Origin Stories: Who Does God Partner With?
This series will explore familiar stories and people in the opening books of the Bible, asking these primary questions: What do these stories tell us about God? What do they tell us about humanity? What can we learn about our relationship with God?
This week (May 7), we looked at the ways in which Abram/Abraham faithfully surrendered to God, and the blessings he received .
1.Read Genesis 11:27-30. Do you usually skip over the genealogies in the Bible? Why do you think they’re included? What can we learn by slowing down to read them? What do we learn about Abraham and his story here?
2. Read Genesis 12:1-5. Discuss Abram’s obedience to God. In what ways does he give up everything in an act of radical trust?
3. Read Genesis 13:1-12. How does Abram surrender his power and prosperity in order to keep the peace? In this passage, is Abram giving up something even greater by letting Lot leave? (Hint: Think of God’s promise to Abram to make him into a great nation.)
4. Think about the following chart that Pete shared during Sunday’s sermon. Does this alter your thinking around the idea of “blessings”?
5. If you have time, watch this 6-minute video from The Bible Project about blessings and curses in the Bible.
How has this video expanded your view of what it means for God to bless humanity and creation?
God’s curses give people over to the consequences of their own choices. How is this similar or different from your previous understanding of God’s curses?
