Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
I. God + To Show = Theophany (v.1-2)
II. Generous Hospitality (v.3-8)
III. Doubting the Wonder of the Lord (v.9-12)
IV. Seriously, Is Anything Too Hard For The LORD? (v.13-15)
Genesis 18:1-15
“1 And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.””
Sermon Discussion questions
Laughing at the oaks of mamre: Genesis 18:1-15
Ice Breaker: When have you laughed at the wrong time?
This Week Specific
Reflecting on God's Promise: In Genesis 18, Sarah doubted God’s promise of a son. What promises of God are you currently struggling to believe, either in your family, at work, or in other areas of life? How does knowing God cares most about your faith help?
Believing in God's Power: The sermon emphasized the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
Two parts-
Think about a time when you faced a seemingly impossible situation. How did you respond?
What is a situation in your life right now that feels impossible? How can you trust God with this area, and how might you need to adjust your prayers to reflect belief in His power?
Hospitality in Everyday Life: Abraham showed generous hospitality to his visitors. What are practical ways we can invite others into our life to reflect Christ’s love? Choose one specific action you can take this week.
Applying Childlike Faith: The sermon mentioned that growing in faith sometimes means returning to simple truths we learned as children. In what areas of your life—such as your work, home, or studies—do you need to recapture a sense of awe and trust in God’s power?
Practicing Bold Prayer: Brian encouraged us not to shy away from bold prayers, even for seemingly impossible situations. What bold prayer do you need to begin praying—whether for a family member, a co-worker, your church, or your own spiritual growth?
Overcoming Cynicism: Like Sarah’s laughter, we can sometimes laugh at God’s promises because they seem too good to be true. How does cynicism show up in your daily life, and how can you intentionally replace it with faith, particularly in challenging environments like work or school?
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?