Speaker: Pastor Tim Bruns
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6
Series: —

Sermon Notes

1. God is there to encourage us when we are uncertain about life.
2. God is honored when we trust Him and graciously rewards our faith.
3. God will demonstrate that He is able to be trusted.

Discussion Questions

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Many times, after some big event in our lives, there can be a kind of letdown once it is over (graduation, wedding, birth of a child). The same can be true spiritually (ministry event, spiritual battle). Share an example with the group from your own life.

INTO THE BIBLE

1. In Genesis 15:1-6, we see God encouraging Abraham to not be afraid. Fear is a part of all of our lives. Look at these passages to see how God wants to help us in the midst of our fears: Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 10:28, 2 Timothy 1:7.
2. The Lord told Abraham that He would be his shield. Read the following verses to glean more on this powerful image: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 3:1-4, 5:11-12; Proverbs 2:3, 30:5. Compare those verses with the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:10-18.
3. Genesis 15:6 says that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited to him as righteousness.” That verse is quoted in the following New Testament passages: Romans 3:28-4:8, Galatians 3:6-9, James 2:14-26. How and why do the human authors use the quote? Is there a contradiction between Paul (justified by faith) and James (righteous by what they do)? If not, how do you reconcile the passages? (Also look at Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 2:11-14.)
4. Abraham is an important figure in the biblical narrative—both as an example of faith (though not perfect!) and because it was through him that the Lord blessed the whole world by means of the salvation that was accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ. Read and discuss the New Testament “commentary” that sheds more light on the life of Abraham (Romans 4:18-25, Hebrews 11:8-19).
5. In our passage, God reaffirmed a promise He made to Abraham. The Bible contains many promises that the Lord has made. What do the following references say about the promise-making God: Joshua 21:45; Psalm 119:140, 148, 162; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:4? As a group, come up with a list of at least a dozen promises that are given to Christians.
6. In Hebrews 11, it says that faith pleases God and that the “saints of old” were commended for their faith. The following verses can be instructive for us to be people who live by faith: Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 2:16-20, 3:11; Hebrews 10:35-11:6, 11:32-38.

APPLICATION

Abraham was fearful, worried, and uncertain about the future. You may find yourself having those same feelings—because of a stressful job, a broken relationship, financial pressures, health concerns, discouragement, or overwhelming grief. Find one or more promises of God that speak particularly to your situation. Read and meditate on these; pray them back to God. Ask your group to also pray for you.