Session 12

Promise (Genesis 17:15-19)

the new name given to Sarai.

15 God said to Abraham,
“As for your wife Sarai, do not call her Sarai, for Sarah will be her name.
16 I will bless her;
indeed, I will give you a son by her.
I will bless her, and she will produce nations;
kings of peoples will come from her.”
17 Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself,
“Can a child be born to a hundred-year-old man?
Can Sarah, a ninety-year-old woman, give birth?”
18 So Abraham said to God,
“If only Ishmael were acceptable to you!”
19 But God said,
“No. Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will name him Isaac.
I will confirm my covenant with him as a permanent covenant for his future offspring.”

Discuss:

Briefly share the significance of Sarai’s name change.
Discuss the difference between what Abraham did in verse 3 and what he did in verse 17.
share their thoughts about the suggestion Abraham made to God in verse 18.

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  • (17:15) Both “Sarai” and “Sarah” mean “princess.” The change in spelling has been explained several ways. Some scholars suggest it reflected a change in the dialect, with Sarai being associated with the language of Ur of the Chaldeans and Sarah being more closely associated with Canaanite languages. It also could have signaled a new chapter in her life. Certainly, one who would give birth to kings should be called “princess.”
  • (17:17) Abraham’s falling facedown is the same reaction seen in verse 3. Falling facedown was a genuine way of expressing humility and reverence. In verse 3, Abraham fell down before God in reverence and awe. He now fell down on his face incredulously laughing at the prospect of him and Sarah having a child together at their ages.
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    Identify:

    The first two words in verse 19 point to the difference between
    looking at oneself to accomplish what God has promised and
    looking to God to do it.

    Share any “But God” moments they have experienced.

    Share:

    C.S. Lewis once said that
    when we argue with God we are arguing with the One who gave us the ability to argue.

    Of course, God is not offended by our arguments;
    but, if we’re honest, we will acknowledge that He always knows best.
    That’s the beauty of “But God” moments.

    Ask:

    CHALLENGE

    Summarize:

    Review these points from this week’s Bible passage:

    Reflect:

    Allow volunteers to share what it means to trust God-
    and what it can look like in the life of a believer.

    Discuss:

    As a group, discuss ways God is demonstrating His faithfulness in your lives.
    How can your Bible study group facilitate believers’ living in recognition of God’s grace in their lives? (p. 103)

    Pray:

    Close in prayer,
    thanking God for doing the things only He can do.

    AFTER THE SESSION

    Reinforce the session by texting the following to the group at least once: “El Shaddai, God Almighty.” Remind adults that God kept His promises to Abraham and Sarah, and that He continues to keep His promises to us today.

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