God provides the promise-child, Isaac in Genesis 22:1-19. Then, he asks Abraham to sacrifice that promise-child. This is one of the most important and powerful passages in the entire Bible. God is faithful to His promises more than we understand and God is faithful in sacrifice more than we can imagine. What does this mean to us and how should we read this passage Christologically (Hebrews 11:17-19)?
(Genesis 22:1-19)
Sermon Outline
’Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.’”(Genesis 22:12)
The Request
- Its Significance
- The Appearance
- The Purpose
The Response
- Abraham
- Isaac
- What the responses lacked
- What the responses indicate about faith
- Expectations
The Result
- Provision
- Promise Kept
- A New Understanding of Faith
Application
- The Faith of Abraham
- Our Faith Life
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- The “Faith Life” series continues this week at Eastbrook as we study Genesis 22:1-19. Ask God to speak to you before your read this chapter of Genesis aloud.
- This story begins with a request from God to Abraham in verses 1-2. The request seems to go against what God had promised Abraham. If you were Abraham, describe the different emotions that you would be feeling.
- Why would God test Abraham’s faith with something so personal, improbable and “’Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.’”(Genesis 22:12) important? Have you had a time in your life where you have felt tested in this manner?
- Read verses 3-5. How does Abraham respond to what seems to be an unfair, irrational request? What does Abraham do? What doesn’t he do?
- What did Abraham learn in the previous years, experiences and trials that produced this response? The Faith Life of Abraham is a journey of faith that is growing, increasing. Would you describe your journey of faith in this way?
- According to verse 5, in Abraham’s words to his servants, what does he expect will happen? (Hebrews 11:17-19) What was it that Abraham reasoned would happen? Do you have expectations that God will work and provide like this?
- Abraham isn’t the only person who shows faith in the story. How did Isaac exhibit faith?
- How did the LORD provide in this story? (Genesis 22:9-13) How has God provided in unique, unexpected ways in your life?
- Abraham literally withholds nothing from God. Obedience to God is not limited by his understanding or even in what seems rational. He trusts…when things seem impossible. Faith in God is letting go of everything that could possibly hold you back trusting Him. What are some things that you need to lay on the altar that might keep you from obedience and faith? (Keep in mind, these may be great people, relationships, things)
- The story of Abraham and Isaac is a foreshadowing of God’s even greater provision that would come 2,000 years later. The story of Abraham and Isaac take place in the spot where Solomon would build the temple, near where Jesus would be sacrificed. How great is God’s provision! Take time as a group and praise God for the ways in which He has provided a sacrifice for us.