Part 4 – I Know Better Than God
Discussion Guide
We often want to follow God, but we also have our own “really good” plans. Maybe God’s promise seems unclear, or late, or is not leading us the way we want to go. Why should we trust Him and wait for His direction and provision? Check it out in this study.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Have you ever sensed God’s promise in an area of your life? Did it take a long time to come to pass...or are you still waiting?
2. Read Genesis 15:1-4. How did God speak to Abram? If God appeared to you and He promised you a reward, what do you think your reaction would be? What was Abram’s attitude and complaint? What was he really wanting, besides an heir?
3. Read 2 Peter 1:4. How do the promises of God sustain us? How have they sustained you in the past? What promise is most difficult for you to believe? Use this link to review a few of God’s promises. Print them out. Begin to memorize them.
4. Read Genesis 15:5-6 and Genesis 16:1-2. How do you characterize Abram’s faith in these two passages? What has happened to his faith? Read 2 Corinthians 5:7-8 and Hebrews 11:8-12. Do you blame Sarai, who had not yet been specified as part of the promise? Whose voice do you listen to when faith and logic are at odds? Even after his mistakes, why do you think Abraham is listed as a hero of faith?
5. In what area of your life do you “know better” than God, especially when you see no benefits to doing it God’s way? Is it in finances, where tithing does not make sense?“We’ll give when we have more margin.” Is it in the area of sexual purity, where God’s plan seems a bit too simplistic for this very complex cultural situation? What about taking a Sabbath and spending time reconnecting with God, your church family, and your own family? Does this seem to be counter to what your boss and career dreams require?
6. Action Step: Examine yourself. Where does your allegiance lie: with worldly wisdom or with God’s Word? Finally, read Proverbs 3:5. Talk to God about the things you do not understand. Then prioritize faith over understanding.
Deeper
How many times must God prove Himself to gain your trust? Don’t despair. It is natural for people to trust, then fall away, then regain their trust. Consider Abraham, to whom God spoke directly.
7. Read Genesis 12:1-7, 13:14-17, 15:4-6, 17:1-4, 15-17, 18: 10-14, 21:1-7. How many times did God reaffirm His promises? What were some of the reactions to God’s words by both Abraham and Sarah?
8. How old was Abram in Genesis 12:1-4? How old at the time of Isaac’s birth (Genesis 21:5)? Have you waited this long for God’s answer? Can the amount of time which passes negate the promise?
9. Have you ever made your own “Plan b”? Has God been faithful to you despite your mistake? Take time to thank Him for His forgiveness and patience with you.