GOD'S PROVISION IN GOD'S TIMING PRODUCES GREAT JOY! (Genesis 21:1-21)
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SERMON NOTES:
God’s Promises Become Reality
Genesis 21:1-21
God’s provision in God’s timing produces great joy.
The joy of God’s provision. (1-7)
The pain of prideful impatience. (8-13)
The blessings of God’s grace. (14-21)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson – Genesis 21:1-21
1.Read verses 1-8. Describe how you think Abraham and Sarah felt at the birth of their son after waiting 25 years (see verses 6 and 8). What did God predict would happen regarding the birth of Isaac (see Genesis 18:10)? How did Abraham and Sarah respond to this prediction when it was made the previous year (see Genesis 17:15-18 and 18:10-15)? What do we learn about God from this passage? How can you see yourself in the responses of Sarah and Abraham both here and in the previous year?
2.Read verses 9-13. How did Hagar’s son treat Isaac? How did Sarah respond, and what did Abraham do? Note that the name Ishmael is never used. Why do you think Ishmael is only called Hagar’s son in these verses? What can we learn about God in this? How does this make you feel?
3.Read verses 14-21. How would you summarize this series of events in your own words? What details stand out to you as significant and why? We see how Hagar was feeling, but what feelings do you think Ishmael was experiencing?
4.Read Galatians 4:21-5:1. How does Paul use the events in Genesis 21:1-21 to teach us in Galatians? What is Paul’s point in Galatians? How does this apply to our lives as Christians?
5.So what. What is one thing you have learned in your study of Genesis 21 and/or Galatians 4 that applies directly to your life? Something about God to remember? A principle or concept to embrace? A promise that might bring you encouragement or comfort?