Grow Guide | October 10

God Is - We Are

Genesis 12:1-5a, 10-20

Connecting Questions 

• Do you know the meaning of your name? What is it? Tell a story about where your name came from, or what your name means to you? 

• When have you either, a) had to wait longer than expected for a promise to be fulfilled, or b) had something turn out differently than you expected? 

Context 

This week we continue our series God Is...We Are by looking at another part of Abram and Sarai’s story. God had promised that Sarai would have a child, but she was too old and they didn’t think it would happen. Sarai offered her servant, Hagar, to Abram in chapter 17 and Hagar gave birth to a boy named Ishmael (yes, that happened). Ishmael is now thirteen years old when our story takes place here in chapter 17. 

Note: This is the first time we hear God say, “I am God Almighty” translating the Hebrew phrase El Shaddai (see verse 1). The term almighty is an unfortunate translation. The Hebrew word is sadday and can mean either breast or mountain, or both. The phrase might be better translated “I am the God who is sufficient to supply your needs, like a mother’s breast for comfort and food and the mountain for protection.” 

Look at the Book 

• Read Genesis 17:1-7. 

  • Based on the definition of El Shaddai in the note above, what might God be communicating to Abram about who God is and what Abram can expect of God? 

  • What is God’s promise to Abram? 

  • Abram means “exalted father”. Abraham means “exalted father of a multitude.” Why do you think God changed Abram’s name to Abraham? 

• Read Genesis 17:15-22 

  • Sarai means “princess.” Sarah means “noblewoman.” Why do you think God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah? 

  • How did Abraham respond to God’s promise (verse 17)? Why? 

  • What was Abraham’s hope for Ishmael? Why do you think he wants this? 

  • Why was Sarah supposed to name her son Isaac (hint, the word means laughter)? 

  • Make a chart and list God’s promise to each of these people: Abraham, Sarah, Ishmael, and Isaac. 

Taking it Home 

• Abram and Sarai became impatient with God’s timing and took matters into their own hands. As a result, they created a sibling rivalry between Ishmael and Isaac and their descendants (we still see this today in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict). Can you think of examples of how we have rushed things along and made a mess of it? 

• God didn’t promise or plan for Ishmael to be in the equation. Yet, God blessed Ishmael. What does this tell us about the nature of God? How have you seen God turn bad situations/consequences into blessings in your own journey? 

• Based on this study, how would you fill in the blanks, “God is ______, We are ________.”