Because 2022 – Week 1

Onelifechurch   -   August 6, 2022

Message Recap: This week we started our journey of looking at why we worship God. Our starting point is the first time worship is mentioned in the Bible; the story of Abraham going to sacrifice Isaac.

Opening Question

  • When you hear the word “worship” what comes to mind?

Read and Reflect

Genesis 22:1-14

Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5 Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.

9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son.14 Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”

  • What are some things that stand out about this account?
  • Genesis 22:5 is the first time worship is mentioned in the Bible. What is significant about this verse?
  • Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice his firstborn son?
  • Other religions of that time period practiced child sacrifice. How was God showing Abraham that He was different from those false gods?
  • How did God provide for Abraham?
  • What are some tough things God has called you to do?
  • What might keep you from doing those things that God has called you to do?

Hebrews 11:17-19

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18 it was he to whom it was said, “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. 

  • What was Abraham’s mindset when God asked him to sacrifice his son?
  • What are some ways this story points to Jesus?
  • How do worship and sacrifice go together?
  • In the midst of pain and hardship, what makes it difficult for us to remember God’s promises?
  • What is a circumstance right now that you are struggling to trust God with?
  • Who is someone that can help point you to God in the midst of difficult times?

Challenge Questions

  • What difficult thing is God calling you to do that you are avoiding?
    • What do you need to do this week to take a step of faith in that area?
    • Who will help you with this?

Memory Verse

Genesis 22:13-14

13 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son.14 Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”

Closing Prayer

Thank God for being the God who provides

Adoration- Take some time to list the things God has provided

Confess to those times that you haven’t trusted God or worshiped Him

Others- Pray for those who are going through a difficult time

Self- Ask the Lord to help you step out in faith this week. Ask Him to provide you with the opportunity to share with someone going through a difficult time the hope that is found in Christ.