Kingdom Covenant Part 5 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Covenant Part 5 Discussion Guide

1 Title

Kingdom Covenant: The Life of Isaac and the Pursuit of Trust

2 Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we explore the life of Isaac, the son of Abraham, as part of the “Kingdom Covenant” series. Isaac, who inherited considerable wealth and the family business from Abraham, is depicted as a man who generally made good decisions, trusting in God’s promises. However, he also repeated some of his father’s mistakes, particularly when he lied about his wife Rebecca being his sister due to fear for his life. This act of deception, mirroring Abraham’s past actions, highlights the human tendency to revert to familiar but flawed patterns in times of stress. The sermon emphasizes the importance of communication, seeking God’s guidance, and asking the question, “What would it look like to trust God in this situation?” to break the cycle of repeated sins.

3 Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the life of Isaac, we ask for Your wisdom and guidance. Help us to learn from the past, to recognize the patterns that lead us away from Your will, and to seek Your face in every decision we make. Open our hearts and minds to the lessons You have for us, and may we be receptive to the transformation You desire in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

4 Ice Breaker

If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?

5 Key Verses

• Genesis 25:21 – “Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.”
• Matthew 16:24-25 – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'”

6 Questions

1. How does Isaac’s response to the famine differ from Abraham’s, and what can we learn from it?
2. In what ways do we see Isaac repeating Abraham’s mistakes, and what does this tell us about generational patterns of sin?
3. How can we apply the principle of trusting God over seeking immediate happiness in our own lives?
4. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross” as Jesus instructs in Matthew 16:24?
5. Can you share a time when you had to choose between trusting God and taking matters into your own hands?
6. How can we support one another in breaking cycles of repeated sins?
7. What role does vulnerability play in our relationships and in our walk with God?
8. How can we encourage each other to ask the question, “What would it look like to trust God in this situation?”

7 Life Application

This week, let’s challenge ourselves to identify one area in our lives where we may be seeking happiness apart from God’s will. Let’s commit to bringing this area before God in prayer, asking for His guidance and the strength to trust in His timing and provision. Share this commitment with a trusted friend or group member for accountability and support.

8 Ending Prayer

Lord, as we close our time together, we thank You for the lessons learned from Isaac’s life. We ask for the courage to face our fears, the strength to break free from the patterns that bind us, and the faith to trust in Your perfect plan. May we walk in obedience, carrying our cross, and following You wholeheartedly. Bless our discussions, our fellowship, and our week ahead as we seek to apply Your word to our lives. In Jesus’ name, 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.