Faith and fear - Genesis 20

Intro: Out of the fire

Return to the Negev (v1-2)

Less than a year to wait for Isaac

Recall Gen 12:10-20

Fear of death

Return to the sin of ‘youth’ (v9-13)

Patterns of sin: 

• Blames Them: “No Fear of God in this place” (v11)

 

• Justifies Self with Half-truth: “She really is my sister” (v12)

 

• Blames God: “… when God made me wander” (v13a)

 

• Selfish love: “This is how you can show your love to me” (V13b)

 

• Be on your guard & Be justified by Christ alone

 

Restraint of Evil (v3-10)

Impact of God’s destruction on the Sodom and Gomorrah

• “You are as good as dead” (v3) and “They were very much afraid” (v8)
• “Not gone near her” (v4) and “I have kept you from sinning against me” (v6)

Curse those who curse you - sin against Abraham is Sin against God.

           

An Appeal to God as a Fair and Righteous Judge:

• “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation?” (v4b)

 

• Clear conscience and clean hands (v5-6)

 

• “Guilt upon me and my kingdom” (v9)

 

• Fear the Lord, the life-giver

Returning Sarah (v14-18)

            Abimelek’s Generosity (v14-16)

            Sarah is vindicated (v16)

      Abraham prays and God Heals (v17-18)

 

Life Group Questions: In what areas of life are you tempted to forget reliance on the Cross and turn to self-justification? How does this contrast with Abraham’s pattern? (v9-13)   What aspects of God’s character are on display in this passage through Abimelek’s responses? (v3-16)   How does God show his sovereignty and keep his plan for Abraham and Sarah, despite Abraham’s failings?   What would being a good witness to the ‘nations’ around you look like when you leave the company of God’s people? What can we pray for?

Memory verse: Genesis 20 v 17 “Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelek”

My own questions for later: