When asked, the majority of people would probably say that they do not enjoy taking tests. In fact, even the mention of taking a test or exam might take you back to high school or college where you were cramming last minute for the dreaded test that was coming up. The truth is, tests are not fun, but they serve a purpose. They help us learn and grow. This is also true in our faith. As we follow Christ, our faith will undoubtedly be tested. God will use these tests, while they are certainly not fun, to grow our faith and trust in Him.
What was the hardest test or class you had to take in high school?
Bible Study Questions
1. What makes a test so challenging or difficult? Why?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Genesis 12:1-9. Why was this call a test of Abraham’s faith? What was Abraham called to give up?
Genesis 12:1-9 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, Abram traveled through the land as far as Shechem. There he set up camp beside the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited by Canaanites. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him. After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev.
Genesis 12:1-9
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people he had taken into his household at Haran—and headed for the land of Canaan. When they arrived in Canaan, Abram traveled through the land as far as Shechem. There he set up camp beside the oak of Moreh. At that time, the area was inhabited by Canaanites.
Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the Lord, who had appeared to him. After that, Abram traveled south and set up camp in the hill country, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built another altar and dedicated it to the Lord, and he worshiped the Lord. Then Abram continued traveling south by stages toward the Negev.
3. What stands out to you about Abraham’s response to God’s call?
4. Read Hebrews 11:8-16. What were the reasons, according to these verses, Abraham was able to respond in faith and obedience to God?
Hebrews 11:8-16 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed[b] that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:8-16
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.
It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed[b] that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.
All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Application
1. As you look at Abraham’s story, what connection do you see between his faith and obedience?
2. What makes obedience easy to do? What makes it difficult? How is this related to faith?
3. Is there something you know God is asking you to do, but you know is difficult? What is it?
When we have faith in a person and trust them, obedience often naturally follows. Sometimes we need a reminder of someone’s trustworthiness if we are struggling to trust and obey. Take some time to think of at least 3 ways that God has been trustworthy to you. Share these things with your group. After every member has shared, say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for His trustworthiness. Thank Him for all He has done for you, and ask Him for the courage to continue to live obediently to Him, even when it is difficult.
We have seen over the last few weeks the importance of faith and obedience. The truth is, however, that there are things that keep us from that faithful obedience if we let them. Let’s take a look at what Scripture teaches about what holds us back from obediently following God.
Read Mark 10:17-25.
Read Galatians 1:10
Read Matthew 16:24-26
Most followers of Christ would agree that they want to live faithfully. There are a number of things threatening to hold them back if they will let them. Three of these things include material wealth, the approval of people, and refusal to surrender. Which of these things resonates most with you? How can you take a step of letting go of whatever is holding you back this week? Share this with your group. After sharing, pray for each other as you seek to let go of anything holding you back in your faith.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 1 Peter 1:8
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