The Story Begins: The Testing of Faith

The Story Begins: The Testing of Faith

Genesis 22

2-23-20

I. What evidence is there that faith in Christ is the priority in my life? (Genesis 22:1)

“Commitment is to bind oneself to a person or promise which makes us all in and wide-open.”

II. What are God’s gifts in my life that are becoming more important than Him? (Genesis 22:2)

Matthew 10:37 – “Jesus said, ‘… whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.’”

III. What is one area of my life that I can depend more on the Lord? (Genesis 22:2)

James 2:22 – “…(Abraham’s) faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed (matured) by his works…”

IV. What is one step I can take right now to mature in my Faith? (Genesis 22:3-4)

V. How can I grow in speaking the Good News to others? (Genesis 22:5-24)

Hebrews 11:17-19 – “By faith Abraham, when he was tested…he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son… He considered that God was able to raise him from the dead…”

James 2:21-24 – “Was not Abraham our father justified (proven righteous) by works when he offered up his son Isaac…You see that a person is justified (proven righteous) by works and not by faith alone.”

Acts 4:33 – “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”

Be always Praying.

Listen well.

Eat with people.

Serve them.

Speak the Good News.

 Reviewing This Past Sunday

“Saving faith is faith in God’s provision, not our performance.”  -Tim Keller

1. How would you respond to someone who tells you “being a Christian” is basically the same thing as “being a good person”?

2. Have someone Share the Gospel (Good News) with your group.

3. List as many things as you can that God calls us to do in His Word that seems counterintuitive to the world? How do these increase our witness?

4. When was the last time God tested you in a way that surprised you?

5. Why is it necessary for God’s people to be tested? (Matthew 4:1 -11; Acts 16:23-32; Romans 8:28-29; Hebrews 12:4-11; James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Peter 1:7, 4:12-19)

6. How does your faith in the resurrection impact the way you obey God, speak to others, and live daily? Pray for resurrection looking lives.