Abraham: faith and imperfection
This series will help us see Abraham not just as a figure of great faith, but as a complex person who experienced highs and lows. We’ll find parts of our own story, and we’ll find confidence in God, through the journey of Abraham.
September 1st – Abraham’s radical call to embrace God’s vision
Abraham’s journey begins with a radical call to leave everything familiar and trust in God’s vision. This week, we will explore the courage and faith required to embrace God’s vision for our lives.
Read and reflect on Genesis 12:1-9, Hebrews 11:8-10, Genesis 17:1-8, Romans 4:13-25
1. How would you respond to a call like Abraham’s?
2. How does Abraham’s faith challenge you in your daily life?
3. Share a time when you felt God calling you to step out in faith. What happened? How did God’s vision change you?
4. How can we discern and follow God’s vision for our own lives, and how can we encourage each other to be obedient to God’s call?
September 8th – Abraham’s flawed faith and human frailty
Abraham is often admired for his great faith, but his story also includes moments of fear and failure. This week, we will explore how God’s promises remain steadfast even when our faith wavers.
Read & reflect on Genesis 12:10-20, Genesis 20:1-18, Genesis 18:16-33
1. What do Abraham’s actions in Egypt and Gerar reveal about his character?
2. How does God’s response to Abraham’s failings encourage us in our own faith journey?
3. Discuss a time when fear led you to make a poor decision. How did you see God’s faithfulness in that situation?
4. How can we better trust God’s promises, even when we are afraid?
September 15th – God Sees Hagar and Ishmael, even when Abraham doesn’t
The stories of Hagar and Ishmael reveal God’s compassion and provision for marginalised people. This week, we will reflect on how God sees and cares for everyone, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Read & reflect on Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 21:8-21
1. How does Hagar’s story challenge your understanding of God’s care for the marginalised?
2. What can you learn from Hagar’s encounters with God in the wilderness?
3. Share a time when you felt seen and cared for by God in a difficult situation.
4. How can we be instruments of God’s compassion to those around us?
September 22nd – The greatest challenge to Abraham’s faith
The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac is one of the most challenging in the Bible. This week, we will explore themes of trust, obedience, and God’s ultimate provision.
Read & reflect on Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 22:1-19, Hebrews 11:19, Romans 4:13-25
1. How does Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac challenge your understanding of faith and obedience?
2. What does this story teach you about God’s character and provision?
3. Share a time when you had to trust God in a seemingly impossible situation.
4. How can we develop a deeper trust in God’s plans for our lives, and how can we support each other in this?
September 29th – Simon Ward from Compassion is our guest speaker
Simon will bring a one-off message, so in your small group you could discuss the message, look again at any Bible passages he shared and talk about any challenge he gave.
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