Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
I. The Promise Fulfilled, Embraced & Celebrated (v.1-7)
II. Unbearable Tension (v.8-13)
III. Departure & Provision (v.14-21)
Genesis 21:1-21
“The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” 7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.”
Sermon Discussion questions
Baby Mama Drama: Genesis 21:1-21
Ice Breaker: If you could pick one annoying habit of yours to never do again (like repeatedly hitting snooze), what would it be and why?
This Week Specific
Faith and Doubt: Reflecting on Abraham and Sarah's journey of faith, how do you balance believing God's promises while facing doubts or fears in your own life? Can you share a personal experience where you felt both faith and doubt simultaneously?
Handling Conflict: Sarah's actions toward Hagar and Ishmael demonstrate how unresolved tensions can lead to conflict. How do you handle conflict within your family or work environment? What biblical principles can guide your responses to such situations?
Obedience and Response: Abraham's obedience in naming Isaac and circumcising him reflects a commitment to God's instructions. In what areas of your life are you feeling called to obedience? How can you take practical steps to respond to God’s guidance?
Longings and Satisfaction: The sermon emphasizes that even fulfilled desires do not always bring lasting satisfaction. What longings do you have in your life that you believe will bring fulfillment? How might you shift your focus to seek deeper satisfaction in God rather than in circumstances?
Connecting with Others: Just as God showed care for Hagar and Ishmael, who in your life might need your support or encouragement right now? How can you reach out to them in a way that reflects God's love and provision?
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?