Grow Guide | 9 21 and 25
WHO WE ARE (worship September 21 & 25)
Genesis 12:1-9
Connecting Questions
When have you taken a big risk in life? What was the outcome?
Is there a risk you wish you would have taken in life? Is there a risk you regret taking?
Context
This week we continue our worship series called “Who We Are,” when we hear stories in the Old Testament that continue to inform our identity. This Sunday, we reach a turning point in the book of Genesis. The past two Sundays, we heard big stories of God creating the earth, destroying creation through a flood, then making a new covenant with creation. In Genesis chapter 12, the focus narrows from cosmic events to a single couple, Abram and Sarai, who are called by God to something new. The Genesis story then follows Abram and Sarai (later called Abraham and Sarah) and their descendants as they learn to be God’s people—with many mistakes made along the way. God promises that they will be blessings to the world.
Look at the Book
Read Genesis 12:1-9.
Abram and Sarai’s journeys were not for the faint of heart. They initially traveled 700 miles from Ur to Haran (currently southeastern Turkey). Then, after God’s call in Genesis 12, they traveled another 700 miles into Syria to Canaan. What did they have to leave behind (vs. 1)? What do their extraordinary travels tell us about them?
God promised Abram three things: descendants, land and blessing. Find the promises in Genesis 12:2 and 12:7. Abram staked his life on these promises. What do you think of these promises?
How did Abram first respond to God’s promises (vs. 4-5)? Later, in vs. 7-8, Abram stopped two separate times and built an altar to the Lord. Even through his challenging travels, Abram made time to worship God. Name a time in your life when worship brought you peace amid chaos.
How do you think Sarai felt about God’s calling to her and Abram?
The Bible doesn’t tell us why God chose Abram, but it does tell us that Abram and Sarai and their descendants will bless the world through God’s calling. Who has been a faithful blessing to you in your life? How has God used you to bless others?
Taking it Home
Abram and Sarai began a journey without knowing the ending. They followed God’s call in order to bless future generations and the world. Where is God calling you to take a risk in your life? Where in your life are you feeling challenged to move forward in faith, trusting in God’s promises?
Name people in your life who have been blessings to you. Each day this week, take time to be grateful for their blessings. If possible, thank them and/or pray for them.