PENTECOST METHODIST CHURCH

LIVE-IT-OUT GUIDE

 

FAITHFUL ONES: SESSION 3 – ABRAHAM

(70mins – 90mins)

 

Sermon Date: 22nd October 2017

Text/s: Genesis 12:1-5, Hebrews 11:8-10

Speaker: Mr Raymond Low

(The sermon recording and slides can be found on the PMC website and MyPMC App.)

 

Sermon Recap & Discussion (20mins)

 

A)     Key Lessons

 

Abraham’s faith was a journey of obedience that began with God’s call, persevered even when things were uncertain and were difficult to understand, and looked forward to the eternal home promised by God.  

 

B)     Key Application Questions

 

1)      “How precious did that grace appear; The hour I first believed.”

(Amazing Grace, by John Newton).

 

Recall the time when the Lord first called you to leave the life you were used to and to journey with Him. What was it like? How did you feel? Share with your group.

 

2)      During his faith journey, Abraham encountered many things that were uncertain and difficult to understand. For example, when God called him out of his father’s house, God did not reveal where Abraham would go, but instructed him to “Go… to the land I will show you” (Gen 12:1). At one point, God even instructed Abraham to sacrifice his own son, Isaac – whom God Himself had promised, to make Abraham into a great nation (Gen 22:1-2). Nevertheless, Abraham persevered in obeying God, putting his trust in God’s good promises.

 

In your own faith journey, do you encounter situations that seem uncertain or are difficult to understand? How can God’s promises help you to persevere like Abraham?

 

 

Further Observations on the Text (20mins)

 

Read Genesis 12:1-9

 

1)      What did God specifically tell Abraham to do?

2)      Why would this be a step of faith for Abraham?

 

 

3)      In Genesis 12:4-5, we are told that Abraham took along Lot, his brother’s son. This leads some interpreters to suggest that Abraham did not fully obey God. Do you agree? Why or why not?

 

Read Hebrews 11:8-16.

4)      Why is Abraham described as seeking a “city” (verse 10)?  

 

 

Further Application (30mins)

 

1)      Although there were momentary lapses in Abraham’s faith (e.g. bringing along Lot?, presenting Sarah as his sister, laying with Hagar the servant), he continued to journey with God and responded with faith. Ultimately, Abraham is commended as the “father of all who believe” (Rom 4:11).

 

a)      In your own faith journey, how do you tend to respond when you encounter failure?

 

 

b)      How does Abraham’s example encourage you to persevere in faith?

 

 

2)      How do you balance making this life your home but realizing it is not your permanent home?

 

 

Going Deeper (Optional – 20mins)

 

Read Genesis 15:1-6. God affirms the promises made to Abraham earlier.

 

1)      What do Abraham’s questions and responses in this section reveal about what was going on in his mind and heart?

 

 

2)      Is there a situation or relationship in your life that seems “as good as dead” (Heb 11:12)? How are you responding to the long wait for God to intervene? Consider what steps you can take to increase your faith in this difficult time of waiting.