1. The father of all who believe in Jesus (9-11)

Abraham lived some 2,000 years before Christ, but he is the ancestor of our faith. He sets the standard of faith for all God's people down through the ages. So we must learn faith from him. Circumcision is the rite that marks a Jew. This rite began with Abraham. It was a sign of his obedience and faith, and of his covenant with God. But this rite did not make Abraham righteous. Once, before he was circumcised, Abraham was fearful and full of doubt. God showed him the stars and promised him a son. He believed God's word of promise. God forgave him and credited his faith as righteousness (Ge 15:6).

2. The father of Jews who believe (12)

Abraham is the physical ancestor of the Jews. But Jews only become his true descendants when they walk in the footsteps of his faith. A real Jew is one who accepts God's new covenant in Jesus' blood by faith.

Application: Lord, help me not to depend on dead ritual, but to live by obedient faith.
One Word: Walk in Abraham's footsteps