Greetings Church,
We are continuing our Advent series as we explore the theme of the offspring that will save the world. This week we will look at the life of Abraham and the promise that God make to Abraham concerning his offspring, Isaac.
Read Genesis 22:1-18
1. The Promise
Review Gen. 12:1-3. What promises did God make to Abraham?
What promises has God made to us?
How would you summarize the “Promise of Christmas?”
2. The Problem
Pastor Mark said “the problem is the waiting.” Why do you think God doesn’t give us everything we want or everything He promises immediately. Fill in the blank: I am desperately waiting for ____. Do you tend to see God as a “means to an end” to get what you put in the blank? God has promised us that everything will be made right in the end and that we will live with Him forever. Do you desire God and His goodness more than anything else here on earth?
3. The Provision
Review the story in Genesis 22. How was Isaac the provision for Abraham? How was the ram the provision for Isaac and Abraham?
Pastor Mark said “What God is doing IN you is just as important as what He is doing THROUGH you.” Discuss this with your group. Are you aware of what God is doing IN and THROUGH you?
The real provision for Abraham was not Isaac, but rather it was Jesus. How is Jesus God’s greatest provision for us? How does He allow you to make it through the waiting of this life?
For families:
If you are doing Advent with your children, make sure it includes learning the story of Abraham. Here are some themes you can use to connect the two stories:
- Both included a miraculous birth.
- Both included a promised child.
- Both included waiting a long time for that child.
- Both included a sacrifice.
As you read the Abraham stories with your children, make sure that they are learning to make the connections to the Jesus story too.
Fighter Verse Questions for Groups and Families
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. -Galatians 3:29
1. Why and how does Paul call us the “offspring of Abraham?” Make sure your answer is connected to the phrase “and if you are Christ’s.”
2. God promised Abraham a land, a blessing, and a big family. How does Jesus fulfill all of those things for us?
Pastor Brady
