Pastor Chris emphasized that we are called to be full of both grace and truth. Why is it sometimes difficult to hold these two together? Which are you personally more likely to compromise when interacting with people who disagree with your beliefs?

In Genesis 18:19, God calls Abraham to teach his household to walk in righteousness and justice. What are some practical ways we can help those around us, especially our children, learn to live in a way that honors God?

Abraham didn't simply ask God to protect Lot. He interceded for an entire city filled with people who were living in rebellion against God. How does Abraham's example challenge the way we view and pray for people who don't know Christ? Are there people or groups you find particularly difficult to pray for?

The sermon emphasized that God's judgment isn't opposed to His love. In fact, His love and justice require Him to respond to evil and oppression. How should understanding this change the way we think about God's judgment? How might it also change the way we respond to injustice around us?

Abraham and Sarah both got to the point that they laughed at God's promise of a son. What do you think made it hardest for them to believe God’s promise? Where do you find yourself most relating to their skepticism or doubt?

God asks, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14). How does the character of the One making a promise change the way we evaluate whether that promise is believable? What difference does it make that God is always good and true?

Romans 4 says Abraham “grew strong in his faith” as he considered God’s ability rather than simply his own ability or circumstances. What limitations tend to dominate your attention and make it difficult to trust God? What would it look like to deliberately “consider God” in that situation? 

What is one specific promise of God you need to trust more deeply right now? What might trusting him look like this week?

Genesis 17

God tells Abraham, “I will be their God,” which Pastor Chris described as the essence of the covenant. How is that different from thinking of salvation primarily as having our sins forgiven or going to heaven? How can viewing salvation as belonging to God change the way we live? Consider Romans 8:15.

Circumcision was an outward sign identifying Abraham and his descendants as God’s people. What outward signs or actions identify someone as a Christian today, and what can those signs tell us, or not tell us, about a person’s heart?

Abraham had spent the previous chapter trying to accomplish God’s promise through his own effort. Circumcision became a sign of repentance and dependence, of turning away from trusting himself and trusting God instead. What does it practically look like to stop relying on ourselves and instead depend on God? How can we recognize when we've begun trusting in our own efforts rather than Him?

Abraham responded to God’s command immediately, circumcising his household “that very day.” Where do you already know what God is calling you to do, but have been delaying obedience? What is keeping you from responding?

Genesis 16

Sarah took a good desire, having a child, and allowed it to become a source of identity and worth. What are some good things we can be tempted to make ultimate in our own lives?

The message describes the “flesh” as our human nature turned away from dependence on God, trusting instead in our own ability, ingenuity, and wisdom. Where are you most tempted to rely on yourself rather than God?

Pastor Chris said, “Trusting in God is hard, but not trusting Him is harder.” How does Genesis 16 demonstrate that? Where have you seen that principle play out in your own life? 

Hagar’s circumstances don’t immediately become easy after God meets her. Instead, experiencing God’s grace enables her to trust and obey in the middle of difficulty. How can knowing that God sees us and cares for us change the way we respond when obedience is difficult?

Genesis 15:7-21

Pastor Clay described two “commitment problems”: we want assurance that God will remain committed to us, while we often struggle to remain committed to Him. Which side of that tension do you struggle with more? Why?

Throughout the Bible, God remains faithful to His covenant commitments even when His people are unfaithful. How should that shape the way we respond when we become aware of our own unfaithfulness?

God told Abram that the fulfillment of His promise concerning the land would not come for generations. How do we remain faithful when we believe God’s promises but don’t yet see how or when He will fulfill them?

The covenant ceremony in Genesis 15 pictured death as the consequence of breaking the covenant. How does that imagery help us understand what Jesus accomplished when He said, “This cup…is the new covenant in my blood”?

In verses 2–3, Abraham tells God plainly, "You have given me no offspring," and God doesn't rebuke him. How easy or hard is it for you to be that honest with God about your fears and doubts? What makes it easier or harder?

God took Abraham outside and told him to count the stars. Why do you think God used that picture instead of just repeating the promise? What did it show Abraham about who God is? What should we take from this?

Chris said Abraham's faith was both "propositional and personal." He believed the truth God had revealed, and he trusted God himself to keep his promises. What's the difference between agreeing with true things about God and actually relying on him? Where in your life is it easier to do the first than the second? What helps us to grow in our trust of God?

Read Romans 4:20–21. Paul says Abraham "grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God." When you're anxious or doubting, is worship something you reach for or something you tend to skip? What rhythms, private or with the church, help you turn your eyes back to God? What habits should you adopt in those times?

Genesis 14

Abraham is confronted by two kings who represent two very different sources of blessing: Melchizedek points him toward God, while the King of Sodom offers wealth, status, and security from the world. What are some of the competing sources of security and flourishing that tempt us today? Which are you most tempted to trust?

Abraham’s trust in God showed in both his words and his actions. Where do your words and actions show that you trust God? Where do they reveal that you’re trusting something else?

Genesis 14 shows us an important order: God blesses Abraham first, and Abraham responds with faith, worship, and obedience. Why is that order so important? What happens when we begin to think our obedience earns God’s blessing?

Melchizedek points forward to Jesus as both King and Priest. What does it mean for us that Jesus is not only our King, but also our Priest and mediator before God? How should that affect the way we approach God? Consider Hebrews 4:14–16 and 7:25.

After his failure in Egypt, Abram returns to the altar and calls on the name of the Lord. What can we learn from Abram about how we should respond when we sin? Consider Hebrews 4:16. 

Lot chose the Jordan Valley because it looked like the obvious choice from a worldly perspective. What are some things our culture tells us to pursue that can look good but ultimately draw us away from God?

Abram had the power to take the best land for himself, but instead he gave Lot the first choice. Where are you tempted to look out for yourself rather than seek the good of others?

Abram was able to be generous toward Lot because he trusted God to provide for him. How does trusting God free us to put the needs of others ahead of our own?