Title: Obedience Even When It’s Painful

Text: Genesis 22:1–14

1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he
said, Behold, here I am.
:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah;
and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him,
and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God
had told him.
4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and
worship, and come again to you.
6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his
hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said,
Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them
together.
9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood
in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here
am I.
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou
fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns:
and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD
it shall be seen.
Main Truth: Obedience sometimes involves sacrifice, but God honors our faith.

Introduction
Life in Christ isn’t always a smooth path filled with blessings and ease. Sometimes God calls us to walk through
seasons of uncertainty, trials, and even heartbreak. One of the greatest examples in Scripture of painful
obedience is Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac—his promised son—on Mount Moriah. This account teaches
us that trusting God fully means obeying Him even when it costs us dearly.

Point 1 – God Will Test Our Faith- The Proving of Faith (vv. 1–2)
Genesis 22:1–2 – “And it came to pass… that God did tempt Abraham…”
 Tests are not to destroy us but to develop us. God’s tests reveal the reality of our love for Him and the
depth of our faith.
 Abraham’s test was personal and heart-wrenching—God asked for Isaac, the son of promise.
 Sometimes God asks us to give up what we value most to show that He is truly first in our lives.
 Application: When the test comes, remember—God never tests us without purpose. His goal is to
refine, not to ruin.
Before God can use us greatly, He often tests us deeply. Abraham’s test with Isaac was not for God to discover
Abraham’s heart—God already knew—it was for Abraham to discover how much he truly trusted God. Tests
are spiritual classrooms where God measures not our knowledge, but our faith and faithfulness.
A. The Purpose of God’s Testing
 To Reveal Our Heart – Deuteronomy 8:2 says God tested Israel “to know what was in thine heart,
whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.”
  To Refine Our Faith – 1 Peter 1:7 says trials are “much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire”, proving the genuineness of faith.
 To Ready Us for Greater Responsibility – Before Abraham became the father of nations, he became
the father who trusted God with his most precious possession.
Luke 16:10 (KJV)
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also
in much.”
Cross-references:
 Matthew 25:21 – "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
 James 1:12 – "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the
crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
 1 Timothy 1:12 – "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me
faithful, putting me into the ministry."
B. The Pain of God’s Testing
 Abraham was asked to surrender what he loved most—his son Isaac, the son of promise (Genesis
22:2). And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land
of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
 God’s tests often touch our deepest attachments, not to destroy them, but to ensure they are
surrendered to Him.
Luke 14:26 reminds us that our love for God must be so great that all other loves are secondary.
Luk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren,
and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and
come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:26–27 is one of Jesus’ strongest statements about the cost of discipleship. To understand it, we must
read it carefully in context and in light of the whole Bible.

1. “Hate” in this verse is not literal hatred

 In Jewish idiom, “hate” can mean to love less or to put in a lower place of priority.
 Matthew 10:37 clarifies this:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”
This shows Jesus is not telling us to be cruel or bitter toward our family. Instead, He’s calling
for supreme loyalty to Him—above all human relationships.

2. Following Christ may create tension in relationships

 Sometimes obeying Christ means making choices that displease even those closest to us.
 Example: A believer choosing to follow God’s call to mission work, even if family disagrees.
 Luke 12:51–53—Jesus foretells that loyalty to Him may bring division, even in families.
 This is not because we desire division, but because Christ demands first place.

3. “Yea, and his own life also”

 Discipleship is not just about putting Christ above family—it’s about putting Him above self.
 Galatians 2:20 — “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…”
 It means dying to selfish ambitions, comfort, and pride.

4. “Bear his cross” (v. 27)

 The cross was not a piece of jewelry in Jesus’ time—it was an instrument of death and shame.
 Bearing the cross means daily surrender (Luke 9:23), enduring hardship, and being willing to suffer
for Christ’s sake.
 It’s not just enduring problems in life—it’s enduring them for the sake of obedience to Him.

5. The cost of discipleship

 Jesus was warning that following Him is not a part-time, casual commitment.
 It may cost:
 o Relationships
o Reputation
o Resources
o Even life itself
 Philippians 3:8 — Paul counted all things loss for the excellency of knowing Christ.

✅ Summary:
Luke 14:26–27 teaches that true discipleship means Christ must be first—above family, self, and comfort. It
calls for total surrender and a willingness to face suffering, even death, for His sake.

C. The Peace in God’s Testing

 Abraham answered, “Here I am”—a ready heart is a peaceful heart even under pressure.
 Isaiah 26:3 promises “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he
trusteth in thee.”
 The more we trust God’s character, the less we fear His commands.
1. Understanding God’s Character
When we truly know who God is—His goodness, wisdom, love, power, and faithfulness—we gain confidence
in Him.
 Psalm 18:30 – “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all
those that trust in him.”
God’s ways are flawless, His promises tested and proven true. If we trust His character, we know He
will never lead us into something that will harm us spiritually.
 Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that he should lie…”
Since God cannot lie, every command He gives is rooted in His truth and eternal purpose.

2. Fear Comes From Distrust

When fear rises in our hearts at God’s commands, it often comes from doubting His intentions.
 The Israelites feared entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13–14) because they doubted God’s power
and goodness.
 Adam and Eve doubted God’s word and goodness in Genesis 3, leading to disobedience.
But when we trust Him, we realize that even the hard commands are for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

3. Trust Removes Fear of Obedience

Trust turns a fearful “What if…?” into a faithful “Even if…”.
 Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear thou not; for I am with thee…”
God’s presence makes obedience less about risk and more about reliance.
 Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
When we trust His character:
 His commands become invitations, not burdens.
 His call becomes a privilege, not a problem.
 His will becomes our delight, not our dread.

4. Example: Abraham
God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22). Humanly speaking, it was a painful and confusing
command. But Abraham’s trust in God’s character was so deep that Hebrews 11:19 says he believed God could
raise Isaac from the dead. His trust overpowered his fear.

Summary Statement
The deeper we understand God’s love, the more willing we are to obey—even when obedience costs us. Fear
fades when trust grows, because we know the One giving the command is the same One holding the
outcome.

Point 2 – Obedience Is Immediate and Complete - The Promptness of Obedience (vv. 3–6)
Genesis 22:3 – “And Abraham rose up early in the morning…”
 Abraham didn’t delay, argue, or bargain with God—he obeyed immediately.
 Delayed obedience is disobedience. Half obedience is disobedience.
 True obedience is done fully—without holding back part of what God asks.
 This kind of obedience requires surrender of our will, comfort, and understanding.
 Application: When God speaks through His Word, Spirit, Pastor, or Church, do we obey right away—
or do we wait until it feels safe and convenient?
When God gave Abraham the command to offer Isaac, the text says:
"And Abraham rose up early in the morning..." (Genesis 22:3, KJV)
Notice—no delay, no debate, no detour. Abraham obeyed immediately and completely. This kind of
obedience is what God desires from His people.

A. The Swiftness of Obedience – No Hesitation

Abraham “rose up early in the morning.” He didn’t say, “Lord, let me sleep on it” or “I’ll do it next week.” His
promptness showed that God’s Word took priority over his comfort, emotions, and personal reasoning.
 Psalm 119:60 – “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.”
 Mark 1:18 – The disciples “straightway… followed him.”
 Application – Delayed obedience is disobedience in disguise. When we hesitate, we give room for fear,
doubt, and the enemy’s whispers to creep in.

B. The Steadfastness of Obedience – No Half-Measures

Abraham didn’t just start the journey; he went all the way to Mount Moriah. Half-hearted obedience is like a
ship that sets sail but never leaves the harbor—it looks committed from a distance but accomplishes nothing.
 Deuteronomy 26:16 – “Thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy
soul.”
 Colossians 3:23 – “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…”
 Application – God is not honored when we obey only the parts of His Word that are easy or
convenient. Full obedience means following His commands to completion.

C. The Surrender of Obedience – No Reservations

Abraham obeyed without knowing why or how God would work it out. This surrender shows that obedience is
not based on understanding every detail, but on trusting the One who gives the command.
 Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart… and he shall direct thy paths.”
 Hebrews 11:8 – “By faith Abraham… obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
 Application – Sometimes God asks us to take a step that seems painful, illogical, or risky. Our
obedience must rest on His character, not our comprehension.

D. The Satisfaction of Obedience – God’s Pleasure and Blessing

While obedience is sometimes costly, it always leads to God’s favor and deeper fellowship with Him.
 John 14:23 – “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come
unto him…”
 James 1:25 – The doer of the work “shall be blessed in his deed.”
 Application – Blessings may not come immediately, but the joy of knowing you have honored God is
reward enough.

Practical Reflection
Ask yourself:
1. Do I obey God immediately, or do I delay until it’s comfortable?
2. Do I obey completely, or do I pick and choose?
3. Do I obey trustingly, even when I don’t have all the answers?
The promptness of obedience proves the priority of God in your life. When He commands, the believer
doesn’t need to take a vote, weigh the odds, or wait for a sign—we move because He has spoken.

Point 3 –- Obedience Is Intentional and Continual -The Perseverance of Trust (vv. 7–10)
  For Abraham, obedience meant walking for three days with the weight of the command pressing on his
heart.
 Painful obedience often means sacrificing:
o Our desires – letting go of something we’ve longed for.
o Our comfort – stepping into the unknown without guarantees.
o Our pride – humbling ourselves to follow God’s way, not ours.
 The pain isn’t wasted—God uses it to deepen our faith and show His faithfulness.
 Illustration: Like pruning a tree, God sometimes cuts things away—not to harm us, but to help us grow
stronger and bear more fruit.
Abraham’s obedience did not stop with the first step; he continued to follow through until the task was
complete. True obedience is not just a momentary action—it is a sustained commitment to fulfill God’s will
until the end.

A. The Continuity of Obedience

 Genesis 22:7–8 – “And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father… And Abraham said, My son, God will
provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.”
Even as the journey grew harder, Abraham kept moving forward. He did not stop halfway. Many start
obeying God but quit when things get difficult. Perseverance proves genuine faith.
 Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not.”
Application: Obedience is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. God calls us to be faithful in every season, not just
when it’s easy.

B. The Conviction in Obedience

 Abraham’s words, “God will provide,” show that his obedience was grounded in unwavering trust.
 Hebrews 10:36 – “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might
receive the promise.”
Illustration: Think of Noah—he built the ark for decades without rain (Genesis 6:22). His long-term obedience
was proof of his faith.

C. The Completion of Obedience

 Genesis 22:9–10 – Abraham “bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar… and stretched forth his
hand to slay his son.”
This shows that Abraham was willing to obey God to the very last detail.
 Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Application: God is not just looking for people who start well; He is looking for disciples who finish faithfully.

💡 Summary Truth:
Obedience is not just about beginning with zeal—it’s about continuing with faith and finishing with surrender.

Point 4 - Obedience Is Painful but Purposeful- The Plan in Obedience (vv. 7–14)
When God gives a command, it is never random, rash, or without reason. His instructions always carry divine
intention and eternal impact. Our obedience is not just about doing what God says—it’s about fulfilling His
plan.
A. God’s Commands Carry Divine Intent
 Every directive from the Lord is tied to a greater work He is accomplishing in the world and in us.
 Isaiah 55:8–9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the
LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my
thoughts than your thoughts.”
 What may seem small to us may be monumental in God’s grand design.
B. Purpose in Preparation
 In Genesis 22:7–8, Abraham’s obedience to prepare for sacrifice wasn’t meaningless—it pointed to
God’s ultimate provision in Christ.
  God uses our obedience to set the stage for blessings, miracles, and testimonies we could never foresee.
 Hebrews 11:8 – “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.”
C. Purpose in Positioning
 God’s commands position us in the right place, at the right time, for His purposes.
 Exodus 14:13–16 – Israel obeyed God’s command to stand still before the Red Sea, and it was there
God displayed His power.
 If we delay or detour, we risk missing the place where God’s power will be revealed.
D. Purpose in the Outcome
 Our obedience accomplishes far more than we imagine—changing lives, shaping futures, and glorifying
God.
 John 9:6–7 – The blind man’s obedience to wash in the pool of Siloam brought healing and a testimony
to the world.
 God never wastes a single act of obedience—no matter how small.

Practical Application:
When God speaks, remember: it’s not just a task—it’s a trust. His commands are threads in the tapestry of His
perfect plan. We may not always see the full picture, but we can be sure every act of obedience moves us closer
to His intended purpose.

Obedience Is Purposeful – The Direction of Obedience (vv. 7–10)

Abraham’s obedience was not just prompt—it was aimed toward God’s clear purpose. He wasn’t wandering
without direction; he was walking toward the fulfillment of God’s will. True obedience is never aimless; it is
rooted in God’s plan and aimed at His glory.
 Obedience is not random action—it follows divine direction. Abraham went exactly where God said
to go, and did exactly what God said to do.
📖 Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God’s commands are
our map, not suggestions.
 Purposeful obedience understands the ‘why’—God’s glory and our good. Abraham’s journey was
tied to God’s covenant plan to bless the nations through him.
📖 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of
God.”
 It requires faith to see God’s bigger picture. Abraham didn’t know every detail, but he knew the One
who gave the instructions.
📖 Hebrews 11:8 – “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.”
💡 Application:
Purposeful obedience keeps us from becoming distracted by personal agendas. When you obey God, you are not
just “doing something”—you are participating in His eternal plan.

Point 5– God Provides When We Obey -The Provision of the Lord (vv. 11–14)
Genesis 22:13–14 – “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a
thicket…”
 God’s provision often comes after our obedience, not before.
 Abraham experienced God as “Jehovah Jireh” (The Lord Will Provide) because he stepped out in faith.
 Sometimes we won’t see the ram in the thicket until the knife is raised—God’s timing is perfect.
 Application: Trust God’s heart even when you don’t understand His hand. The provision may be
waiting just beyond your step of obedience.
God Provides When We Obey – The Provision of the Lord (vv. 11–14)
Abraham’s journey to Mount Moriah was filled with uncertainty from a human perspective, but God’s
command was clear. Even though Abraham didn’t know how God would work everything out, he trusted that
the Lord was faithful to His promises. That faith was rewarded.
In Genesis 22:11–14, just as Abraham lifted the knife to slay Isaac, the Angel of the Lord called from heaven
and stopped him. Then, God provided a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute sacrifice. Abraham named the
place “Jehovah-jireh” — “The LORD Will Provide.”
Lessons from God’s Provision:
 God’s timing is perfect. The ram wasn’t seen until the very moment it was needed. God rarely gives
the provision far in advance, but He is never late. (Philippians 4:19)
 Obedience opens the door to provision. Abraham’s willingness to obey, even without understanding,
positioned him to receive God’s miraculous supply.
 God’s provision may look different than expected. Abraham might have assumed God would spare
Isaac without any substitute, but God provided a ram—His way, His method.
 Provision reveals God’s character. Every time God provides, it’s not just to meet our need but to
remind us that He is trustworthy, faithful, and caring.
Application:
When we obey God in faith, we can rest assured that He will supply every need—whether that’s strength,
wisdom, resources, or courage. Provision is not always material; sometimes, it’s peace in the storm, comfort in
grief, or grace to endure. Like Abraham, we must keep walking in obedience until we see the “ram in the
thicket” that God has already prepared.
Supporting Scripture:
 Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto you.”
 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you…”

When Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the ram caught in the thicket, it was not a coincidence—it was the
providence of God. God’s provision came at the exact moment of obedience, not before. Often, the supply we
long for is waiting just beyond the point of surrender. If Abraham had not climbed the mountain, prepared the
altar, and raised the knife in obedience, he would have never seen God’s provision.
A. God’s provision is timely
 Abraham didn’t receive the ram halfway up the mountain. He saw it at the critical moment—when the
test of obedience had been completed. God’s timing is perfect; He is never early, and never late
(Philippians 4:19).
B. God’s provision is sufficient
 The ram was exactly what was needed—no more, no less. God’s supply is always perfectly matched to
our need (2 Corinthians 9:8). He does not give us partial answers; He gives us complete provision.
C. God’s provision reveals His name
 Abraham called the place Jehovah-jireh—“The LORD will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Our obedience
often leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s character. We don’t just hear about God’s provision;
we experience it firsthand.
D. God’s provision often exceeds our expectation
 Abraham came expecting to offer Isaac; he left with both Isaac and a revelation of God’s faithfulness.
When we obey God, He often blesses us beyond the very thing we feared losing (Ephesians 3:20).
Application:
Obedience may seem costly, but God’s provision always proves that the reward is greater than the sacrifice.
When you trust and obey, you will discover that on the mountain of the Lord, it shall be seen—your needs met,
your faith strengthened, and God glorified.

Conclusion
Obedience is the proof of our trust in God. Whether it’s giving up something precious, following a difficult
command, or trusting leaders God has placed in our lives—our obedience paves the way for God’s provision
and blessing.
Closing Challenge:
If God were to ask for your “Isaac” today, would you trust Him enough to lay it down? Remember—obedience
may be painful, but it’s always worth it, because on the other side of obedience is God’s perfect provision.
Altar Call Invitation
Beloved, we have heard today about Abraham’s faith — a faith that trusted God even when the command was
hard… even when the sacrifice was costly… even when the future seemed uncertain. Abraham obeyed because
he knew the God who was speaking to him — a God who is faithful, a God who provides.
But today, the question is not just, “Do you know the story?” The real question is, “Do you have the same
trust? The same surrender? The same willingness to obey?”
You may be here this moment and God is speaking to you:
 Maybe He is calling you to surrender your life fully to Him.
 Maybe He is asking you to give up something you’ve been holding onto for years — something you
think you cannot live without.
 Maybe He is calling you to serve Him in a deeper way, to step out of your comfort zone.
Friend, partial obedience is still disobedience. Delayed obedience is still disobedience. God is not asking for
part of your heart — He wants all of you. And here is the promise: When you obey, you will see that on the
mountain of the Lord, it will be provided (Genesis 22:14).
Jesus Himself became the Lamb that was provided for your salvation. He laid down His life on the cross, not
reluctantly, but willingly — so you can have forgiveness, peace, and eternal life. But the gift must be received.
If today you feel the tug in your heart… if you hear His voice saying, “Come, follow Me”… do not harden your
heart. Come to Him now. Lay your life on the altar. Trust Him with everything. Obey Him completely.
The Bible says, “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Not
tomorrow. Not next week. Now.
I invite you — as we sing and as the Spirit of God moves — step out of your seat and come forward. Kneel
before the Lord, and say, “Lord, I trust You. I obey You. I give You my all.”