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Call to worship: Exodus 34:4-7a, 1 Cor 13:1-13

Text: Genesis 12:1-9

Summary:

At this point in Genesis, God's overarching plan of redemption takes a curiously specific course. God takes a man past his prime, and a woman with little hope, and calls them to follow him into uncharted waters. Abram obediently follows where God leads. In the lead up to the journey we find God's commands and promises to Abram. We see a picture of the Father who would send Jesus to redeem us. And we get a picture of what it means to be led by the Spirit, to place our faith and hope in the future rest for God's people, in the presence of the very God of the universe

Sermon Outline:

1. Weeds: The Call of Abram
2. Wonders: God the Son Incarnate
3. Walks: Strangers and exiles

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Genesis 12:1-9 and Hebrews 11:8-16.
2. What does God command Abram to do in this passage? How does Abram respond? How is this different from God's dealing with humans so far? (see Gen 12:1-4)
3. What promises do we see in this passage? How does Abram experience these promises? How do these promises relate to the Jesus? How are they related to the church and God's people? (see Gen 12:1-3,7)
4. What is the focus of the narrative? For instance, is it focused on the trip, the journey, or is it focused on the characters, or something else? What, if anything, does this tell us about Abram and his relationship with God? (Gen 12:4-9)
5. How are chapters 11 and 12:1-9 related? What kind of trajectory can you see in the overall flow of Genesis here? (see Gen 11:1-9,27-32; 12:1-9). How does the New Testament take this trajectory and expand upon it?