The Great Adventure
Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
Laughter & Listening (Genesis 21)
June 9-11, 2023
“LAUGHING” with God
The birth of Isaac is told with the Hebrew word “laugh,” which teaches us the difference between God’s beautiful grace and trying to disgrace another person. We see the theology of “grace” and “disgrace” in the phrase “Sarah laughed, but Ishmael mocked.”
Grasping God’s
and sometimes results in
Trying to
and often begins with
“LISTENING” to God
The name Ishmael means “God listens.” In this account, the author uses the words “listen” and “hear” to teach some dramatic truths for us in our everyday life.
we
opens His
If you
He will set you
Discussion Questions
Have you ever DIVERTED from God’s perfect plan?
Looking back, can you recount a time when you were impatient and refused to wait on God’s promises for you? If you feel comfortable, share with the group how ignoring God’s will create problems in your life. What lessons did you learn from the costly mistake?
Can you relate to Ishmael’s BROKEN HOME?
Ishmael was sent away by his father and raised by his mother in the wilderness. Even though God promised to take care of Ishmael, what emotions do you think Ishmael and his mom Hagar felt as they tried to secure housing, income, and start a new life? This could have made both of them very bitter, but they seemed to rise above all the turmoil. If you have ever experienced feeling rejected or thrown away, how did you deal with it in a way that brought healing?
How does CRYING out to God touch His HEART?
How does God respond to people crying out to Him (Exodus 2:23; 14:10; Judges 3:9; 4:3; 6:7; 1 Sam 1:10; 7:9; Jer 33:3; 1 Chron 5:20; 2 Chron 13:14; 14:11; Neh 4:4; Ps 18:6; 34:6; 34:17-18; 50:15; 57:2; Lam 2:18). What will God do to our tears at the end of all time (Rev 21:4)? When is the last time you have cried out to God?
Will you make a commitment to stop SARCASM?
God hates when we mock others (Prov 24:9; 26:18-19; 30:17; Ps 1:1; Is 57:4; Eph 4:29; 5:4; 2 Pt 3:3; Job 30:1; Acts 17:32; 2 Kgs 2:23-25). If sarcasm is a form of mockery, then should sarcasm be a part of your vocabulary? Does sarcasm build others up or tear people down? How can you transform your words into something life giving?
What does it mean to be FREE as a Christian?
“If the Son has set you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). This is the secret to a truly happy life. What do you need to be set
free from? Are there steps you need to take to find freedom in an area?