The God Who Sees

June 30, 2024

In a busy world with so many voices clamoring for attention, it would be easy to feel lost in the crowd. Does anyone see me? Does anyone hear me? Does anyone care? And if there is a God, does He see me or care about my life? Join us for part 3 of The Pursuit of God, where we will learn how God sees us even when we can’t see Him.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Genesis 16

Principle

God sees us when we ##can’t## ##see## ##Him##. (Genesis 16:1-2)

God sees us when we ##look## the ##other## ##way##. (Genesis 16:2-4)

God sees us when ##others## ##don’t##. (Genesis 16:4-16)

Practice

When you can’t see God’s ##hand##, trust His ##heart##.

Small Group Questions

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

HANGOUT

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever been asked to do? Did you do it? If so, why? Today, we will learn about a very weird (and uncomfortable) command God gave Abram and his descendants and how this command points us toward God.

HEAR

Read Genesis 17:1-14

What did God say He would do for Abram? (vs. 4-8) Why do you think God changed his name to Abraham?
What did God ask Abraham to do for his part of the covenant? (v. 10)
Read and respond to the following quote from Beth Moore: “Even [before Abraham], circumcision was timed at around 13 years of age to mark manhood. God’s command to circumcise infant males was at least in great measure to emphasize the blessing of offspring and lineage over the egotism of celebrated manhood and self-sufficiency …. they were to be marked in their manhood, in their closest association with virility, strength, and procreation... This wasn’t a matter of sexuality. This was a matter of spirituality…. The mark God had in mind for them was strictly private as a reminder to the man himself that he belonged to God and that his strength, virility, and ability to bear much fruit rested in the blessing of God Almighty.”

Read Deuteronomy 10:12-16 & Romans 2:25-29

Based on these passages, what kind of circumcision does God want us to undergo?
How is a physical circumcision different from a spiritual one? Which is easier? Why?

Read Romans 4:9-12 & Galatians 2:15-21

According to Romans 4, what is the connection between circumcision and faith?
According to Paul, how is a person justified? What is the connection between Galatians 2:20 and the covenant of circumcision?

HUDDLE

Is your heart circumcised? Are you living as if you have been crucified with Jesus, and now it is He who lives through you? What do you need to do this week to live that way? 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 15
Day 2: Genesis 16
Day 3: Luke 8
Day 4: Matthew 6
Day 5: Genesis 17
Day 6: Deuteronomy 10
Day 7: Romans 2 & 4

Think Deeper

Have you taken matters into your own hands because you felt God had failed to act?
Have you ever known God’s plan but chose to look the other way?
How has God shown Himself to you when others let you down?