|
This chapter addresses the call of Abram. The last time we “heard” God speak to someone in this way was to Noah. Let us look at the call of Abram in more detail.
1. What does it mean to you to receive a call from God?
Do you believe God still “calls” people?
2. This is God’s covenant with Abram. According to this covenant, what was Abram supposed to do?
If you had received this call, what would have been the most difficult part for you? Why?
Read “the call” once again. Does God mention a timetable? Did God mention one to Noah? What does this mean to you?
In what way does God still call us out of our “native country”?
3.
Now, read verses
Based upon what we have studied about covenants, do you believe this covenant is still in effect? Please explain.
If it still is, what implications does verse 3 hold for us today?
What can we learn about God when we realize that a promise God made to one man thousands of years can still affect us today?
What about the promises God has made to you?
4. Verse 4 begins with “So Abram left….” What can you learn about Abram from the word “so”?
Why do you believe there is no record of Abram’s questioning or hesitating before leaving?
What does it mean to you to believe God?
Read Hebrews 11:8-12. What do these verses say about Abraham?
What can we learn about Abram from the fact that he did just what the LORD had told him?
5. Whom did Abram take with him?
Why do you believe we are told that Abram was 75 years old?
6. Using a map or another source of information, how far did Abram and Sarai have to travel before they reached the Promised Land?
What are we told about this journey?
Why do you think we are not told more about the trip?
7. Upon reaching the promised land, where does Abram stop?
What modern day city rests at the home that Abram left?
What is happening in this city today?
What modern day city rests at the Biblical site of Shechem?
What is happening in this city today?
With this in mind, what can we learn about today’s events from yesterdays’ events?
8. What happened when Abram arrived in the promised land?
What did the LORD tell Abram? Notice, who is to inherit the land?
Who are Abram’s offspring?
What did Abram do when God appeared to him?
9.
Read verses
What does it mean to you that Abram called upon the name of the LORD?
At this point, how would you describe Abram?
Abraham then sets out for the Negev. What and where is the Negev?
10. Abram and Sarai now head to Egypt because of a severe famine. This is not the only time God will use a natural disaster to “move” people. Can you think of a modern day example of God’s doing this?
Abram and Sarai obeyed God. They left their home and went to a foreign land. When they arrive, the land is experiencing a severe famine. Might this cause you to doubt God’s plan? Please explain.
Why would God have them travel to the promised land, tell Abram it will belong to his descendants, and then have them leave for Egypt?
11. Now we get a closer look into Abram’s character. As they approach Egypt, what does Abram ask his wife to do?
Why does he do this? (See verse 13.)
What does this tell us about Abram?
Look carefully at Abram’s reasoning. How old is Sarai? What does this tell us about her?
Also, read 20:12. What can we learn about Abram and Sarai?
12. What happened to them when they arrived in Egypt?
What did Sarai do? Why did she do this?
What happened to Abram? (See verse 16.)
13. Abram’s plan seems to be working. If it is allowed to play out, what is likely to happen to Sarai?
What would this do to God’s plan?
In order to preserve the covenant He made with Abram, what does God do to protect Sarai?
Does this seem fair? Please explain.
14. Finally, Pharaoh has had enough, and he sends for Abram. What does he ask Abram?
How do you think Pharaoh found out that Sarai was Abram’s wife?
What does Pharaoh decide to do?
What instructions does he give concerning this nomadic couple?
What do you think Sarai was feeling?
15. At this point, how would you describe Abram?
How would you describe Sarai?
Despite Abram’s failings, God does not “discard” him. What does this teach us?
|