TEXT - Genesis 20-21
SERMON VIDEOS: VIMEO // YOUTUBE
In Genesis 20-21, we see quite a few events that have happened before. Abraham tells a leader that his wife is his sister, there is laughter and circumcision, and Hagar and Ishmael are once again trying to survive and are met by God in the desert. God’s promise to give Abraham and Sarah a child is fulfilled through Issac and he also is continuing to see and protect Ishmael and Hagar.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Do verses 20:1-18 remind you of any previous events in Genesis? What are some similarities and differences between the previous events and these events?
Laughter is mentioned a few times in these chapters. Are they all the same kind of laughter? Compare the multiple mentions of laughter that occur in chapter 21 and chapter 18.
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
How does God respond when Abraham sins in the same way that he has sinned before? How does this give us hope?
How is Hagar’s expulsion part of God’s plan and how is it a picture of our redemption?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Are there some sins in your life that you keep going back to? What are some steps that you can take to fully repent and turn from these sins?
The Lord keeps his promise to Abraham and Sarah through the birth of Issac and his promise to Hagar when she finds herself and Ishmael in the desert again. Do you or someone you know find it hard to believe God’s promises? How can you grow in fully believing and encouraging others to fully believe God’s promises? Try to think about concrete steps.