Little Ones can rely on the Lord (Genesis 21)
Group Guides | Sharing the gospel, sharing our lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
By way of introduction: What sort of things make us wonder if God sees us?
Read Genesis 21
1. This moment in the life of Abraham and Sarah (from verses 1–7) is significant. Take some time to flick back through the pages of your Bible and identify the events that have built towards this point.
2. How might verses 1–2 strengthen our faith in God?
3. God has literally ‘made laughter’ for Sarah, in the birth of Isaac (verse 6). Laughter has a been a running theme for this family, and in verses 8–10 it divides this family. How does Galatians 4 help us understand what is biblically significant here?
4. When Hagar and the boy Ishmael are cast out, how do we see God relate to them and what does this reveal about God?
5. When Abimelech and Phicol meet with Abraham, they recognise that God is with Abraham (v. 22). The question is, can Abraham recognise that now? Discuss what you see from this episode.
6. As we read this episode, in what way does the gospel of Christ fulfill these things for us, and give us application for our heart affections for Christ?
7. How can we recognise that we as little ones, like Sarah, Hagar & Ishmael and Abraham, can rely on the Lord who sees in all circumstances?
Pray for one another and our church, that we would be little ones who rely on the Lord.
Prayer points…