Faithful to use the Faithless

Faithful to use the Faithless

Genesis 20:1-18

GOD FAITHFULLY USES IMPERFECT

(struggling, disloyal, fearful, deceptive, insecure, passive, manipulative, irresponsible, selfish)

PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PERFECT PLANS.

Deception and betrayal. (1-2)

Life-threatening situation. (3-8)

Confrontation. (9-13)

Resolution. (14-18)

How can we be used by God?

1. Available.
2. Aware.
3. Active.
4. Anticipate.

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 20:1-18

1. Read verses 1-2. Where did Abraham go? Can you find this place on a map, and where was it in relation to Hebron where Abraham lived? What happened to Sarah? Take a few minutes to briefly review Genesis 12:10-20. Compare the situation in Genesis 12 to the situation here in Genesis 20.

2. Read verses 3-7. What did God say to Abimelech? What reasons did God give for obedience and the return of Sarah to Abraham?

3. Read verses 8-13. What did Abimelech do next? How did Abraham respond (words, attitudes, etc.)? What do you learn about Abimelech? What do you learn about Abraham? How do you respond when you are confronted by someone about sin in your life? How should you respond? What would help you to respond well?

4. Read verses 14-18. How did Abimelech respond to Abraham? Why do you think Abimelech treated Abraham this way? What is the last thing Abraham does in this passage? Does it seem weird to you that after sinning and lying Abraham prays and God heals Abimelech and his family? Why or why not? What do we learn about God and his relationship with Abraham from this? How does the relationship between God and Abraham mirror our relationship with God?

5. So what. Why do you think these events from the lives of Abraham and Sarah were included here in the Bible? What can you learn about God’s character from this passage? How does this understanding of God’s character impact your relationship with God? What is one specific thing you can take from this passage that applies directly to your life?