Poor Choices and the Grace of God

Poor Choices and the Grace of God

Genesis 38:1-30

Bad choices lead to big, bad consequences, but God’s grace is bigger.

Judah makes foolish choices. (1-5)

Judah and his family experience devastating consequences. (6-23)

By God’s grace, Judah’s sin is exposed. (24-26)

By God’s grace, Judah is gifted a royal legacy. (27-30)

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 38:1-30

1.Read verses 1-5. According to verse 1 where did Judah go, who went with him and who did he go to see? What did Judah do when he got there? Was it wise for Judah to marry a Canaanite woman who is outside of his faith (see Genesis 24:3; 26:34-35; 28:1)? What does the Bible teach us about marrying people outside of our faith (see 2 Cor. 6:14-15)? As you read through the rest of this chapter consider how Judah’s actions in verses 1-2 affect the course of his life.

2.Read verses 6-11. What is the name of the woman that Er, Judah’s firstborn, was to marry? What happened to Er and why? What did Judah instruct Onan to do, and how did Onan respond? What happened after Onan died? Take a few moments to put yourself in Tamar’s shoes. How do you think Tamar felt throughout this series of events?

3.Read verses 12-23. Take a minute to summarize these verses in your own words. What do you learn about Judah? What do you think motivated Tamar to deceive Judah? What did Judah’s friend do to help Judah, and what does this teach us about the friends Judah was keeping? What does the Bible teach us about the importance of friendships (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Cor. 15:33)?

4.Read verses 24-30. How was Judah’s sin and lack of integrity exposed? How do you think Judah felt? Was it true, godly repentance? How do you think Tamar felt? Why are the names of Judah’s twin sons included here, and why is this important (see Matthew 1:3)?

5.So what. What foolish choices did Judah initially make in verses 1-2? What did these choices reveal about his character, and how did they influence the rest of his life? What can you learn from Judah that can help you make wise choices in your life? Additionally, despite Judah’s sin, he gets to be in the lineage of Jesus! What does this teach us about the character of God? How can this attribute(s) of God encourage you and help you in your relationship with God and your walk with Him?