Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
We begin with these verses from Hebrews as once more Abraham acts out of fear rather than faith. We can all identify with sins that “cling so closely,” the translation of the Hebrew term in the NET and ESV. Other versions of the Bible call it sin that “entangles” (NASB, NIV), “trips us up” (NLT), or “easily ensnares us” (NKJV). My sin nor yours is not necessarily Abraham’s, but all of us have this kind of sin—one which we keep on falling into. Before you get into this week’s story, spend a few minutes considering and possibly journaling about the word picture that best helps you grasp that kind of sin we are to “get rid of.”
This week our focus is on the faithfulness of God rather than the particular sin which ensnares Abraham, or even our own. If we recognize our sinful tendencies, those enduring sins can teach us to lean on God’s faithfulness. We turn to the reality that God acts according to all that is true of his character and trust him in whatever we face—both temptation and trial.
Part One
Read Genesis 20:1-13.
*** Read 2 Timothy 1:7, which was written at a time of harsh persecution of Christians, and 1 Peter 3:12-17. What insights do you have into how fear plays into many of our sins?
This story should sound familiar if you have been reading along with us through Abraham’s story. Before you respond to this story, review the previous story in Genesis 12:10-20. You may remember that it took place pretty early after Abram and Sarai relocated to the land of promise. At the time they were perhaps 75 and about 65. There is a gap of more than 20 years or so between the two similar stories, both dealing with a sin which clings to Abraham.
Respond to the story, considering these questions:
- What are your thoughts as you compare the two stories?
- What has Abraham learned about God during the intervening years that could have given him the faith to trust God rather than give in to fear in this situation? (Review the previous lessons if needed.)
- What is God saying to you about your own “sin that clings so closely,” your faith, and his character? Or if you read the optional starred verses, you might note what is he saying to you about fear.
Part Two
Sometimes God protects and sometimes he doesn’t even when the situations seem the same to us humans. When you compared the two similar stories of Abraham and his lies, you may have wondered why God didn’t protect Sarah with Pharaoh in the way he did with Abimelech. When we don’t know God’s purposes, we can always trust his character. In this case the timing of the story may provide a reason.
Read Genesis 20:14-18 and Psalm 105:7-15.
*** Read 2 Timothy 2:11-13, and note your response to its truths.
Respond to the story:
- How do you see God’s faithfulness in this situation as you think of God’s covenant promises and the timing of his fulfillment?
- Think about the various aspects of Abraham’s sin caused by his being driven by fear rather than faith, and consider what you would have felt and thought if you had been Sarah.
- How have you responded when God has allowed you to go through things that others have seemingly been protected from, even when their own sins or foolishness caused it?
Part Three
After 25 years in the land and 25 years of being promised a great nation, Abraham and Sarah’s son Isaac (“He Laughs”) is born.
Read Genesis 21:1-21.
*** Read Romans 4:18-25, considering how God exhibited his power and faithfulness after so many years. Note your insights.
Consider these questions, and record your thoughts:
- How does this story encourage you as you wait for God to answer a prayer that you are praying, perhaps even for many years?
- What aspects of God’s character are revealed through the story of Hagar and Ishmael’s departure? (You may want to reread some verses from the previous stories involving Ishmael in Genesis 16:7-15; 17:18-21.)
Read Genesis 21:22-34. Respond to the story:
- Write out your thoughts about the motive behind Abimelech and Phicol’s actions in in light of the story we read in Gen. 20:1-18.
- What is God saying to you through this section’s stories?
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