Lessons from the Life of Abraham
We’re starting a New Series called “Lessons from the Life of…” Each weeek we’ll be looking at a key figure from Genesis and discussing what God shows us about himself and human beings by looking at episodes from their lives. It should be said from the outset that many of the moments in these people’s lives are not examples for us to copy, but they are lessons about God’s plan and human participation, sometimes obediently, and sometimes not! Let’s begin with Abraham, the man at the pivot point of Genesis where we move from the ancient past (Chapters 1-11) to God’s election and purpose to bless the whole world through one family tree.
Abraham: The Promise by Israeli artist Zvi Leonhard
Anchor Texts:
Genesis 15:1-6 NLT - The LORD’s Covenant Promise to Abram - Bible Gateway
Galatians 3:5-9 NLT - I ask you again, does God give you the - Bible Gateway
James 2:20-26 NIV - Faith and Works
Questions to Ponder:
The two key words between circles two and three o the 3 circles are ____________ and ___________. Explain these two things in your own words.
The first and most important action" in trust is __________ and letting God cathc you.
Read Genesis 15:1-6. Why do you think God began with telling Abram to “fear not. I am your shield?” What did Abraham have to fear and why did he need a shield? Read the preceding story in Chapter 14 about Lot for help with this.
Read James 2:22-26. Describe in your own words what “faith without works is dead” means in light of this passage. (Think about “faith in action” and the trust fall from the sermon).
Describe in your own words what it means to be a “child of Abraham”.
Are you a child of Abraham? Do you live like it in the decisions you face? Think about Abraham moving, making sacrificing, trusting against hte odds - how are you faring in thiese areas?
Answers: 1. Turn and Trust, 2. Letting go
The Theme in Song:
This song by Josh Baldwin picks up on the theme of trusting God during the most impossible seeming situations. “Abraham” tells the story of personal upheaval and change that comes from obedience to God’s call, especially when it means a drastic change from the life we were living. Yet even when we aren’t making a big change, life still leads us through trials and tests. THis song is a reminder that when we begin walking with God and the whole way through life, He is with us.