Kingdom Covenant Part 4 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Covenant Part 4 Discussion Guide

1 Title

The Prophetic Reenactment: Understanding Sacrifice in Genesis 22

2 Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we delve into the challenging narrative of Genesis 22, where God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. This story raises many questions about the nature of God and the concept of sacrifice. However, the sermon explains that this is a prophetic reenactment pointing to a future event, with Abraham representing God the Father and Isaac foreshadowing Jesus Christ. The parallels between Isaac and Jesus are highlighted, including their miraculous births, their carrying of the wood for their sacrifice, and the provision of a sacrificial substitute by God. The sermon concludes with the powerful message that sacrifice, as seen through Jesus, is the death of one thing so that something else can have new life, offering us a way to be reconciled with God.

3 Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message we have heard, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Open our hearts and minds to the profound truths within the story of Abraham and Isaac, and help us to see the foreshadowing of Your ultimate sacrifice in Jesus Christ. May we be receptive to the lessons You have for us, and may our discussion be fruitful and honoring to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

4 Ice Breaker

If you could have witnessed any biblical event, which one would you choose and why?

5 Key Verses

• Genesis 22:8 (NIV): “Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together.”
• Hebrews 11:17-19 (NIV): “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.’ Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so, in a manner of speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.”

6 Questions

1. What emotions do you think Abraham experienced when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac?
2. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac deepen our understanding of God’s character?
3. In what ways does Isaac’s carrying of the wood parallel Jesus carrying the cross?
4. Why is the concept of sacrifice so central to the Christian faith?
5. How does the provision of the ram in Genesis 22 point to Jesus as the Lamb of God?
6. What does it mean to you that God provides the sacrifice needed for our reconciliation with Him?
7. How can we trust God’s faithfulness in our own lives, even when His requests seem difficult?
8. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac challenge or affirm your understanding of obedience to God?

7 Life Application

This week, let us challenge ourselves to trust in God’s faithfulness as Abraham did. Identify an area in your life where you need to surrender control to God and trust in His provision. Whether it’s a personal struggle, a decision you’re facing, or a step of faith you’re hesitant to take, commit it to prayer and be open to God’s guidance, even when it’s difficult.

8 Ending Prayer

Lord God, as we close our time together, we thank You for the lessons learned and the fellowship shared. We are grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, which allows us to experience new life. Help us to carry the message of hope and trust in Your provision into our daily lives. May we be a blessing to those around us, just as Abraham was called to be a blessing to the nations. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.