Running with Giants–Week 1

Title: “Abraham – Father of our Faith”
Message by Pastor Tim Perkins
6/21/2020

(Hebrews 12:1 NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Big Idea: “God does the right thing.”

(Genesis 15:1-6)

God always does the right thing…

1. Even if it takes a . (Genesis 16:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9)
2. Even if it . (Genesis 18:10-14; Romans 4:19-21)
3. Even if we . (Hebrews 11:17-19; Psalm 9:10)

Final Words of Encouragement:

• “Don’t make .” (Hebrews 11:9-10 NIV)
• “Live with an .” (Hebrews 11:12; Hebrews 11:13-16)

Discussion Guide

Think about it…

• In this new summer series, we will be studying some of the spiritual giants from the Bible. We will discover their relationship with the Lord, what the Lord accomplished through their lives, and what they are trying to teach us today. The Sunday message focused around the truth that God always does the right thing.

Talk about it…

• One of the most important lessons Abraham had to learn was that even if it takes a long time, God always does the right thing. Are you in a similar situation, where you are waiting on the Lord to complete a promise? What do you do to continue to have patience and peace throughout the waiting process?
• (Read Romans 4:19) Sometimes the road to receiving a promise or gift from God can seem just as absurd as the promise/gift itself. In your life what has felt absurd in the beginning, but in the end made sense? What key lessons did you learn throughout that journey?
• (Read Hebrews 11:17-19) Abraham had extraordinary faith that allowed him to believe that if he sacrificed Isaac, the Lord would raise him from the dead. This belief released Abraham from fear, doubt, worry, etc. What is something in your life that you need to release to the Lord, trusting that if God takes it away, even something more miraculous could happen? How do we as Christians gain and live out that type of faith?
• In Hebrews 11, Abraham teaches us two key lessons from his life: do not make earth your home, and live with an eternal perspective. What are some changes you may need to make in your life to help keep that eternal perspective in all things, including your job, family, friends, money, etc.?
• (Read Psalm 9:10) Our goal as Christians should not be to understand all of the Lord’s plans, but to know the One that makes the plans. Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not?

Pray about it…

• This week, write out each prayer request, hope, dream, desire you’re believing God for. Next to each prayer request, write out this statement, “Even if this takes a long time, even if it seems absurd, even if it doesn’t seem right, even if I don’t understand, I will trust and believe that my God does the right thing. I will have peace and comfort waiting on His timing and His will.”

Act on it…

• This week, think of someone in your life that is experiencing an Abraham moment, as he/she are waiting for a miracle or a promise. Offer to be their prayer partner for the week. Commit to pray and encourage them daily.
• Reading Plan: Being “present” in the midst of life’s hustle isn’t an easy task. For the next 10 days, we’ll be learning from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. Part of His sermon focuses on being present (and that was before social media and technology distractions:). I hope you’ll join us!
• Memorize: (Hebrews 12:1 NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
  • Invite someone to join you for church online next week. Here are some tools to help.