Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Bible Study Questions for Tonight

Genesis: Study 9
Tonight’s study will focus on two subjects: the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham and the meeting between Abraham, Sarah and the three visitors. Regarding the sign of the covenant, it will be important for us to explore its importance and meaning. Many know what this sign was, but why did God choose this procedure to represent His covenant with man? It is also vital that we understand the incredible importance of the meeting between Abraham, Sarah and the three visitors. This story presents a complex idea in simple speech that we all need to understand.

Genesis 17:1-27 (The Sign of the Covenant)

Questions for Discussion

Why does God choose the process of circumcision to signify the covenant He has with Abraham and his descendants? What is the deeper meaning here?

Why does Abraham laugh after he’s told he and his wife will have a child? Is he laughing at God?

What does Abraham’s exclamation mean in verse 18?

Is there any significance in the fact that Abraham performs all of the circumcisions on those in his household himself? If so, what is that significance?

Genesis 18:1-15 (A Son Promised to Abraham and Sarah)

Questions for Discussion

Why does God visit Abraham and Sarah in person?

Who are the other two men present with God during this encounter?

How is Abraham able to recognize the Lord so quickly? Would any other man or woman at this point in the bible narrative be able to do the same?

Why does Sarah laugh at God’s words? Are we sometimes guilty of this same behavior? Why does the Lord become so angry with Sarah when she laughs, but shows no anger at the laughter of Abraham in the previous chapter?

Can you imagine meeting God face-to-face on earth? What would be going through your mind?

What does this story tell us about the human condition? What does this story tell us about God?

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