Genesis 12 January 7, 2016 1. Share the best thing for you about the holidays. Share the most difficult thing about the recent holidays and how you handled it. 2. This semester we will study Genesis chapters 12-50. We studied Genesis 1-11 in the fall semester of 2014. Look back over the first eleven chapters of Genesis and recall some major events that are recorded. 3. Read Genesis 12:1. What is happening in this verse? What do we learn about Abram in Genesis 11:27-32? (Abram s name is changed to Abraham by God in Genesis 17:5.) What do we learn about him in 2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah 41:8? Describe the qualities you want in a friend. Do you ever think of God as your Friend? Why or why not? 4. Read Genesis 12:2-9. List all the parts of God s promise to Abraham that are found in verses 2 and 3. Which word is repeated multiple times in those verses? How do you define that word? 5. Read Genesis 12:10-20. Why did Abraham go to Egypt? In which verse do you see Abraham make an unwise plan? What do you think is the root cause of Abraham s deceit? What is God s response in this story? What does this tell you about God? 6. What expectations do you have of this study of Genesis?
Genesis 13 and 14 January 14, 2016 1. Before Jesus ascension, the disciple Thomas told others that he could not believe in Jesus resurrection until he personally saw and touched Him. Read John 20:24-29 to read about the moment that Thomas met the risen Christ. What lesson does Jesus teach Thomas that we must apply to our lives today? In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to live by faith and not by sight? What does Jesus say is the outcome of living by faith? 2. In Genesis 13:1-4 we read that Abraham left Egypt and returned with his nephew Lot to the land where God had called him to live. What evidences of Abraham s faith do we see here? 3. Read Genesis 13:2 and 13:5-7. Make a list of the issues that caused strife between Abraham and Lot due to their wealth and possessions. Read Genesis 13:8-13 to see how Abraham displayed leadership to resolve this strife. What can we admire about Abraham in this situation? How did Abraham s generosity display his faith? How is that true in our lives today? What do we learn about Lot in this situation? Was he living by faith or by sight? 4. Read Genesis 13:14-18 and see the encouragement of God in Abraham s life. Contrast the moment that Lot lifted up his eyes to look at the land (13:10,11) with the moment Abraham lifted his eyes when God called him to look at the land.
Genesis 13 and 14 January 14, 2016 Page 2 5. According to Genesis 13:14-18 what other promise is connected to the promise of the land? How do we know that Abraham believed in these promises when we read these verses? How can we display our faith in the promises of God? 6. Read Genesis 14:1-12. In an effort to stop the rebellion mentioned in verse 4, four powerful kings invaded the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea. Who were these four kings according to verse 1? In Genesis 14:8-10 we read that these kings defeated the five kings of Jordan. What was the result according to Genesis 14:11-12? In Genesis 13:12 we realized that Lot chose to live near Sodom. What do we now learn in Genesis 14:12? When considering what we learned in Genesis 13:13, what observations might you make about Lot? 7. Read Genesis 14:13-16. If you wrote a book about this battle what would your title be? Who was the general of this battle and what did he accomplish? Who was the Protector and Deliverer of Abraham according to Genesis 14:19-20? What part did God s promises to Abraham play in this victory? Read Genesis 12:1-3. How would this story of God s deliverance over those who plundered the Promised Land serve as an encouragement to the Israelites in the future?
Genesis 13 and 14 January 14, 2016 Page 3 8. Abraham had won the battle physically, but now he was challenged spiritually as he stood before the two kings who met him after his victory. Read Genesis 14:17-24. What temptation did Abraham face as he stood before the king of Sodom? How do we see Abraham living by faith and not by sight in this situation? 9. What all can we learn about Melchizedek king of Salem from Genesis 14:17-24? How would you contrast his actions with the actions of the king of Sodom? What was Abraham willing to receive from the king of Salem? What was Abraham s response to the blessing of Melchizedek and what does this tell us about Abraham? What did both Abraham and Melchizedek know to be true about God in verses 19 and 22? 10. Abraham chose spiritual treasures over worldly treasures. He chose riches unseen over riches he could see. As we consider Abraham s actions in this chapter, what actions can we take to help us choose our treasures wisely? What does Christ teach us to do when we are tempted to live by sight and not by faith? Read Matthew 6:31-33. 11. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?
Genesis 15,16 and 17 January 21, 2016 1. When someone makes a promise to you, what gives you confidence that the promise will be kept? 2. Read Genesis 15:1-6 and study the conversation that occurs between God and Abram. What do you learn about God in these verses? What do you learn about Abram? Explain the foundational truth that is found in verse 6. Read Romans 4:1-6, Galatians 2:16 and Galatians 3:5-9. 3. Define faith. Read Hebrews 11:1-12. List some characteristics of people who live by faith. Where is Abram placing his faith? When do you find it difficult to follow Abram s example? 4. Read Genesis 15:7-21. As Abram and God continue their conversation, what reassurance does Abram request in verses 7-8? How does God respond to Abram s request? In verses 12-14, God shares with Abram an important piece of future history concerning his offspring. What does He tell Abram about Israel s future? Read Exodus 6:2-8. How does God s prediction become reality for the nation of Israel?
Genesis 15, 16 and 17 January 21, 2016 Page 2 5. Look back at Genesis 12:1-3, 7 and review what God promises to Abram. Describe how God formalizes His commitment to Abram and his descendants in Genesis 15:17-20. On whom does God s covenant with Abram depend? Read Hebrews 6:13-18. 6. As you read Genesis 16:1-6, consider the interaction of Sarai and Abram in light of the covenant God has made with Abram. What character/personality traits do you see in Sarai as she pursues her plan? Where do you see her placing her faith? Read Isaiah 40:31 and describe the role that waiting plays in developing and testing our faith. Share a personal experience. 7. In Genesis 16:7-16, Hagar flees from Sarai and has a divine encounter. Who speaks to her and what message does she receive? Although this problem is created by human failure, how does God deal with it? How does Hagar respond? What lesson could Sarai have learned from Hagar?
Genesis 15, 16 and 17 January 21, 2016 Page 3 8. Read Genesis 17:1-8. When Ishmael is 13 years old, God again speaks to Abram. List the promises God makes to Abram in these verses. God calls Himself by a new name in verse 1. How does He refer to Himself? In verse 5, He gives Abram a new name. What is Abram s new name and what does it mean? How would these new names encourage Abraham? 9. Read Genesis 17:9-14. In verses 9-14, God introduces a new element in His relationship with Abraham and his descendants. Explain what circumcision represents and how it is to be practiced. 10. Read Genesis 17:15-27. As God has made His covenant with Abraham, He has given him promises but not details of how these promises would be fulfilled. What does Abraham learn about his future and his sons futures in these verses? As chapter 17 closes, how does Abraham respond to God s direction in verses 23-27? What does that tell you about his faith? 11. As you think back on Abraham s conversations with God, how do you see faith and obedience entwined? What have you learned about faith as you think about Abraham, God s friend? 12. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?
Genesis 18 and 19 January 28, 2016 1. What does it mean to you that God desires to have an intimate relationship with you? What actions do you take to cultivate a deep relationship with Him as both your Friend and your God? 2. Read Genesis 18:1-8. It is the Lord and two angels that have come to fellowship with Abraham. Summarize the enthusiastic actions of Abraham as he desires to meet with them. What might we learn here about being expectant and eager in our meetings with the Lord? What does Revelation 3:20 teach us about God s desire to dwell with us in fellowship? 3. The Lord desires to confirm the coming fulfillment of the promise of an heir for Abraham. Read Genesis 18:9-15. How does Sarah respond to the Lord s announcement that she would have a child within the year? What truth has escaped Sarah that the Lord wants her to know? Read verse 14 again. How might we see God s graciousness toward Sarah in this confrontation? 4. Read Genesis 18:16-21. God has graciously revealed the coming of a child for Abraham and Sarah. What does He now desire to reveal to Abraham as He looks toward Sodom? What are the generous plans that God has for Abraham?
Genesis 18 and 19 January 28, 2016 Page 2 5. Read Genesis 18:22-26. List the elements that draw Abraham into intimacy with His Lord. How does understanding the character of God deepen our communication with Him? 6. Read Genesis 18:27-33. Is God willing to reveal His will to Abraham? And to us? Read John 15:15 and Psalm 25:4-5. Describe Abraham s intercession for Sodom. Describe God s response to Abraham s prayer. 7. Read Genesis 19:1-11. Lot had made the choice to surround himself with the wicked individuals of Sodom. Though he may not have participated in all of their sins, his judgment was affected by their behavior. Where do we see this happening in this part of the story? The men intended to have sexual relations with the visiting angels. How are these men described in verses 19:4 and 19:11? What were they doing to try to reach the angels? Explain the angels actions that thwarted their attempts to get into the house. 8. Read Genesis 19:12-14. How do you see the mercy of God in these verses? Why might Lot s sons-in-laws assume that Lot s warning was just in jest?
Genesis 18 and 19 January 28, 2016 Page 3 9. Read Genesis 19:15-22. Where else do you see signs of Lot s spiritual immaturity? Where else do you see signs of God s mercy toward Lot and his family? 10. Read Genesis 19:23-29. How is Lot s wife a visual example of the danger of being attracted to the sinful ways of the world? Also read 1 John 2:15-17. How had God remembered the intercession of Abraham for the city of Sodom? 11. Read Genesis 19:30-38. The sins of Lot and his daughters resulted in the birth of two sons whose descendants were the Ammonites and the Moabites, perennial enemies of Israel. What are some of the lessons we can learn when we consider: The city of Sodom - Lot and his family - The justice of God 12. Although chapter 19 is filled with the judgment that sin brings, it is prefaced by the sweet fellowship that existed between Abraham and God. This is God s desire for us that we enjoy the deep relationship that He has created us to have with Him. Read Jesus promise to us in John 14:22-23 and write a praise to Him for this blessed reality. 13. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?
Genesis 20 22 February 4, 2016 1. Read Genesis chapter 20. What past sin of Abraham s does he repeat in verse 2? What has Abraham forgotten about God that prompts him to deceive King Abimelech? 2. What happens in Genesis 20:3-8 that halts Abimelech s plans for Sarah? Who takes personal responsibility for protecting Sarah in verse 6? Why are Abimelech s officials so afraid in verse 8? What promise from Genesis 12:3 is God enacting as he speaks to Abimelech? 3. Reread Genesis 20:10-13. Record the excuses Abraham uses to deflect personal responsibility for lying about his relationship with Sarah. 4. Abimelech s generous gifts to Abraham in verse 14 signify that Abimelech had not consummated his relationship with Sarah. Why was it so important that Abraham be the undisputed father of Sarah s offspring?
Genesis 20 22 February 4, 2016 Page 2 5. Look back once again at Genesis 12:3. How is Genesis 20:17-18 a partial fulfillment of God s covenant with Abraham? 6. Read Genesis 21:1-7 along with Genesis 17:17-19 and 18:10, 14. Isaac is born! Write out a praise to God based on His characteristics displayed in these verses. 7. Read Genesis 21:8-21. Despite the need to send him away, God is faithful to Abraham s son Ishmael. How does God bless and provide for Ismael in verses 17, 18, 19 and 20? 8. Read Genesis 21:22-34. In verse 22, what does Abimelech know to be true about Abraham? In what ways would those who observe your life recognize that God is with you as well? 9. Read Genesis 22:1-3. What is Abraham s initial response to God s test? How does Abraham s obedience reflect his faith in God? Thinking back over Abraham s life, what are some events that have built his great faith?
Genesis 20 22 February 4, 2016 Page 3 10. Read Genesis 22: 4-12. In verse 12, what specific action does the angel say proved Abraham s faith? 11. Abraham s trust and obedience were a result of his fear of God. A definition of the fear of God is reverential awe. What are some biblical traits or actions of God that contribute to your reverential awe of Him? God s test was specific and unique for Abraham. However, God calls each of us to obedience as well. How does your trust in God lead you to obey Him in your everyday life? Give an example. 12. Read Genesis 22:13-19. God provided a ram as an offering in place of Isaac. Who would God later provide as a sacrificial offering for sin in place of all mankind? See John 1:29. 13. In Genesis 22:15-19, God s covenant with Abraham originally given in Genesis 12:1-3 is repeated. What does God again promise to Abraham? 14. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?
Genesis 23 and 24 February 11, 2016 1. Read Genesis 22:20-24. Chapter 22 concludes with a genealogy. Who is Nahor? Who is Bethuel? Read also Genesis 24:10 and 25:19-20. Where are these relatives of Abraham living? 2. Read Genesis 23:1-2. Sarah is very important to this time of the patriarchs and throughout history. Think back over what you have learned and explain why that is. Where does Sarah die? What does Abraham s response to Sarah s death tell us about their relationship? 3. Read the story of how Abraham buys land in which to bury Sarah in Genesis 23:3-20. Where is this land Abraham buys? See verse 19. 4. Review God s promise to Abraham in Genesis 13:14-18 and 17:8. Even though God s promise is that Abraham and his descendants would one day own (possess) this land, how does Abraham describe himself in Genesis 23:4? 5. What is included in Abraham s purchase according to Genesis 23:17? Who in the future would be buried in this cave along with Sarah? Read Genesis 25:7-10, 49:29-33, and 50:12-14. Now consider where Abraham s relatives live in Mesopotamia in contrast to God s promised land of Canaan. What does buying this field in Canaan reveal about Abraham s faith?
Genesis 23 and 24 February 11, 2016 Page 2 6. List some of God s promises that you know from Scripture. How can thinking about these promises and trusting God affect the way you live your life? 7. Chapter 24 is really about another promise of God to Abraham. Review the promise of descendants for Abraham given in Genesis 12:2 and 15:5-6. Now read Genesis 24:1-4. What does Abraham want his servant to do? Why might Abraham be thinking about this now? 8. Read 24:5-10. What two requirements does Abraham give his servant regarding this mission of finding a wife for Isaac? Explain why they are important to Abraham. What impresses you about Abraham s servant and why? Who is ultimately in charge of this task as seen in 24:7? 9. Read 24:11-14. What action of Abraham s servant shows that he understands Who is in control? What does this tell us about him? 10. Continue reading 24:15-28. How quickly does God answer the prayer of Abraham s servant? Judging from Rebekah s response to Abraham s servant and her following actions, what kind of person is she? Who is Rebekah s family and how are they related to Abraham? Review Genesis 22:20-24.
Genesis 23 and 24 February 11, 2016 Page 3 11. In Genesis 24:29-52, Abraham s servant recounts his mission. How do Laban and Bethuel respond to Abraham s servant and Who do they acknowledge as the One directing this task? Record all the ways Abraham s servant remembers God throughout chapter 24. What are some specific things you might do to remember the many blessings of God in your life? 12. As you read the romantic conclusion to this story in Genesis 24:53-67, what do these responses and actions of Rebekah tell us about her? 13. As you look back over chapter 24, think about and write down everything you have learned about God. What one word would you use to describe Abraham in this story? Describe Abraham s servant in one word. Describe Rebekah with one word. Which quality or attitude of Rebekah s would you like to incorporate in your everyday life and why? 14. Take a moment and think of specific ways God has led you when you trusted Him and walked in faith. Please share. 15. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?