Small Group Discussion November 16, 2023

Brief Summary of Genesis 16:1–18:15

Key Characters:

Sarai and Abram (later Sarah and Abraham): A couple chosen by God, struggling with the promise of a child due to their old age.

Hagar: Sarai's Egyptian servant, whom Sarai gives to Abram to bear a child.

Ishmael: Son of Abram and Hagar.

Key Events:

Sarai's Plan (Genesis 16:1-6): Sarai, unable to bear children, offers her servant Hagar to Abram to fulfill God’s promise of Abram having descendants. Hagar conceives, leading to tension and mistreatment by Sarai.

God's Promise to Hagar (Genesis 16:7-16): The Angel of the Lord finds Hagar in the wilderness, promising her a multitude of descendants through her son Ishmael, signifying God's care even in difficult circumstances.

God's Covenant with Abram (Genesis 17:1-27): God appears to Abram, promising him numerous descendants and changing his name to Abraham. The covenant includes the rite of circumcision and the promise of a son, Isaac, through Sarai (now Sarah).

Sarah’s Laughter (Genesis 18:1-15): The Lord visits Abraham and reiterates the promise of a son. Sarah overhears and laughs in disbelief due to her old age. The Lord questions her laughter, emphasizing that nothing is too hard for God.

1. **Understanding the Context:**

- What are the key events in these passages, and how do they contribute to the overarching narrative of Abraham’s journey?

- How do you think Sarai and Abram felt during this time of waiting for God’s promise?

2. **Exploring Character Responses:**

- How do Sarai's and Abram's actions towards Hagar reflect their struggles with faith and patience?

- Discuss the significance of Hagar's encounter with the angel of the Lord. What does this tell us about God's character?

3. **Reflections on Faith and Patience:**

- Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to wait for a promise or a hope to be fulfilled? How did you react during that period?

- How can Sarai and Abram's experiences teach us about the nature of waiting and trusting in God's promises?

4. **The Role of Laughter:**

- Both Sarah and Abraham laughed at the promise of a child. Discuss the different reasons and emotions behind their laughter.

- How does laughter, in this context, reflect human skepticism and surprise at God's plans?

5. **God’s Promises and Their Fulfillment:**

- What does this narrative teach us about the nature of God's promises and their fulfillment?

- How can these insights into God’s character and promises influence our daily walk of faith?

6. **Personal Application:**

- In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to wait on God’s timing?

- How can we support each other as a community in times of waiting and uncertainty?

**Conclusion:**

-What are the main takeaways we should take-away from our discussion today?