Death at the Tree 

4. Super Victory — Total Triumph (Romans 8:37)

Back to the Tree

Reflection Questions

Wildfire Renewal Where in your life has something that felt like total destruction eventually led to new life or renewal?

Victory and Nike Here are different forms of the Greek word “nike” — victory, overcomer, conqueror, and super-conqueror (hyper-nike). What stands out to you about these different layers of victory that Jesus gives us?

Overcoming by Faith Read 1 John 5:4-5. What challenge are you facing right now that needs you to stop striving and simply trust in Jesus’ already-won victory?

Already and Not Yet Read Romans 8:37-39 (“more than conquerors”). How do you handle the real pain of grief and loss while believing that death has been defeated?

Tree of Death to Tree of Life Compare Genesis 3 (death at the tree) with Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 22 (the promise of the Tree of Life). In what ways does this help us understand the story of the Bible and our lives?

Coronation- Celebration of the installation of a King or victory in war.

Reflection Questions

1. When We Take Matters Into Our Own Hands (Genesis 16:1–6)

2. When No One Sees Your Pain (Genesis 16:7–14)

3. When God Renames Your Story (Genesis 17:1–14)

4. When We Laugh at God’s Promises (Genesis 17:15–27)

Reflection Questions

Where do you see people in this story trying to control their own future instead of trusting God? Where have you seen your own impatience and scheming causing harm to yourself and others? 

What does it mean to you that God calls Hagar by name? Why do you think this moment mattered so deeply to Hagar?

Do you tend to relate more to Sarai (trying to control), Hagar (feeling unseen), or Abraham (struggling to believe)? Why?

What is the significance of the names changed and revealed in this passage? Look up the names and their meanings: El Roi, El Shaddai, Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac. 

What would it look like this week to trust God’s timing instead of trying to force your own solution?

Where do you struggle to believe that God not only sees your situation but can actually change it?

Introduction

1. The Waiting Room of Faith (Genesis 15:1–5)

2. The Breakthrough of Faith (Genesis 15:6)

3. The Covenant that Secures the Promise (Genesis 15:7–21)

Reflection Questions

The sermon described the “waiting room of faith.” What does that phrase mean to you personally right now? Recall the story of Adonirum Judson in relation to this topic and his quote, “The future is as bright as the promises of God.” 

What is the difference between wrestling with God in faith and walking away from God in unbelief?

Genesis 15:6 says Abram’s faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” Why is it important that righteousness was credited, not earned?

Read Romans 4:1–5 and 16–25. How does Paul use Abraham’s story to explain justification by faith? What do these verses teach us about the difference between earning righteousness through works and receiving righteousness through faith in God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ?

“Sometimes the greatest work God is doing is not the mission field you’re running toward, but the waiting room where He teaches you to trust Him.” How might God be shaping you in a season of waiting?

Introduction/Recap

Bethel vs. Ai (Genesis 12)

Adversity (anxiety/fear) vs. Faith (Gen. 12)

Abundance (apathy/pride) vs. Humility (Gen. 13)

Two Kings: Sodom vs. Salem (Gen. 14)

Reflection Questions

In Genesis 13, abundance (wealth, livestock) becomes a new test for Abram and Lot, shifting from adversity/fear to apathy/pride. How does abundance sometimes test our faith differently than hardship does? Can you think of examples where "having it all" leads to drift? 

The sermon warns about being "Sodom-adjacent"—close to sin or worldly patterns without fully diving in, yet still at risk. Where might you (or people you know) be "Sodom-adjacent" in life, media, relationships, or habits? What’s the danger of pitching your tent too close? Is there a danger of isolating and separating too far? 

After rescuing Lot, Abram faces two kings in the King's Valley: Melchizedek (king of Salem/peace, priest of God Most High) and the king of Sodom. How do these two figures/voices represent contrasting invitations or kingdoms in our lives?

The passage ultimately points to Jesus as the greater Rescuer who delivers us from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13). How does reflecting on Christ's rescue mission change how you face your own wrestlings or temptations?

Melchizedek brings bread and wine, blesses Abram, and reminds him that God is the source of victory. How does this point forward to Jesus (as the sermon notes, with bread/wine at the Last Supper and His role as Priest-King)? What does it mean that Abram gives a tenth in response?

Introduction: From Beginnings to Wrestling

Reflection Questions

How can the concept of 'wrestling with faith/fear' help us understand our struggles in our spiritual journeys? How might this wrestling challenge some traditional notions of “faith”? 

Why is it significant to recognize that Abraham was not perfect, yet still held a pivotal role in God's plan?

What are some 'Egypts' in your life where you tend to run for security instead of seeking God?

Think about the importance of building an altar between Bethel and Ai (Gen. 12:8). Look up what those two places mean and reflect on the deeper significance of putting an altar right in the middle. 

How can you apply the principle of building altars instead of towers (Babel) in your own life?

Introduction: 

I. Clean Slate, Crooked Hearts (Genesis 9:18–28)

II. One Family, Many Nations (Genesis 10)

III. One Language, One Rebellion (Genesis 11:1–9)

IV. From Scattering to Gathering: The Babel Reversal (Acts 2:1-11)

V. From Every Nation to One People: The Final Gathering (Revelation 7:9–10)

Reflection Questions

What does Genesis 9:18-11:9 reveal about the nature of the human heart and its inclination towards sin?

How can the story of the Tower of Babel relate to what we see in today's society regarding unity and rebellion? 

What steps can individuals take to ensure they are building altars for God, rather than towers for their own glory?

What is the significance of Pentecost in reversing the division caused by Babel?

How can the Church act as an 'anti-Babel' in our modern world, promoting unity of the spirit despite the divisions we see in our country and world?

I. When You Hit Rock Bottom (vv. 8–9)

II. Who You Trust When You’re Empty (vv. 9–10)

III. How God Chooses to Work: Through the Prayers of His People (v. 11)

IV. What Runs Our Church?

Reflection Questions

What does it mean when Paul states that God allows us to experience weakness so we learn to rely on Him?

Reflecting on a time you hit rock bottom, how did it shape your understanding of God and reliance on prayer?

When life gets heavy, what do you instinctively run to for relief or control? (Distraction, entertainment, food, work, isolation, people, prayer, etc.) What does that say about what “fuels” you right now?

Paul tells the church, “You also must help us by prayer.” How does this change the way you view prayer—not as passive support, but as real participation in God’s work

Becoming the Boiler Room: As a group, let’s name three main things our church needs God’s help with right now. Would you commit to praying for this regularly this year?