Obedience

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Genesis 22

Four lessons we can learn from this chapter

1.  verses 1–2: Expect tests from God. God tested Abraham  here and on several other occasions throughout his life. Sometimes Abraham passed the tests, and other times he failed.

2.  verses 3–5: Put your eyes on God's promises not on explanations. Faith does not depend upon clear explanations but on promises.

• trials come to purify our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7)
• trials come to perfect our character (James 1:2–4)
• trials come to protect us from our own sins (2 Corinthians 12:7–11)

3.  verses 6–14: Depend on God for provision. Many of our trials we will have to face alone, without friends and family members, yet God is still with us.

• verse 8: Abraham said that God himself would provide the lamb.
• verse 14: Abraham called the place The Lord Will Provide.

4.  verses 15–19: In trials look ahead at what God has for you.

Questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion

1. How can a good, loving Father actively bring hardships into the lives of his children? How does Hebrews 12:3–13 help us understand this difficult idea?
2. Have you ever been (or are you now) in a situation in which you would love to have an explanation from God but instead God remains silent? What promises is God asking you to believe despite the fact that he is not giving you an explanation as to what he is doing?
3. Abraham loved God more than he loved God's good gifts, even more than God's gift of a son. What about you?