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5 Qualities of Abraham in the Bible: A Model of Faith – Viral Believer
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5 Qualities of Abraham in the Bible: A Model of Faith

Introduction

The Bible is full of stories of individuals whose lives serve as examples for us to follow. One such person is Abraham, known as the father of the faith. His life is a testament to the power of faith, trust, obedience, and perseverance in the face of challenges and adversity.

As Christians, we can learn a lot from his example and strive to emulate his qualities in our own lives.

In this blog post, we will explore five qualities of Abraham that make him an excellent model of faith for Christians. These qualities include his obedience to God’s call, his unwavering faith and trust in God, his hospitality and kindness, his patience and perseverance, and his humility and repentance.

By examining each of these qualities in detail, we hope to inspire and encourage readers to follow Abraham’s example and live a life of faith, trust, and obedience to God.

Whether you are a seasoned believer or a new Christian, there is much to learn from the life of Abraham. So join us as we explore these qualities in more detail and discover how we can apply them to our own lives to become better followers of Christ.

1. Obedience to God’s Call

Abraham was called by God to leave his homeland and go to a place that God would show him.

In Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV), we read,

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family, and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'”

Without hesitation, Abraham obeyed God’s call and left his homeland, not knowing where he was going.

Hebrews 11:8 (NKJV) tells us, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Abraham’s obedience to God’s call serves as an excellent example for all believers today. We must be willing to obey God’s call, even when it’s not easy, and trust that He will guide us on the right path.

2. Faith and Trust in God

Abraham’s faith and trust in God were unwavering, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

In Genesis 22:1-2 (NKJV), we read,

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.'”

Despite the fact that this command seemed to contradict God’s earlier promise to make Abraham a great nation through his son Isaac, Abraham trusted God’s plan and obeyed.

Hebrews 11:17-19 (NKJV) tells us,

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”

Abraham’s faith and trust in God serve as an excellent example for all believers. We must trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it or when it seems to contradict our own desires or plans.

3. Hospitality and Kindness

Abraham was known for his hospitality and kindness, even to strangers.

In Genesis 18:1-5 (NKJV), we read,

“Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, ‘My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.’ They said, ‘Do as you have said.'”

Abraham’s hospitality and kindness toward these strangers demonstrate his heart for service and generosity. As Christians, we should follow Abraham’s example by being hospitable and kind to others, especially those in need.

4. Patience and Perseverance

Abraham’s faith and trust in God were tested time and time again. He faced many challenges and obstacles throughout his life, but he remained patient and persevered through each trial.

In Genesis 15:1-6 (NKJV), we read,

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’ But Abram said, ‘Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ Then Abram said, ‘Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!’ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.’ Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”

Despite the fact that Abraham and his wife Sarah were old and barren, and that many years passed without any sign of a child, Abraham remained patient and trusted in God’s promise. In due time, God fulfilled His promise and gave Abraham a son, Isaac.

As Christians, we too will face trials and challenges in our lives, and it’s essential to remain patient and persevere through them, trusting in God’s timing and plan.

5. Humility and Repentance

Abraham was not perfect, and he made mistakes. However, he demonstrated humility and repentance when he realized his errors. In Genesis 12:10-20 (NKJV), we read about Abraham’s deception to Pharaoh, telling him that Sarah was his sister, not his wife, so that he would not be killed.

When Pharaoh discovers the truth, he rebukes Abraham and sends him and Sarah away.

Later, in Genesis 20:1-18 (NKJV), we see Abraham repeating the same deception to Abimelech, king of Gerar, again putting his wife’s life in danger. However, when Abimelech confronts Abraham about this deception, Abraham admits his wrongdoing and asks for forgiveness.

Abraham’s humility and repentance serve as an excellent example for us today. As Christians, we should be willing to admit our mistakes, repent, and seek forgiveness from God and others.

Conclusion

The life of Abraham serves as an inspiration to all believers, demonstrating the power of faith, trust, obedience, and perseverance. His unwavering commitment to God’s call and his hospitality and kindness towards others set an example for us all to follow.

Furthermore, his humility and repentance remind us that we are not perfect, but we can always seek forgiveness and grow in our relationship with God.

As we reflect on these five qualities of Abraham, let us be encouraged to cultivate them in our own lives. Let us be obedient to God’s call, trust in His plan, and persevere through trials and challenges.

Let us show hospitality and kindness to others, and be willing to admit our mistakes and seek forgiveness. By doing so, we can become better followers of Christ and inspire others to do the same.

In closing, let us remember Hebrews 11:6, which says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

May we all strive to follow in the footsteps of Abraham and live a life of faith, trust, obedience, and perseverance, seeking to please God and grow closer to Him each day.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.