SPRING 2018 | LEADER GUIDE
GOD IS . . . STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE
CONTENTS
Don’t Miss This . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A Word from the Bible Studies for Life Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using Bible Studies for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Prayer Requests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Attributes of Discipleship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
God Is . . . SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 March 4
Session 1
Our Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
March 11
Session 2
Our Healer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
March 18
Session 3
Our Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
March 25
Session 4
Our Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Article: The Strength in Silence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Special Focus Session
April 1
God Is Faithful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
April 8
Session 5
Our Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
April 15
Session 6
Our Righteousness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Article: Four Questions Groups Should Ask About Prayer Requests . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Stand Up: How to Fight Injustice Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 April 22
Session 1
Be Ready to Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
April 29
Session 2
Stand with Conviction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
May 6
Session 3
Stand Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
May 13
Session 4
Stand with Humility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
May 20
Session 5
Stand Up and Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
May 27
Session 6
Keep Standing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Article: The Role of Queen Esther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Spring 2018 Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Coming Next Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Leader Guide
Don’t miss this!
Volume 5, Number 3 Spring 2018 Eric Geiger Vice President, LifeWay Resources Lynn Pryor Team Leader
Social Media Connect with a community of Bible Studies for Life users. Post responses to questions, share teaching ideas, and link to great blog content. www.facebook.com/BibleStudiesForLife Get instant updates about new articles, giveaways, and more. @BibleMeetsLife
The App Bible Studies for Life is also available as an eBook. The eBook is opened and read with the Bible Studies for Life App, a free app from the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.
Blog Every week, you’ll find additional discussion questions and creative teaching ideas to help you tailor each session to the needs of your group. You’ll also find links to magazine articles and sermon outlines to complement every session. www.BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra
COMMENTARY WRITERS: God Is . . . : Ken Parker has served as an associate pastor and pastor and was an editor at LifeWay. Ken is currently retired and serves in various roles at The Church at Station Hill in Spring Hill, Tennessee. God Is Faithful: E. LeBron Matthews earned both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously has written Bible study lessons for the Explore the Bible Series as well as articles for Biblical Illustrator and the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Stand Up: How to Fight Injustice: Janice K. Meier is particularly qualified to write Bible study materials, having served at LifeWay as a content editor for more than eighteen years, including several years as editor of the Explore the Bible Commentary.
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BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
Amber Vaden Content Editor Ken Braddy Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies MIchael Kelley Director, Groups Ministry Send questions/comments to: Content Editor by email to
[email protected] or mail to Content Editor, Bible Studies for Life: Young Adults, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175; or make comments on the web at lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America Bible Studies for Life: Young Adult Leader Guide (ISSN: 2331-0391; Item 005074999) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2017 LifeWay Christian Resources. For ordering or inquiries, visit lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email orderentry@ lifeway.com, fax 615.251.5933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/ doctrinalguideline. CSB—All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. NIV—Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www. zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.® ESV—Scripture quotations marked ESV® are taken from the English Standard Version® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are from That’s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance, © 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. Bible Studies for Life: Young Adults sometimes lists websites that may be helpful to our readers. Our staff verifies each site’s usefulness and appropriateness prior to publication. However, website content changes quickly, so we encourage you to approach all websites with caution. Make sure sites are still appropriate before sharing them with participants, friends, and family.
A Word from the Bible Studies for Life Team
The Bible Studies for Life Team
A high point of my week is the time I spend with my Bible study group. I am both challenged and encouraged as we discuss together the studies in Bible Studies for Life. I pray that you are equally challenged and encouraged as you meet with your group to study together. The Bible Studies for Life team has put a lot of love, work, and prayer in the book you are holding! Now it’s your turn. You can get a lot of benefit from this book in either of two ways:
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Read the session before the group meets. By reading beforehand, you will have thought through the discussion questions, become familiar with the passage, and be better prepared for an engaging discussion.
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Read the session after the group meets. By reading afterward, you can dig further on the truths, principles, and applications your group discussed. This approach underscores the point from the session, and helps you to live it out during the week.
Choose the approach that works best for you. But either way, read! Let this Personal Study Guide help you with your discipleship and growth in Christ. Enjoy!
Lynn Pryor—Team Leader @lynnpryor | www.lynnhpryor.com
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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USING BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE Invite the Holy Spirit’s Guidance Because God is the guide for your study, invite Him to show you how to be the best facilitator for your group. Read the Bible passage several times with the Holy Spirit showing you its meaning and application.
Personal Study Guide Then read the Personal Study Guide. Its content provides the foundation and direction for the Bible discussion and study by your group.
Leader Guide Follow the simple directives in the group plan. This plan will guide you in engaging your group in discussion around the Bible passage. Read the commentary to help you understand the passage. Share insights from the commentary as needed during the group discussion.
Leader Pack The optional Leader Pack is designed to enhance the group experience, especially for visual learners. Pull in the Leader Pack items as referenced in the group plan. The Leader Pack also includes a CD-ROM with:
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JPEG files of the two main study images that you can use with any presentation software (ie., PowerPoint) (Promote the study by placing these images into an announcement slideshow or display the images during the sessions to reinforce the study topic.)
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PDF file of each pack item (Create multiple posters, during your session display the image on a screen using any presentation software, or post these images on social media to promote the study.)
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Sample Twitter® and email messages to post prior to your Bible study time to raise awareness and promote the session topic
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An electronic version of the group plans that you can customize and print Promotional videos to introduce both of the studies in this quarter Biblical Illustrator articles that allow you to go deeper in your study
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
Additional Ideas Additional discussion questions and teaching suggestions for leaders are available online at www.BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra.
Prepare Your Group Members Encourage your group members to read the Personal Study Guide prior to the group meeting. (Some group members will prefer to read it after the meeting as a way to follow up and reflect.) Encourage them to join the conversation with others on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/BibleStudiesforLife); our blog (BibleStudiesforLife.com); or on Twitter (@BibleMeetsLife).
For Those Who Want to Go Deeper The Advanced Bible Study is written for group members who desire more extensive commentary. It includes exposition of each session’s Scripture passage, an examination of key words, an introduction to the setting of the passage and biblical life and times, questions to guide the study, and interactive responses to help readers apply God’s truths to their lives today. The Herschel Hobbs Commentary is designed specifically for leaders and provides a comprehensive exposition of each session’s Scripture passage. Specific attention is called to items in the biblical text that readers would miss without a commentary. This commentary is based on the King James Version but interacts with all major English translations. Each quarter Biblical Illustrator offers in-depth background information on Bible customs, history, culture, archaeology, and word studies through vivid photography, engaging maps and graphics as well as lesson-targeted articles. You can subscribe to Biblical Illustrator by going to lifeway.com/ biblical illustrator or by calling 1-800-458-2772. Forty additional articles (in PDF form) that support this quarter’s Bible studies are available for $4.99 per bundle at lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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My g roup's prayer requests
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My g roup's prayer requests
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My g roup's prayer requests
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My g roup's prayer requests
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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THE ATTRIBUTES OF DISCIPLESHIP How do you measure discipleship? Research conducted by LifeWay revealed eight factors that are consistently present in the lives of believers who are progressing in their spiritual maturity. These “attributes of discipleship” form the foundation for the scope and sequence of studies used in Bible Studies for Life. By regularly engaging these studies, your group will experience an intentional plan for discipleship in the following eight ways:
Bible Engagement Transformation can be recognized when our mind is sharpened by the Bible, our perspective is shaped by the Bible, and our actions are directed by the Bible. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Obeying God and Denying Self Discipleship is the process of obedience to one who is in authority over you. Transformation can be seen when we progressively set aside earthly delights for kingdom priorities. If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23).
Serving God and Others Transformation is evident when personal needs and even dreams are set aside for the needs we see in others. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).
Sharing Christ Even with the need to live out the effects of the gospel, maturing believers know that speaking about the message is a necessity. Transformation is evident when we talk about the source of it. [Be] ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).
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For more detail about each of the eight attributes, go to BibleStudiesforLife.com/8attributes.
Exercising Faith Transformation is seen in believers when risk-aversion is set aside and our lives are characterized by faithful obedience to God’s will. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
Seeking God Transformation is seen when our desire is to know God more deeply and experience His work more fully. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you (Matthew 6:33).
Building Relationships Our faith is personal but it is not intended to be private. Our horizontal relationships should develop just as our vertical relationship with God does. Transformation is occurring when relational maturity is evident in our lives. For more details see page 14. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42).
Unashamed Transformation is evident when a believer is unashamed in presenting their own life as being aligned with Christ. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16). All Scripture passages included in this article are from the CSB.
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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS BY P H I L I P N AT I O N
Our faith is intensely personal but God never intended it to be exclusively private. Jesus established the church for our collective good and our collaborative growth. After all, humans are relational by nature. Spiritually, we are no different. As believers, our horizontal relationships should develop just as our vertical relationship does with God. Transformation is occurring when relational maturity is evident in our lives. Throughout the Bible, we watch as God created a people for Himself through Abraham. As the Hebrews moved in and out of faithfulness to the Lord, God continued to lead them in how to relate to Him and with one another. Then, when Christ arrived, He assembled the apostles and taught His followers to love and care for one another. Throughout the rest of the New Testament, we learn how the church is to function in fellowship with one another and to care for those still outside of the faith. The life of a Christian is one where we care for others and seek to build relationships in order to display the love of Christ. In Acts 2:42, we see a summary of how the first century church operated: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” The church did not assemble just for public proclamation of the gospel. Although that proclamation is critical to what they did, the people in the church also looked out for one another. They were “devoted . . . to the fellowship.” Growing believers do not try to make it on their own. Instead, we band together for the work of His kingdom.
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Maturing disciples intentionally make time for spiritual matters in everyday conversations. As we grow together as Christians, we share how God is working in our lives. The Transformational Discipleship research project revealed that believers who are progressing in their faith do so together. They share their feelings, joys, struggles, and needs with Christian friends. In other words, they seek out one another and do life together. The research even revealed that growing Christians actively admit wrongdoing to one another, a reflection of the trust that comes with maturity. Rather than jockey for positions of prestige or influence as the world does, believers build relationships through humility and trust. Our faith is all about relationship. We have been invited into a saving relationship with Jesus. He connects us to the church so that we have relationships to nurture and protect us as we grow. We are sent on God’s mission into the world to build relationships with those who do not yet believe. It is all a beautiful portrait of God reaching out and caring for us.
Relate Philip Nation is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Bradenton, Fla., and he is the author of Habits for Our Holiness.
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GOD IS . . .
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”God” is not His only name. You are probably known by different names. Those names reflect both your character and your relationships with those around you. For example, people who know me professionally call me Dr. Hemphill, yet others who know me personally call me Ken. My children call me Daddy and my grandkids call me Papa. The many names of God revealed in Scripture tell us much about His character. Those names invite us to know Him in a growing, intimate relationship. Knowing these names is important for three reasons: ]]
God’s name is inherently great. “Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!” (Psalm 8:1a). Understanding the names of God will enable us to praise and worship Him more effectively.
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God’s name protects and benefits us. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower” (Proverbs 18:10). The various names become a tremendous aid to effective and specific prayer.
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We represent God’s name and must bring honor to it. God gave the Ten Commandments and one of those Commandments has to do with His name: “Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7a). This command means far more than avoiding its use in vulgar or slang expressions. It means the people of God must reflect His name or character in their lives.
The names of God are a love gift to us. God reveals Himself fully so that we might experience His fullness. As we look at six of those names, we will discover truths about the character of our God.
KEN HEMPHILL Ken is husband to Paula, father to three daughters, and grandfather to ten grandchildren. He is a pastor who is passionate about the church and God’s Word. He has served in many capacities in Southern Baptist life and is a prolific author. He is currently the director for Church Planting and Revitalization at North Greenville University.
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God Is . . .
Session 1 Our Provider Genesis 22:1-2,6-14
Session 2 Our Healer Exodus 14:29-31; 15:22-27
Session 3 Our Banner Exodus 17:8-16
Session 4 Our Peace Judges 6:11-16,22-24
Session 5 Our Shepherd Psalm 23:1-6
Session 6 Our Righteousness Jeremiah 33:3-8,14-16
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SESSION 1
OUR PROVIDER
The Point Trust God to meet our needs.
The Passage Genesis 22:1-2,6-14
The Bible Meets Life Our tendency is to live by what we can see. We believe what we can touch. We’re confident when what we need is right in front us. But life does not always hand us easy answers and solutions. A life in Christ is a life of trust—trusting Him to provide what we need, even when we don’t readily see the answer. Abraham showed us that God truly is our Provider.
The Setting God called Abram (Abraham) to leave his homeland, with the promise that God would bring him to a new land and make from him a great nation. Despite God’s promise, for many years Abraham’s wife Sarah remained childless. Finally, at the age of one hundred, Abraham was able to see the fulfillment of God’s promise when Sarah bore him a son they named Isaac.
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What does the Bible say?
Genesis 22:1-2,6-14 (CSB) Land of Moriah (v. 2)—This is a region located about sixty miles north of Beersheba, where Abraham was dwelling. The mountain (v. 2) is the same hilltop King David purchased and upon which Solomon later built the temple (2 Chronicles 3:1). Burnt offering (v. 2)—In Scripture, burnt offerings are associated with the tabernacle/temple and the Law, and were used for ritual cleansing, atoning for sin, and restoring fellowship with God. Angel of the Lord (v. 11)— This phrase refers to a heavenly messenger who is either a being sent by God or is God Himself. The angel of the Lord is thought by some to be the pre-incarnate Christ. The Lord Will Provide (v. 14)—This is the name given to the location where God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice instead of his son Isaac. It emphasizes God’s deliverance.
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S e ss i o n 1
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2 “Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 1
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together. 7 Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together. 9 When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. 6
But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” 12 Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” 13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.” 11
THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
GET INTO THE STUDY
10 minutes
ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Distribute
Notes
blank name tags and ask group members to write in a fun nickname they’ve had. Group members can also share a given name that holds special significance or family history. Ask for volunteers to share their names and the stories behind them. Use this to introduce the theme of this six-week study, “God Is …”, which will look at six names of God and what they teach us about Him. LEADER PACK: Bring your group’s attention to Pack Item #1, “God Is …” poster, to introduce the individual session topics of this six-week study.
TIP: Want more teaching ideas? Go to the Bible Studies for Life website and click on the Leader Extras tab. You’ll find additional teaching ideas and more discussion questions.
DISCUSS: Invite your group members to discuss Question #1 on page 13 of the PSG (Personal Study Guide): “What’s one of the hardest things you’ve been asked to do?” Allow time for each person to respond. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 14): We’ve all made decisions to take on something daunting, but it can be especially difficult when someone else makes that decision for us. The soldier who is “volunteered” for an assignment. The employee who is transferred to a new task or city. The student who is called on by the instructor to show the rest of the class how to solve for “x.” In those moments, a thought can run through our minds: How am I going to do this? SAY: “God provides what we need, when we need it. God truly is our Provider, and Abraham saw God’s provision as he trusted Him during a great test of his faith.” GUIDE: Call attention to The Point on page 14 of the PSG: “Trust God to meet our
PACK ITEM:
needs.”
Pack Item #1 “God Is . . .” poster
PRAY: Transition into the discussion with prayer.
“The Way (New Horizon)” By Housefires
PLAYLIST PICK:
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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10 minutes
STUDY THE BIBLE Genesis 22:1-2 (CSB)
Notes
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2 “Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 1
READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Genesis 22:1-2. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 15): Abraham is commonly seen as a great example of someone who exercised faith (Hebrews 11:8). But his journey was not always easy and at moments he faltered in his faith.
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God called to Abram when he was seventy-five years old (Genesis 12:4), instructing him to leave his land, his relatives, and his father’s house to journey “to the land that I will show you” (12:1). In other words, he was to leave all that was familiar and comfortable.
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God had promised to bless Abram by making him a great nation which would bless all the nations of the earth (12:2). We must note a detail in the introduction of Abram and his wife: “Sarai was unable to conceive; she did not have a child” (11:30). Knowing this, the promise that his heirs would be more numerous than the stars seemed impossible.
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“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness” (15:6). When Abram was ninety-nine, God reaffirmed His promise and changed Abram’s name to Abraham. “Abram” means “exalted father,” while his new name means “father of many nations” (17:1-8), and indicates God’s overwhelming provision.
ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are the different ways Abraham could have responded to God’s command?
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God kept His promise to Abraham. Isaac was born through the previously barren womb of Sarah (21:1-7).
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In Genesis 22 Abraham would face his greatest test of faith. Abraham was to take his son to Moriah and ”offer him there as a burnt offering” (22:2).
DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 15 of the PSG: “What’s your initial reaction to these verses?” TRANSITION: The next verses reveal Abraham’s response to God’s instruction.
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THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
Genesis 22:1-2 Commentary Verses 1-2: The biblical account of the life of Abraham (Abram1) begins with his genealogy and his call from God to leave his homeland (Genesis 11:10–12:7). After he received this word from God, Scripture states simply that “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (12:4). The Book of Hebrews notes that it was because of his faith that Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland and go to a new land God would show him (Hebrews 11:8). Part of God’s promise to Abraham was that he would become the father of a great nation: “The Lord said to Abram: ‘Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation’ ” (Genesis 12:1-2). Implicit in the promise of making Abraham into a great nation was that Abraham and Sarah would have a son. At this stage of Abraham’s life, he had no son and his wife, Sarah, was unable to conceive a child (11:30). How could he be the father of a great nation if he did not have even one son (15:2‑3)? Abraham had a need, a critical need. A son would continue Abraham’s family line, as well as inherit all of his wealth. God fulfilled His promise to Abraham with the birth of Abraham’s son Isaac. At the time of Isaac’s birth, Abraham was one hundred years old and Sarah was ninety (17:1‑22; 21:1‑5). Some time after the birth of his son, God spoke to Abraham again to test him. However, this test of Abraham’s faith was far greater than any of the previous tests he had undergone. God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice—the son God had promised him, the son he deeply loved, the son he and Sarah had waited to have for twenty-five years. Furthermore, Isaac was the key to God’s covenant with Abraham not only to make a great nation from Abraham, but also to bless all the peoples of the earth through Abraham as well (12:2‑3; see Romans 4:16). If God took Isaac, how could that part of His promise be fulfilled? God told Abraham to take Isaac and go to the land of Moriah, a region about sixty miles north of Beersheba where Abraham was living, and to offer Isaac there as a burnt offering. At this time most of the religions of the surrounding nations offered sacrifices to their gods as part of their worship rituals. Some even offered child sacrifices. However, when God later gave Israel the Law through Moses at Mount Sinai, He specifically prohibited such practices (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 18:9‑12). Of course, at this point Abraham did not have the Law.
1. Abraham was originally known as Abram and Sarah as Sarai. Throughout this session, the names God gave them, Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17:5,15), will be used.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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10 minutes
STUDY THE BIBLE Genesis 22:6-10 (CSB)
Notes
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together. 7 Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together. 9 When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. 6
READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Genesis 22:6-10. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 16): Abraham answered without delay.
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Abraham roused his servants and his son early, split wood for the burnt offering, and headed out to the place that God had told him about.
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Abraham and Isaac were journeying to Moriah when Isaac asked: “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (v. 7). Abraham’s answer was full of faith. “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (v. 8).
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Having arrived at the place God had designated, Abraham built the altar and arranged the wood in preparation for the sacrifice. Then, he “bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood” (v. 9).
ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are some tactics we use to delay or limit our obedience to God?
DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 16 of the PSG: “How do Abraham’s actions in these verses demonstrate faith?” SAY: “Abraham was committed to obey the command of God. He had so matured in his faith that he was confident God would provide a lamb somehow.” DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 17 of the PSG: “When have you experienced a time of testing?” TRANSITION: God is trustworthy; He will provide what we need when we need it.
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THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
Genesis 22:6-10 Commentary Abraham did not delay in obeying God’s command, trusting God to provide what was needed. Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, gathered wood for the sacrifice, and left for Moriah with two of his servants and his son Isaac. Since the distance was about sixty miles, the journey would have taken several days. When they drew close to the site, Abraham “looked up and saw the place in the distance.” Abraham commanded his servants to go no farther. He told them that he and Isaac would go ahead and worship God. The writer of the Book of Hebrews tells us Abraham kept trusting God’s promises regarding Isaac, especially that through Isaac God would fulfill His promise to make a great nation (Hebrews 11:17‑19). Though most likely Abraham had never heard of God’s raising anyone from the dead, he had faith that if he obeyed God’s command to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, God could and would restore Isaac to life. Abraham trusted God for what he needed, even if that need involved raising his son from the dead! Many years had passed between Isaac’s birth and this event. The text provides clues as to Isaac’s age. First, the Hebrew term Abraham used for Isaac when speaking to the servants (translated “the boy”) can range in meaning from an infant to a young adult. However, Isaac being old enough to carry the wood for the burnt offering up the mountain to the place of the sacrifice indicates that by this time he probably was an adolescent. Verses 6-9: As they walked away from the servants, Isaac addressed Abraham, “My father.” Then Isaac asked the obvious question: “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham’s answer is one of the most significant theological declarations ever spoken: “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering.” How could Abraham make such a statement in light of God’s clear command to sacrifice his only son whom he loved (Genesis 22:2)? The answer is his faith in the God he had worshiped and served for so many years. The only way Abraham could reconcile God’s promise with God’s command was by faith, the trust that leads to obedience regardless of human logic. He chose to obey and to trust that God would miraculously restore Isaac to life (Hebrews 11:19). Verse 10: The narrator described the progression of events so simply and dramatically: the two … “walked together … they arrived … Abraham built the altar … arranged the wood … bound his son Isaac … placed him on the altar.” There was only one step left—Abraham picked up the knife “to slaughter his son.”
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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10 minutes
STUDY THE BIBLE Genesis 22:11-14 (CSB)
Notes
But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” 12 Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” 13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.” 11
READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Genesis 22:11-14. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 18): At this moment, the angel of the Lord called Abraham’s name and said: “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him” (v. 12). Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket and knew immediately this ram was the Lord’s provision of a sacrifice in the place of his son. This place of divine encounter became sacred for Abraham, and so he called it “The Lord Will Provide.” This is the literal translation of the name Jehovah-Jireh. The angel of the Lord addressed Abraham a second time, ensuring him that God’s former promises would still come to pass. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How does this passage foreshadow the gospel?
DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 18 of the PSG: “How can our actions and attitudes demonstrate that we serve the God who provides?” DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 19 on their own. If time allows, invite volunteers to share their responses aloud. GOD OUR PROVIDER:
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In which of the following areas have you seen God providing for you recently? Circle one. (Note: The PSG includes the following list: Finances, Home, Job or School, Relationships, and Other.)
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In which of the following areas are you in need of God’s provision? Circle one. (Note: The PSG includes the same list as the previous question.)
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Fill in the blanks of the written prayer below. Lord, you are Jehovah-Jireh. Every good thing I have, You have provided. Thank You for Your provision of ________________. Help me to trust You to provide ______________.
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THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
Genesis 22:11-14 Commentary Verses 11-12: God demonstrated that He provides what we need when we need it. Abraham heard a voice calling his name twice, not only to get his attention but also as an indication of the seriousness of the words that would follow. The one calling Abraham’s name was “the angel of the Lord … from heaven.” The literal translation is “an angel of Yahweh.” Yahweh is God’s personal, covenant name by which He would later reveal Himself to Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 3:14‑15). The angel of the Lord appears many times in the Old Testament; for example, as the one who spoke to Hagar (Genesis 16:7), the one who spoke to Gideon (Judges 6:11‑12), and the one the prophet Zechariah saw in his vision (Zechariah 1:8‑12). Though the title suggests a being separate from God, the angel’s words seem to indicate that He is God Himself, as in Genesis 22:12 and in Exodus 3:1‑10. Abraham’s reply (“Here I am”) was the same as his response when God first called him and gave him the command to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1). This time the command was to stop what he was about to do. In one of the instances where the angel of the Lord’s words seem to indicate that this is God Himself speaking, the angel of the Lord stated, “For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” As evangelical Christians, we believe that God is sovereign and all-knowing (Psalm 139:1‑4; Isaiah 40:28; 46:10). Therefore we should be careful how we interpret the words, “For now I know that you fear God.” God was not ignorant: He did not need to test Abraham so that He could know that Abraham was fully devoted to Him. God tested Abraham so that Abraham could know and so that God could strengthen his faith. Verses 13-14: Abraham saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. Abraham knew this was no coincidence; he had told Isaac, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8). Abraham got the ram and “offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.” Abraham named that place “The Lord Will Provide.” The Hebrew transliteration is Yahweh-Yireh (also Jehovah-Jireh). “This name is a testimony to God’s deliverance.”2 The Hebrew for “Lord”—Yahweh—is God’s personal name and is the same term found in “the angel of the Lord.” This word emphasizes God’s covenant relationship with His people by which He binds Himself to His promises. About two thousand years after the time of Abraham, another sacrifice would be offered near this same location. Jesus, God the Father’s perfect Lamb, offered Himself as the complete and final sacrifice to meet our greatest need—to take away our guilt and free us from slavery to sin (John 8:34; Romans 3:912,23). 2. B rad Creed, “Names of God” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, gen. ed. Chad Brand, rev. ed. (Nashville: Holman Reference, 2015), 1144.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
27
5 minutes
LIVE IT OUT SAY: “God will use challenging circumstances to lead us to a deeper understanding of His
Notes
ability to provide for our every need. What will you do with this truth?” GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 20 of the PSG.
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Identify your Isaac. What circumstance, person, or thing are you having the most difficulty placing in God’s care? Consider why it is a challenge to trust God in this area of your life.
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Place your Isaac on the altar. Abraham first had to gather the resources necessary to make a sacrifice before he could find God’s provision. Identify concrete steps you can take to place your “Isaac” in God’s care.
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Look for God’s provision. When we are so focused on the cost of placing Isaac on the altar, we can miss what God is doing. Look for God’s provision. Make known to others the good things God is providing in your life.
Wrap It Up
SAY: “Can God be trusted with our daily affairs? Can we entrust to God those things we hold most dear? The answer is yes, for He is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides.”
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