Forever Faithful

09/30/19

Jeff Walchshauser

WE CAN HAVE PEACE BECAUSE GOD IS FOREVER FAITHFUL. (Genesis 21:22-34)
SERMON NOTES:

Forever Faithful

Genesis 21:22-34

We can have peace because God is forever faithful.


God is with us when we mess-up. (21-24)


God is with us in the regular things of life. (25-30)


God is with us forever. (31-34)


God Everlasting – El Olam

  • God always has and always will exist. (Psalm 90:2, Revelation 1:8)
  • God sees all time (past, present, future) with equal clarity. (Psalm 90:4, Isaiah 46:9-10, 2 Peter 3:8)
  • God created, sees and acts in time for our benefit. (Genesis 1:1, Galatians 4:4-5, Acts 17:30-31)

study questions:

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 21:22-34

1. Read verses 22-24. Why would Abimelech be concerned that Abraham would deal falsely with him (see Genesis 20)? As New Testament Christians should we “swear” to things or take an oath (see Matthew 5:34-37 and James 5:12)? Why or why not? Why is it important that we as Christians keep our word (see also Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12)?

2. Read verses 25-32. How would you summarize these events in your own words? Why do you think these events are included here in Genesis?

3. Read verses 33-34. What did Abraham do next in Beersheba? Recently in Genesis we have learned that Abraham struggled with the justness of God (Genesis 18:22-33), that he ran from God (Genesis 20) and that he experienced the blessing of God’s promise-keeping provision in his son Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7). As you consider Abraham’s actions here in verse 33, along with his recent interactions with God, what do you think is going on in Abraham’s heart and attitude toward God? How can you see spiritual growth and a growing maturity in Abraham? What caused this growth?

4. Read verses 33-34 again. Why do you think Abraham planted a tree? How does God use the symbolism of a tree to teach us about walking with closely with Him (see Psalm 1:1-3 and Jeremiah 17:7-8)? Are you a “healthy tree”? How so? How could you become more healthy? Why is it important to see God as the “Everlasting God” as seen here in verse 33?

5. So what. What has stood out to you most from your study of this passage? What is one thing you can take away that applies to your life and your walk with God?