave his country Genesis 12:1
He lets Lot choose first Genesis 13:9
Blessed by Melchizedek, he gives him a tithe Genesis 14:20
His faith is counted as righteousness Genesis 15:6
Abram becomes Abraham Genesis 17:5
He intercedes for Sodom Genesis 18:23
Isaac is born when he is a hundred Genesis 21:5
He offers Isaac on Mount Moriah Genesis 22:12

Strengths

Faith
Obedience
Hospitality
Generosity
Intercession

Weaknesses

Out of fear, Abraham passes Sarah off as his sister twice, in Egypt and then at Gerar, exposing her to danger (Gen 12:13; 20:2). He also gives in to impatience by taking Hagar in order to get an heir, a source of lasting tension in his family (Gen 16:2-6).

Lessons for today

Faith obeys God before it sees the way: Abraham went out, “not knowing whither he went” (Heb 11:8).
We are declared righteous before God by faith, not by works, just as Abraham was even before his circumcision (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3-11).
God tests our faith to make it genuine: hold nothing back from him, not even what you love most (Gen 22:12; Jas 2:21-22).
Human shortcuts, like Hagar, produce lasting conflict: waiting for God’s timing is better (Gen 16:2-6).

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 12:2–3

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 15:6

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Genesis 22:8

People around Abraham

Sarah — Wife and half-sister (Gen 20:12)
Isaac — Son of the promise
Ishmael — Son born to Hagar, the Egyptian servant
Lot — Nephew, son of his brother Haran
Melchizedek — King of Salem and priest who blessed him
Jacob — Grandson, heir of the promise

Stories with Abraham

Quiz: how well do you know Abraham?

How old was Abram when he left Haran?

What was the name of the nephew who went with Abram?

Which son did God ask Abraham to offer as a burnt offering?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.