Abraham in the Bible Viewed Through the 5W1H Principle
I. Introduction: Abraham in Redemptive History
Abraham stands at a decisive turning point in the biblical narrative. After humanity’s repeated rebellion—from the Fall in Genesis 3 to the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11—God initiates a redemptive covenant through one man. That man is Abraham.
His story is primarily recorded in Genesis 12–25, yet his theological influence extends throughout Scripture. The New Testament presents him as the model of faith and the prototype of justification.
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:3
“For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’”
Through Abraham, God begins a covenant that ultimately leads to Christ.
II. Who — Who Is Abraham?
Abraham was originally named Abram.
Genesis 11:26
“When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran.”
He married Sarai.
Genesis 11:29
“And Abram and Nahor took wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai…”
His identity changed when God established His covenant.
Genesis 17:5
“No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.”
He became the father of Isaac.
Genesis 21:3
“Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.”
The New Testament honors him as a model of faith.
Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
James 2:23
“And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’—and he was called a friend of God.”
III. When — When Did Abraham Live?
Abraham lived during the patriarchal period (approximately 2000 B.C.).
He was called at age seventy-five.
Genesis 12:4
“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.”
Isaac was born when Abraham was one hundred.
Genesis 21:5
“Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.”
He lived 175 years.
Genesis 25:7–8
“These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life, 175 years. Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.”
His life required patient endurance.
Romans 4:20–21
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”
IV. Where — Where Did Abraham Go?
Abraham’s journey began in Ur.
Genesis 11:31
“Terah took Abram his son… and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan…”
God commanded him to leave.
Genesis 12:1
“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.’”
In Canaan, he built altars.
Genesis 12:7–8
“Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the LORD…
From there he moved… and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.”
Genesis 13:18
“So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre… and there he built an altar to the LORD.”
V. What — Major Events in Abraham’s Life
Calling and Promise
Genesis 12:2–3
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great…
I will bless those who bless you… and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Covenant of Faith
Genesis 15:5–6
“‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars… So shall your offspring be.’
And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
Covenant of Circumcision
Genesis 17:10–11
“Every male among you shall be circumcised… and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.”
Birth of Isaac
Genesis 21:1–2
“The LORD visited Sarah as he had said… And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age.”
Offering of Isaac
Genesis 22:2
“Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love… and offer him there as a burnt offering.”
Genesis 22:12
“Do not lay your hand on the boy… for now I know that you fear God.”
VI. Why — Why Did God Choose Abraham?
The purpose is clearly stated:
Genesis 12:3
“In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Reaffirmed:
Genesis 22:18
“And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.”
Fulfilled in Christ:
Matthew 1:1
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Galatians 3:16
“Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring… who is Christ.”
VII. How — How Did Abraham Practice Faith?
Faith That Leaves
Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Abraham obeyed…”
Faith That Waits
Romans 4:18
“In hope he believed against hope…”
Faith That Offers
Hebrews 11:17
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac…”
Faith That Worships
Genesis 12:8
“He built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.”
VIII. Abraham’s Human Weakness
He feared for his life.
Genesis 12:13
“Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you…”
He repeated this error.
Genesis 20:2
“And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ‘She is my sister.’”
He acted impatiently with Hagar.
Genesis 16:2
“And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.”
Yet God remained faithful.
Genesis 21:1
“The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised.”
IX. New Testament Theology of Abraham
Paul explains:
Romans 4:22–24
“That is why his faith was ‘counted to him as righteousness.’ But the words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also.”
Believers are Abraham’s children by faith.
Galatians 3:7
“Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.”
James emphasizes active faith.
James 2:22
“You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.”
X. Conclusion
Abraham’s life answers the question: What is faith?
Genesis 12:4
“So Abram went, as the LORD had told him.”
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed the LORD…”
Hebrews 11:19
“He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead.”
Abraham was not perfect, but he trusted the promises of God. His life teaches that faith means leaving what is familiar, waiting through uncertainty, worshiping wherever God leads, and surrendering what is most precious.
Through Abraham, God began a covenant that would ultimately bless all nations through Jesus Christ.
And for that reason, Abraham remains the enduring biblical model of faith.
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