Resuming Genesis
Today’s Bulletin
Genesis 25:1-18
25 Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 5 Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country.
7 These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life, 175 years. 8 Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 Isaac and Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, 10 the field that Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with Sarah his wife. 11 After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi.
12 These are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham. 13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, named in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael; and Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages and by their encampments, twelve princes according to their tribes. 17 (These are the years of the life of Ishmael: 137 years. He breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.) 18 They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria. He settled over against all his kinsmen.
Sermon Discussion questions
Baby Boom Before The Tomb (Genesis 25:1-18)
Ice Breaker: "If you could live to be 175 like Abraham, what would you want to do with all those extra years? Wrong answers only! Or "The sermon mentioned Abraham's wife Keturah's name means 'spices.' If your name was based on your favorite food or spice, what would it be?"
This Week Specific
The sermon mentions that Abraham, like us, experienced times of strong faith and times of doubt. Share about a recent situation where your faith felt tested - how did you respond, and what helped you return to trusting God?
We heard that "Your background does not hinder The Lord from using you for His glory." What aspects of your past or present circumstances make you feel disqualified from serving God? How does Abraham's imperfect but faithful life encourage you?
Abraham lived a "good old age" and was "full of years" (v. 8). What do you think it means to live a full life? How can you ensure that your life is full?
Like Isaac settling at "Beer-lahai-roi" (the well of the Living One who sees me), where are the places or moments in your daily routine where you most strongly sense God's presence?
The sermon emphasized that peace with God through Christ is our greatest need. In your current season of life (work, school, family, etc.), what specific situations are robbing you of experiencing this peace?
Throughout Abraham's life, we see him returning to God after wandering. What helps you recognize when you're drifting from God, and what practices or relationships help you return to him?
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?