Genesis: Week 31

Sunday, November 24th, 2024

Please Read

  • Genesis 20:1-18

Main Idea: Even when we struggle with repeated faithlessness, God is consistent with gracious faithfulness.

What does this passage teach us historically?

  • Abraham made the same decision he made in Genesis 12 to call Sarah his sister.

  • God shows Abimelech grace through a dream.

  • Abimelech confronts Abraham and demands an answer for the partial truth (agreed upon deceit).

  • Abraham and Sarah are blessed by Abimelech and sent out from among them and God then blesses Abimelech and his people.

What does this passage teach us theologically?

  • He surprisingly gives his grace.

  • He faithfully keeps his promises

How does this passage apply to our lives?

  • Avoid sinful decisions made out of fear

    • You make schemes to get what you want

    • You assume the worst in others

    • You avoid being fully honest

    • You put others in danger

  • Remember, God has surprising grace for our repeated mistakes

Questions For Greater Discussion

  • Can you think of a time you got off on a technicality and used partial truth to avoid a difficult situation? If you are willing, please share.

  • What does it mean for God to have surprising grace for sinners? What are some ways you have seen “surprising grace” in your life?

  • What are some ways you are/have been tempted to make decision out of fear? Can you think of specific moments?

  • Is there a difference between coming up with a plan faithfully submitted to the Lord vs scheming and manipulating circumstances sinfully? What does that look like practically?

  • How do you struggle with assumptions about others? Is giving others the benefit of the doubt a difficult task for you?

  • Why does God bless Abraham at the end of this text? What does that teach us about God’s character and ultimate design?

  • What does it mean for God to keep us through our sin verses keeping us from sin?

Pray and close it out!!