Notes - 5th March 06

Bible passages:
Read Genesis 22:1-18
Hebrews 11:17-19
Read Ps 51:16-17

How can we bring pleasure to God?

We have seen that God delights to receive our worship, and we have seen that worship is far more than what we offer to God in our time together on a Sunday. Worship is what results from the whole of our lives. Are they becoming more God-centred, God-honouring in every part? There are examples in the Bible which show us that worship like this is costly, sacrificial - but that it yields glory to God and blessing to our lives. We are going to think about this worship through the example of Abraham's life and the high-point of his faith that showed itself in worship that pleased God.

Up to this moment, Abraham had had various tests and trials, in some of which he showed faith in God and obedience, but also times of self-reliance and disobedience. All of us can think of similar times in our own lives. God permits 'defining moments', when we are challenged to obedience or disobedience to God, His way or our way, that we may develop for His glory. The ultimate crisis for Abraham was when he was called on by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac.

(Read Genesis 22:1-11) How does the very phrasing of God's command make it clear that God understands the cost to Abraham of this demand? What spiritual danger does Abraham face because of his great love for his son? What dangers in your life are there for you to love the gift more than the Giver, the blessing more than the Lord? What does the fact that Abraham set out early the next morning indicate as to who came first in his heart? What does Abraham's perception that what he was going to do was an act of 'worship' (v5) indicate about how real worship is a 'sacrifice'? In what sense is your worship a sacrifice for you? (Read Rom 12:1) Abraham carries on doing what God has asked him, imagine his feelings.

Look again at v5, what is there that indicates that Abraham believed that God would somehow restore his son to him, despite the command? How is this echoed in v8?

Abraham trusted the promises God had made to him about Isaac (Gen 21:12), despite the circumstances he was facing.

Abraham trusted in the power of God to make good these promises (Read Hebrews 11:17-19)

(Read Genesis 22:12-18). How do you think what Abraham did pleased God so much? What blessings flow from the obedience that Abraham showed to God? What is the connection between worship and obedience? What does (1 Sam 15:22) tell us?

(Read Ps 51:16-17) How does God make clear here what kind of sacrifice and obedience he wants from the worship that we offer him? In practical terms what does this mean for our lives?

Over the years, some have found difficulty with this story of Abraham being called upon by God to sacrifice his son, because it seems a horrendous thing for a God of love and compassion to do. How do you think it may have been necessary to develop Abraham's commitment and trust in the Lord? How much did it act as a prefigure of the Lord's sacrifice of His 'one and only Son whom He loved'? Why was it needful that the Father's hand was not restrained against His Son who gave himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world?