A Wife for Isaac

July 28, 2024

Uncertainty is one of the only certainties in life. Whether it is health and money or the economy and politics, you can be sure that something unexpected is always just around the corner. So, how should God’s people respond to uncertainty? How can we have faith in the face of the unknown? Join us for the final message in The Pursuit of God, where we will see how Abraham’s faith gave Him confidence in God in the face of uncertain times.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Genesis 24 & Romans 8:28

Principle

God works for the ##good## of those who ##love## him, who have been called according to his ##purpose##. – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Practice

Seven Steps to Living According to God’s Purpose

##Trust## that God is ##Faithful##. (Gen. 24:1-)
Remain ##obedient## to God’s ##direction## regardless of circumstances. (Gen. 24:6-9)
##Plan## as if it depends on you; ##pray## knowing it depends on God. (Gen. 24:10-14)
##Pay## ##attention## to what happens after you ##pray##. (Gen. 24:15-21)
Give ##God## the ##credit##. (Gen. 24:22-54)
Avoid ##distractions##. (Gen. 24:54-61)
See it ##through##. (Gen. 24:62-67)

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Do you or your family own a family burial plot? If so, where is it, and what is the significance of that place? What feelings do you get when you think about or visit that place?

HEAR

Read Genesis 23

Where did Abraham go to live at the end of Genesis 22 (Gen. 22:19)? Where was Sarah living when she died (Gen. 22:2)? What does verse 2 say Abraham did when Sarah died? What does this suggest about Abraham and Sarah’s living conditions at the end of their lives?
What happened in Genesis 22 that may have caused Abraham and Sarah to separate?
What makes the details of Sarah’s burial site important? How does this relate to God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 17:8)

Read Genesis 25:1-6

What is significant about Abraham’s second marriage? How was this a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham? (Read Gen. 17:6-7)
Why did Abraham treat Isaac differently from his other children?

Read Genesis 25:7-18

Who buried Abraham? Where did they bury him? What does this suggest about these brothers?
What did God do for Isaac following the death of his father? Where did he live? Read Gen. 16:13-14. What was the significance of this place?
Why would the writer of Genesis have included a list of Ishmael’s descendants?
What stands out to you about Abraham’s life and family? What about his life and family encourages you? What challenges you?

HUDDLE

What will your spiritual legacy be for those who come behind you? What do you need to do this week to ensure that future generations see Christ in the storyline of your life? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: Genesis 23
Day 2: Genesis 24
Day 3: Genesis 25
Day 4: Matthew 1
Day 5: Luke 3
Day 6: John 8
Day 7: Galatians 3

Think Deeper

When was the last time circumstances caught you off guard? What was your initial reaction?
Do you love God? Are you living according to His purpose?
How did (or might) God work in that circumstance for your good?