When Abram and Sarai grow old (Genesis 16:1-18), they begin to think it’s time to take measures into their own hands. This move was culturally appropriate, but God had different plans for achieving his purposes. In the midst of this, God reveals Himself as “The God who sees” to the servant Hagar. What does it mean to wait on the Lord to accomplish His purposes as opposed to living out “God helps those who help themselves”?
(Genesis 16:1-18)
Sermon Outline
“Hagar gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me’, for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” (Genesis 16:13)
Four Problems with Taking God’s Plans into Our Own Hands (Genesis 16:1-6, 15-16)
- Problems with perception (Genesis 16:1-2)
- Problems with relationships (Genesis 16:3-4)
- Problems with ourselves (Genesis 16:5-6)
- Problems with consequences (Genesis 16:15-16)
→ Take action by ___________________________________
Four Ways God’s Grace Shows Up in Our Errors (Genesis 16:7-14)
- Grace in God’s pursuit (Genesis 16:7-8)
- Grace in God’s redemption (Genesis 16:10-12)
- Grace in God’s presence (Genesis 16:11, 13)
- Grace in God’s direction (Genesis 16:9, 15-16)
→ Take action by ___________________________________
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What was one of the most confusing situations of your life? How did your faith in God shape your response to that situation?
- This week, we will look at Genesis 16 as we continue our “Faith Life” series at Eastbrook. Ask God to speak to you before reading this chapter of Genesis aloud. In order to best understand this passage, please also read Genesis 12:1-3 and 15:1-5.
- In Abram’s day, it was not uncommon or unlawful for a maidservant to have a surrogate child for the matriarch of the household. This would provide for continuance of the family line and inheritance. However, given God’s promises in Genesis 12 and 15, what do you think is going on in Abram and Sarai’s lives from what we read in Genesis 16:1-3?
- What stands out to you about Hagar and Sarai’s behavior in verses 4-6? What stands out to you about Abram’s behavior?
- Have you ever experienced a time where you tried to participate in God’s plans but did not do it in God’s way? What happened in your life? How did you change?
- The second half of the chapter, beginning in verse 7, charts out God’s interaction with Hagar. Who is the ‘angel of the Lord’ and why do you think this is important in the passage? [You may also look at Exodus 3:2-3; 14:19-20; Judges 13:3-21; Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:19-20.]
- Even though Hagar has run away because of Sarai’s mistreatment, God speaks powerful words to her. What stands out to you about God’s words to Hagar in the midst of her circumstances and about her child’s future?
- Hagar gives God the name El-Roi, which means both ‘the God who sees me’ and ‘the God I have seen’. Why is this significant for Hagar? What do you think it means for you that God both sees us and reveals Himself to us?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you about your own life of faith through this week’s study? If you are on your own, write it down somewhere so you can think about that during the week. If you are with a group, take some time to discuss this with one another.