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Bible Essentials

Genesis 21:1-21

Isaac and Ishmael

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Opening

  • Share life updates
  • Review highs and lows of the week
  • Share prayer requests and praises

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Icebreaker

  • If you have siblings, did/do you get along well with them? Or did/do you always have conflict?
  • Are things different now as adults compared to when you were kids?

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Genesis 21:1-21

  • Read the passage
  • What is the context for this passage?
    • A year ago, God had once again confirmed that Abraham and Sarah would have a son.
    • God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their evil ways.
    • Abraham tried to pass Sarah off as his sister when they stayed in Gerar.

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Genesis 21:1-21

  • Read the passage again, in a different version if available.
  • Summarize the passage in your own words.

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What does the passage say about God?

  • God is gracious.
  • God keeps his promises.
  • God is in control of conception and pregnancy.
  • God brings laughter to his people.
  • God cares when his people are in distress.

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What does the passage say about God?

  • God has a plan even for those outside his plan.
  • God provides for his people.
  • God hears us when we cry.
  • God helps people see his provisions.

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What does the passage say about people?

  • God’s people follow his commands.
  • People find humor in unexpected circumstances.
  • Children grow up.
  • People often mock others whom they don’t like.
  • People often react selfishly when someone wrongs them or someone they love.
  • People become distressed when something bad happens to someone they love.

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What does the passage say about people?

  • People try to provide the best they can for those they love even in difficult circumstances.
  • People often give up before God is done with their story.
  • People are afraid of the unknown.

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What does the passage say about God’s plan?

  • God’s plan was for Abraham and Sarah to have a son.
  • God’s plan was to fulfill his purpose through Isaac, not Ishmael.
  • God’s plan was for Abraham to listen to Sarah’s advice.
  • God’s plan was to make Ishmael into a nation also.

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Discussion

  • How does the passage fit into the overarching story of the Bible?
    • God protects his divine plan, which in this case meant protecting Isaac.
    • God’s plan was to bring reconciliation through Isaac’s descendants, particularly through Jesus.
    • Jesus lived the perfect life so that he could pay the ultimate penalty for sin.

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Discussion

  • What else strikes you about this passage?
  • How does the passage affect how you view God? How you view yourself?
  • How does this passage affect how you will live your life?