The Tests of Abraham:
Both Jews and Christians agree that Abraham went through a plethora of tests, the last being God’s ask of him to sacrifice Isaac. To which God responded:

There are 3 tests that Abraham experiences that involve his nephew Lot. The first begins in Genesis 13.

This seems to be a test for Abraham, to reveal his heart. Will he make the final break with his family? (Test of Obedience)

Abram’s choice to do this reveals his heart of obedience to God, to trust Him with his future and his provision.

Abraham passes the test of Obedience, by his choices.

There are 3 tests that Abraham experiences that involve his nephew Lot. The second is found in Genesis 14.

This seems to be a test for Abraham, to reveal his heart. Will he go back to the way things were, or will he remain dependent on God for his future? (Test of Dependence)

Abram wanted no alliance or part of what had been owned by the people of Sodom or Lot / It is implied that he releases Lot & his wealth to go back to Sodom, as his former family and that way of life is in the past for Abram.

Abraham passes the test of Dependence, by his Open-Handedness.

There are 3 tests that Abraham experiences that involve his nephew Lot. The third is found in Genesis 18.

This seems to be a test for Abraham, to reveal his heart. Will he seek to know and model God’s character? (Test of Character)

“This is the first time in Genesis a man initiates a conversation with God.”

He takes the risk of doing this, not knowing God’s response, but knowing that God loves the righteous and that he is compassionate, he hopes that God will be this way with him and will spare Sodom if warranted. - Old Testament Scholar, Andrew E. Steinmann

Abraham passes the test by knowing and reflecting God’s character.

Our faith is being tested all the time, so how do we Pass our Tests?

1. Obedience expressed by our choices

What is God asking of you and me?

“Our choices don’t guarantee or automatically activate or remove God’s blessing, it’s as we consistently choose His way or our way, that our path leads us toward or away from Him.”

2. Dependence expressed by our open-handedness

What is God asking you and I to release control of and give to Him to look after?

“Our posture of open-handedness, positions us to release the things we can’t or shouldn’t control, and to receive from God the blessings He is waiting to give us.”

3. Knowing and modelling God expressed by replicating His character

Who do people see when they look at me? Whatever it may be, it’s often validated by my words and actions.”

We are only able to do all this with the help and power of the Holy Spirit at work in us!

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. How can you relate to Abraham’s tests regarding his faith? Does it ever feel like your faith is being tested often?

2. How have you done with the test of Obedience to God? How have your choices been a part of your passing or failing this test? (It’s important to remember that God is gracious, always giving us many opportunities to help us pass this test!)

3. How have you done with the test of Dependence on God? Have you ever considered that a posture of open-handedness will help you to learn to trust God?

4. How have you done with the test of seeking to know and modelling Go’s character? Who do people see when they look at you?

5. How does the Holy Spirit help us as believers to pass our tests of faith?