Abraham - Message Study Questions
Part of Balconies & Basements
August 14, 2022

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Abraham - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

Abram was at the heart of God’s plans to reverse all that has gone wrong since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve’s disobedience resulted in divine displeasure and curses; Abram’s obedience is brought and is bringing blessing (Genesis 12:1-3) to the entire world. But Abraham went through a number of spiritual highs—Balcony experiences, often followed by bad choices that resulted in failures with consequences—Basement experiences. As you keep living, you too will keep having balcony and basement experiences. Some will have lasting consequences, both good and bad. Live in the moment and enjoy with thanksgiving and praise the blessings that God provides for you. And when things go bad, when you’ve made bad decisions, praise God and trust Him to provide new options. Like Abraham, be ready to repent, stay humble and keep faith in God.

  1. Can you share with the group one balcony experience you’ve had? How did you feel about it?

  2. When your choices caused or contributed to basement experiences, can you think of a common factor that led up to that bad choice?

Consider This

God spoke directly to Abraham on a number of occasions. This was extraordinary, awesome and life changing for Abraham. Today, believers see God dimly as through a cloudy mirror, but we have some advantages that Abraham didn’t have.

  1. Read John 14:15-17, 26, 16:7-8 and list the truths that apply to believers today.

    • How are these truths an advantage over Abraham’s interactions with God?

    • How can these truths help you through a balcony and basement experience?

  2. According to Romans 15:4, what else do believers have today that Abraham didn’t have? (see also 1 John 5:13)

    • Like Joshua, specifically how can you capitalize on this advantage according to Joshua 1:8-9? What will be the result?

  3. In Genesis 14:18-20, Abraham talked face to face with Melchizedek, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. That, on top of Abraham’s great military victory, must have been an amazing balcony. Can you share a time when you sensed the presence of Jesus in a powerful way?

  4. Despite God having renewed his promise of a child for Abraham in Genesis 15, why do you think Abraham succumbed to Sarah’s plan with Hagar? (Genesis 16)

  5. Abraham’s greatest test of faith came at Moriah, where God asked him to sacrifice his only son of the promise, Isaac. By this time, Abraham is about 110, 35 years into his faith walk with God. Put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. How do you think he had the faith to kill his own son at God’s command? (see Hebrews 11:17-19)

Moving Forward – Application

When stressed or confronted with challenging circumstances or threats, our natural reaction is fear, anger, and often rash decisions. But the Bible teaches us, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).

  1. Read Psalm 1 and write down how you will prepare for your next basement this week.

  2. Read Ephesians 6:10-19 this week and determine what each piece of advice means to you and how you can “put on the full armor of God.”