GOD EXPECTS US TO REJECT CULTURAL COMPROMISE AND RADICALLY LIVE FOR HIM! (Genesis 16:1-6)
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SERMON NOTES:
Cultural Compromise
Genesis 16:1-6
God expects us to reject cultural compromise and radically live for Him!
The Predicament – big promise, no children. (1)
The Solution – cultural compromise. (2-4a)
The Results – complicated, relational mess. (4b-6)
Timeless Takeaways:
study questions:
For the Next Lesson – Genesis 16:1-6
1.Warm-up. Think about a time you had to wait on something you really wanted. How did it feel, and how did you handle it? How did it test, challenge and/or grow your faith?
2.Read verse 1. What was the situation with Abram and Sarai? From where do you think they got Hagar (see also Genesis 12:10-16)? How do you think Abram and Sarai were feeling about this situation?
3.Read verse 2. What was Sarai’s solution to the problem? Do you think Sarai was aware of all that God promised to Abram (see also Genesis 15:1-6), and do you think Sarai shared Abram’s faith? Why or why not? How did Abram respond, and how do you think he should have responded Sarai’s plan? Why do you think Abram responded this way (see also Genesis 3:6, 12, 17)?
4.Read verses 3-4. What did Sarai and Abram do next? What were the results of their actions?
5.Read verses 5-6. How were people and relationships affected by the faithless actions of Sarai and Abram? How do you think Abram and Sarai were feeling at this point? How was Hagar affected by this situation?
6.So what. What can you learn from this passage about waiting on God and not compromising even when you are brokenhearted and impatient? How does our sin affect us, others and our relationships? How can our faith prevent us from making mistakes like Abram and Sarai?