In the Beginning, Part 13: Abraham’s Doubt
In his fear, Abraham doubted God and deceived others. But man’s deception will never thwart the providence of God. Christ was exiled from Heaven to Earth so that we could be exiled from Earth to Heaven.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing you found particularly challenging, insightful, helpful, or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
- What ups and downs have you experienced as you have walked with Jesus in faith?
- Read and discuss Genesis 12:10-20. What is the essence of this story? How is it linked to the big story of scripture? How does Abraham doubt God’s promise? Why do you think he does this?
- In what ways do we tend to take biblical accounts and reduce them to moralistic stories? What happens when we do this?
- Have you ever been tempted to deceive others out of fear? What happened? How did it turn out?
- In what way have you seen your sin affect those around you? How have you been directly affected by someone else’s sin?
- How have you seen famines follow faith? How do famines test our faith? What examples can you think of?
- Does a season of famine always mean we are outside of the will of God? Does a season of blessing always mean we are within the will of God? Why or why not? Where do you see this in Abraham’s story?
- God is a promise-keeping God. How is this a comfort to you? How do troubles blur our view of this?
- In your current season of life, do you see yourself in famine or blessing? How can your small group encourage and support you? Pray about the things you’ve discussed and ask God to help you trust Him that He will intercede at just the right time.