Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
I. A New Name For Sarai (v. 15-16)
II. Abraham’s Laughter (v. 17-18)
III. The Child of Promise & Provision for Ishmael (v. 19-21)
IV. A Strange Painful Obedience (v. 22-26)
Genesis 17:15-27
“15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”
222 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. 27 And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.”
Sermon Discussion questions
God vs Impossible: Genesis 17:15-27
Ice Breaker: If you could erase and make the world forget about one modern technology for the betterment of life, what would you remove?
This Week Specific
Faith in Difficult Situations: Abraham had to wait many years for God's promise to be fulfilled. What are some "impossible" situations you are currently facing in your life, family, work, or school? How can you respond with faith like Abraham while you wait for God's timing?
Honest Prayers: Abraham's laughter in response to God's promise shows his amazement and perhaps some doubt. How do you usually respond to God's promises? Do you feel comfortable being honest with God about your struggles and doubts in prayer? How might doing so strengthen your faith?
Obedience in the Waiting: Abraham immediately obeyed God’s command regarding circumcision, even though it was strange and painful. Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obey, even though it might be difficult or countercultural? How can you take a step of obedience this week? (Or share a time from the past if easier)
God's Power vs. Human Effort: Abraham tried to fulfill God's promise through Ishmael, but God made it clear that Isaac was the child of promise. Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own efforts instead of trusting God to work? How might you shift your focus from self-reliance to God’s power?
Praying for Others: Abraham prayed for Ishmael, showing his concern for his son. How can you be more intentional in praying for your family members, friends, or coworkers, especially those who seem far from God? What specific prayers can you start lifting up for them?
Embracing the Impossible: The sermon emphasized that nothing is impossible for God. How does this truth impact your approach to challenges in your personal life or in the lives of those around you? Can you think of a time when God accomplished something in your life that seemed impossible? Is there something impossible you’re asking God for right now?
Living Out Your Faith: How can you apply the lesson that “obedience is not a means to gain the grace of God, but a response to the grace of God” in your daily life? What changes might you need to make in your behavior, attitude, or priorities to better reflect your trust in God's promises?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?