Sermon Series
Study Guide
Aug 16, 2015
Study Questions for
the Sermon Series
Read: Genesis 21: 1-21
Finally the promised son has arrived! Much like the Israelites looked forward to the coming Savior, this child
has been greatly anticipated by his parents.
QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXT
1. In the first two verses, notice the phrasing of God’s actions. Does the wording give you the impression that
a) Sarah had the power in and of herself to become pregnant and b) that there was any doubt that God
would do what He said He would do? Explain.
2. Scholars propose that Isaac was 3 years old when he was weaned. Why would Abraham wait that long to
celebrate his son after waiting 25 years for his birth?
3. At Isaac’s weaning celebration, his older brother (Ishmael was between 16 and 17) mocks him like his
mother Hagar mocked Sarah. Why do you think Ishmael was so derisive towards his much younger brother?
4. Sarah’s response is what we could expect and although it seems harsh to us, God tells Abraham to do as
Sarah suggested and cast out Hagar and Ishmael. What are some practical reasons for doing this? What are
some divine reasons for doing this?
5. Hagar wanders the wilderness with her son and falls into despair. Sure that her son will die, she leaves
him under a bush and distances herself so that she won’t witness his death. How do you explain her actions considering God has promised her Ishmael would be a great multitude?
APPLYING THE TEXT
God begins and ends this portion of scripture with His promises coming true. He did as He said He would do
in spite of the doubt and bad decisions from Abraham, Sarah and Hagar. Our God has perfect timing, perfect
love and a perfect plan. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly…God
shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6,8)”. Thankfully, God’s
promises don’t rest on our believing them.
1. How do we combat the limitations of our understanding and hold to the promises of God in all circumstances?
2. How can we encourage one another to live out the inspiring words of Hebrews 12:1-2?
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and
sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the
founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”