We are introduced to Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob: a family of sinners. Our text shows Esau indulging his fleshly appetites and throwing away his future because he doesn’t care about eternal and spiritual things. How many church kids throw away spiritual blessings because they are enticed by their appetites!

In a break between Genesis sermons, we spent our time talking about everyone’s favorite question-producing topic: dating. We discussed the things the Bible clearly condemns and then talked about some wise guidelines for navigating romance leading to marriage.

In our day of abundance of Bibles, it is a shame that most Christians choose to direct most of their attention to worthless things instead of God’s life-giving word. This is a self-inflicted wound that our students can avoid by establishing good habits to read their Bibles.

Isaac, the promised son, is finally born after 25 years of waiting in faith. Then Abraham is told to banish Ishmael and sacrifice Isaac. In both scenes, God’s word is clear and Abraham’s obedience is immediate. We need to learn obedience from Abraham.

God told Abraham his plan to destroy Sodom but Abraham pleads for mercy for the sake of the righteous. Then God’s angels mercifully save Lot. Our students need to adopt the attitude of Abraham about God’s wrath and avoid the self-destructive compromises of Lot.

Sometimes God wants his people to wait patiently. Sometimes he wants us act quickly. Abraham and Sarah show us how to fail and how to succeed in these two areas. Our students will benefit from learning patience from their example instead of from the pain of God’s consequences.

In the midst of God’s great promises to Abram, the text of Genesis tells us that Abram trusted God and God considered him righteous. In Romans 4 and Galatians 3, we find out this is the experience of every person who places their faith in Jesus as well.

After a terrible failure of faith in Egypt, Abram bounces back in his separation and subsequent rescue of his nephew Lot. Our faith in God will be tested, and when we fail, we should get back up and respond like Abram.

We are introduced to Abram, the father of people who have faith in God. He receives a command to leave his homeland and a promise from God, so he responds with action. Our students should exercise the same faith in God’s word.

Wrapping up the Primeval History of Genesis 1-11, Moses tells us the tragic account of the Tower of Babel when humanity banded together against God and his authority. The world is still doing the same things today! We should humbly live by every word that comes from God.