SPRING 2018 | LEADER GUIDE
GOD IS … STAND UP: HOW TO FIGHT INJUSTICE
LEADING SOMEONE TO THE GREATEST DECISION OF ALL One of the great joys of leading a group in Bible study is seeing group members deepen their walk with Christ. Everyone’s walk with Christ begins with an initial decision to follow Him in repentance and faith. There may be people in your group who have not made that decision yet. Take advantage of your time with them to talk about becoming a Christian. As you tell your own story about coming to Christ, share these key truths: 1. We are all sinners, and each of us needs to acknowledge before God that we are sinners. That acknowledgement involves repentance, which is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Refer to Romans 3:23, 6:23, and Acts 3:19. 2. The only way a person can receive the gift of forgiveness is by faith in Jesus as God’s Son. Use verses like Acts 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9, and John 14:6 when talking about faith in Christ. 3. Confessing your faith in Jesus Christ means confessing Him as Savior and Lord. Share Romans 10:9-10,13. Invite the person to pray a prayer similar to this:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner and have rebelled against You in many ways. I believe Jesus died for my sin and only through faith in His death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I now turn from my sin and ask Jesus to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day forward, I will choose to follow Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for loving me and forgiving me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
A Special Note about “God Is Faithful” (p. 60). As your group studies and discusses the resurrection, use it as an opportunity to lead unsaved group members to faith in Christ. Use “A Promise That Will Never Be Broken” on the inside front cover of the Personal Study Guide to connect “God is Faithful” with each member’s own need to trust Christ and receive His gift of salvation.
CONTENTS
Don’t Miss This . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A Word from Lynn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using Bible Studies for Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Attributes of Discipleship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
God Is … Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Session 1
Our Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Session 2
Our Healer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Session 3
Our Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Session 4
Our Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Article: The Strength in Silence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Special Focus God is Faithful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Session 5
Our Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Session 6
Our Righteousness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Article: Four Questions Groups Should Ask About Prayer Requests . . . . . . . . . . 93
Stand Up: How to Fight Injustice Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Session 1
Be Ready to Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Session 2
Stand with Conviction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Session 3
Stand Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Session 4
Stand with Humility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Session 5
Stand Up and Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Session 6
Keep Standing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Article: The Role of Queen Esther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Join the Conversation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Coming Next Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Bible Studies for Life: Adult Leader Guide
Don’t miss this!
Volume 5, Number 3 Spring 2018 Eric Geiger Vice President, LifeWay Resources Ronnie Floyd General Editor
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
Lynn H. Pryor Team Leader R. Brian Gass Content Editor Ken Braddy Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies Michael Kelley Director, Groups Ministry Send questions/comments to: Content Editor by email at
[email protected]; mail to Content Editor for Bible Studies for Life: Adults, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175; or make comments on the Web at BibleStudiesforLife.com. Printed in the United States of America.
The App Simple and straightforward, this elegantly designed app gives you all the content of the Personal Study Guide—plus a whole lot more—right at your fingertips. Available in the iTunes App Store and for Android devices; search “Bible Studies for Life.”
Blog Every week, you’ll find helpful add-ons and additional suggestions in our “Leader Extra” posts. You’ll also find teaching tips, links to magazine articles, insights from our editorial team, and sermon outlines to complement every session. BibleStudiesForLife.com/AdultExtra
Ken Parker wrote the Bible commentary for the “God Is ... ” sessions. Ken 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. E. LeBron Matthews wrote the Bible commentary for the “God Is Faithful” session. LeBron 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 the Biblical Illustrator and the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Janice K. Meier wrote the Bible commentary for the “Stand Up: How to Fight Injustice” sessions. Janice 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: Adult Leader Guide (ISSN: 23317248; Item 005573481) is published quarterly by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2017 LifeWay. For ordering or inquiries, visit lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, e-mail subscribe@ lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email
[email protected], fax (615) 2515933, 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 lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. CSB—All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®. Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Bible Studies for Life: 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 Our 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: 1.
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.
2.
Read the session after the group meets. By reading afterwards, 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 | lynnhpryor.com
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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, which 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 DVD-ROM with:
>> JPEG files of the two main study images that you can use with any presentation software (i.e., PowerPoint). Promote the study by placing these images into an announcement slideshow or display the images during the sessions to reinforce the study topic.
>> PDF file of each pack item, so you can create multiple posters. During your session, display the image on a screen using any presentation software, or post the image on social media to promote the study.
>> Sample Twitter® and email messages to post prior to your Bible study time in order to raise awareness and promote the session topic.
>> Promotional videos to introduce both of the studies in this quarter. >> An electronic version of the group plans that you can customize and print. >> Leader articles to assist you as you lead your group. >> Biblical Illustrator articles that allow you to go deeper in your study.
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Additional Ideas Additional discussion questions and teaching suggestions for leaders are available online at BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra. You’ll also find all the magazine articles we mention in this study guide.
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, and 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 $3.00 per bundle at lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator.
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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
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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 Tim. 3:16-17 CSB).
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 CSB).
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” (Matt. 25:40 CSB).
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. Ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you (1 Pet. 3:15 CSB).
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For more details 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 (Gal. 2:19b-20 CSB).
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” (Matt. 6:33 CSB).
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. See page 14 for more details. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42 CSB).
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 (Rom. 1:16 CSB). BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
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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 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. 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, joy, struggles, and needs with Christian friends.
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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 position 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. Dr. Philip Nation is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Bradenton, Florida, and 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. Not surprisingly, God has also been known by many names throughout the centuries. 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!” (Ps. 8:1). Understanding the names of God will enable us to praise and worship Him more effectively. God’s name protects and benefits us. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower” (Prov. 18:10). God’s various names can be a tremendous aid to effective and specific prayer. We represent God’s name and must bring honor to it. God gave Ten Commandments, and one of those Commandments has to do with His name: “Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God” (Ex. 20: 7). 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’ll discover truths about the lovely 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 22:1-14
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
Find additional tools and resources to support this study, all available online at BibleStudiesForLife.com/AdultExtra.
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SESSION 1
OUR PROVIDER
The Point Trust God to meet our needs.
The Passage Genesis 22:1-14
The Bible Meets Life We’ve all made decisions to take on a daunting task, but it can be especially difficult when someone else makes that decision for you. 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 “x.” In those moments, our minds can be dominated by a single thought: How am I going to do this? A few years ago, my wife, Paula, and I chose to move closer to our extended families. That might not seem like a hard decision, but things didn’t fall together the way we expected. To make it even more challenging, my wife was diagnosed with cancer in the midst of the transition. We moved ahead, though, choosing to trust God and not our circumstances. We trusted and God provided. When we look back, we can see God’s hand at work. Our home has given us a quiet retreat—a wonderful healing place for Paula. God provides what we need, when we need it. Abraham knew this too. God truly is our Provider, and Abraham saw God’s provision as he trusted Him during a great test of his faith.
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 100, 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 22:1-14 Land of Moriah (v. 2)— 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. (See 2 Chron. 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)—A heavenly messenger who is either a being sent by God or God Himself. The angel of the Lord is thought by some to be pre-incarnate Christ.
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
So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 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. 3
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 Lord Will Provide (v. 14)—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
THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
GET INTO THE STUDY
5 minutes
ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Distribute
Notes
blank name tags and ask group members to fill out his or her name tag with a fun nickname they’ve had. Ask for volunteers to share their nicknames and the meanings behind them. Use this to introduce
Want to know about biblical culture, people, archaeology, and history? Biblical Illustrator has articles that tie to each session in this study at lifeway.com/BI.
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: Display Pack Item 1, the “God Is …” poster, to introduce the major theme of this study, along with the specific focus of each session. DISCUSS: Question #1 on page 13 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG): “What’s one of the hardest things you’ve been asked to do?” Allow time for each person to respond. GUIDE: Direct group members to “The Bible Meets Life” on page 14 of the PSG. Introduce the importance of God as our Provider by reading or summarizing the text—or by encouraging group members to read it on their own. SAY: “God provides what we need, when we need it. Abraham knew this too. 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 needs.” PRAY: Transition into the study by asking the Lord to open our hearts to see His ample provision in our lives.
TIP: When helpful, use this “Notes” column to record additional discussion questions, concepts, and activities that connect the study content with your specific group.
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
21
10 minutes
STUDY THE BIBLE Genesis 22:1-2
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 on page 15 of the PSG. GUIDE: Use the Commentary for material for these verses to help group members understand the significance of the location of this event and the offering. SUMMARIZE: Highlight the main points from pages 15-16 of the PSG.
>> Abraham is commonly seen as a great example of someone who exercised strong faith. (See Heb. 11:8.)
>> In his fear, though, Abraham claimed Sarah was not his wife—twice! (See Gen. 12:12-13; 20:1-3.)
>> In his doubt, Abraham attempted to “help” fulfill God’s promise through having a son by Sarah’s slave Hagar. (See 18:1-3.)
>> Abraham eventually did have a son, Isaac, although it took 25 years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. (See 21:1-7).
>> Abraham would soon face his greatest test of faith. Abraham was to take his ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are the different ways Abraham could have responded to God’s command?
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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 demonstrate how Abraham would trust God to provide what he needed.
THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
Genesis 22:1-2 Commentary [Verses 1-2] As the life of Abraham demonstrates, our faith will often be tested. God called Abraham (Abram1) to leave his homeland and go to a new land God would show him. (See Gen. 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). Abraham was seventy five when he answered God’s call. (See v. 4.) The Book of Hebrews notes that it was because of his faith that Abraham obeyed God’s call. (See Heb. 11:8.) Part of God’s promise to Abraham was that he would become the father of a great nation. (See Gen. 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. (See 11:30.) A son would continue Abraham’s family line, as well as inherit all 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. (See 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. (See 12:2‑3; Rom. 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. This land was about sixty miles north of Beersheba where Abraham was living. Years later King David would establish his capital city of Jerusalem in this region. On the same spot where God commanded Abraham to offer Isaac, God would command David to offer a sacrifice to turn away God’s punishment for David’s sin of arrogance and pride (1 Chron. 21:1–22:1). Eventually, David’s son Solomon would build the temple on this site (2 Chron. 3:1). God told Abraham 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. Later when God gave Israel the Law through Moses at Mount Sinai, He specifically prohibited such practices. (See Lev. 18:21; Deut. 18:9‑12.) Of course, at this point Abraham did not have the Law. The Mosaic Law required burnt offerings to be given in the morning and evening, as well as on special occasions such as on Sabbaths and the annual feasts. (See Num. 28–29.) It could also be required as an offering to atone for sin and restore fellowship with God. (See 1 Chron. 21:18‑26.) The fact that this type of offering was completely consumed served as an indication of the worshiper’s complete devotion to God.2
BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
23
15 minutes
STUDY THE BIBLE Genesis 22:3-10
Notes
So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 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. 3
READ: Ask a group member to read aloud Genesis 22:3-10 on page 16 of the PSG.
ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are some tactics we often 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?” RECAP: Abraham answered without delay. We can hear Abraham’s faith in his instructions to the young men: “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you” (emphasis added). Abraham had arrived at a point in his faith journey where he was confident he could trust God with his most valued possession: his only son. DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 17 of the PSG: “When have you experienced a time of testing?” TRANSITION: The next verses show us that God will provide what we need when we need it.
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THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
Genesis 22:3-10 Commentary [Verses 3-4] 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. [Verses 5-6] 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. (See Heb. 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. After giving instructions to his servants, Abraham took the wood for the fire, probably tied it into a bundle, and placed it on Isaac’s shoulders. He then took the fire (perhaps a torch or a burning ember from a fire) and the sacrificial knife. This kind of knife was probably a large knife designed for cutting into pieces the animal to be sacrificed. (The same word for knife occurs in Judg. 19:29.) Abraham and Isaac continued walking on together. [Verses 7-9] 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? (See Gen. 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. (See Heb. 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
25
10 minutes
STUDY THE BIBLE Genesis 22:11-14
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 on page 18 of the PSG. RECAP: 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. This is an amazing picture of salvation. Before the foundation of the world, God had prior vision of man’s sin and rebellion. Seeing our need, He made provision for our redemption by providing a lamb of sacrifice—Jesus, “his one and only Son” (John 3:16).
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: Direct group members to complete the activity “Our Provider” on page 19 of the PSG to show the myriad ways in which God has provided for each of us. When it comes to trusting God to provide for your needs, how well do you do? On the following scale, circle where you would most often identify your level of trust. Physically: 1-10 (Not very trusting to Very trusting) Emotionally/Relationally: 1-10 (Not very trusting to Very trusting) Spiritually: 1-10 (Not very trusting to Very trusting) What are some specific ways you recognize that God has provided for you recently?
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THE POINT
Trust God to meet our needs.
Genesis 22:11-14 Commentary [Verse 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. (See Ex. 3:14‑15.) The angel of the Lord appears many times in the Old Testament; for example, as the one who spoke to Hagar (see Gen. 16:7), the one who spoke to Gideon (see Judg. 6:11‑12), and the one the prophet Zechariah saw in his vision. (See Zech. 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. (See Gen. 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.” The reason God changed His command was that now He knew Abraham feared Him. As evangelical Christians, we believe that God is sovereign and all-knowing. (See Ps. 139:1‑4; Isa. 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” (Gen. 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). Sometimes it is transliterated as a name for God: Yahweh Jireh. “This name is a testimony to God’s deliverance.”3 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 2000 years after the time of Abraham, another sacrifice would be offered near this same location—the sacrifice of “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). 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. (See John 8:34; Rom. 3:9-12,23.) Through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, God provided for our most basic and urgent need—to bring us back into relationship with Him through faith in Jesus. Read the article “God Provides!” in the Spring 2018 issue of Biblical Illustrator. A previous Biblical Illustrator article “The Angel of the Lord” (Fall 2015) can be found on the DVD in the Leader Pack or can be purchased at lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE
27
5 minutes
LIVE IT OUT GUIDE: Direct group members to page 20 of the PSG. Encourage them to choose one of the
Notes
following options to carry out this week:
>> Identify your Isaac. What circumstance, person, or thing are you having the most difficulty placing in God’s care? Pray this week for the faith necessary to let go.
>> Place your Isaac on the altar.
Abraham had to first 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.
>> Look for God’s provision. Write down the ways God provides for you this week. Make known to others the good things God is providing in your life.
Wrap It Up TRANSITION: Read or restate the final paragraph from page 20 of the PSG: You can experience a breakthrough in your faith walk when you are willing to trust God with those things you hold most precious. Make that decision today and trust Jehovah Jirah, the God Who Provides. PRAY: Conclude by thanking God for His awesome provision, especially the salvation provided for us in Jesus. Ask Him for courage for group members to share that truth with others this week.
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