Gathering

When you were a child and invited to your friend’s house to play in their space and with their toys – how did that make you feel?

  1. Embarrassed by riches when that playmate gifted something precious to me.
  2. I was always curious why someone with less would be so generous.
  3. Made me want to share my toys, games, or stuffed animals with others.
  4. I developed a bad case of “gimme-gimme,” always wanting what others had.
  5. Other __________.

 

Backstory

God promised Abram, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make of your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all the peoples of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:1-3). With that promise, Abram left his country and, along with nephew Lot and all their family and servants, journeyed to Canaan. A famine later forced them to Egypt, where Abram gained at least some of his wealth by lying to Pharoah that Sarai was his sister and not his wife. Abram and Lot now stand once again ready to enter the Promised Land.

 

God’s Story

Read Genesis 13: 1-18 out loud.

 

Finding My Story in God’s Story

Who do you most relate to in this story?

  1. Abram, the guy with a second chance.
  2. Abram, the generous, older family member.
  3. Lot, the younger recipient who wants what’s mine, now.
  4. The frustrated herdsmen who want the best for their herds.
  5. Other __________.

 

What family values do you draw from this story?

  1. What goes around comes around, so be generous, as Abram was.
  2. You only get one go-round, so grab for all the gusto you can.
  3. Learn to be content with your Lot in life.
  4. Keeping the peace is a win-win.
  5. Other __________.

 

How would you describe Abram’s method of resolving divisive issues?

  1. Wise—keeping peace and seeking good for his extended family
  2. Big picture thinking, reframing the issues, remembering God’s lasting promise
  3. Trusting—taking risks and the less desirable land, knowing God provides
  4. Naïve, for giving too much away—as Lot will squander his lot in life.
  5. Other __________.

 

After Abram accepts the less desirable land, God repeats the promise of blessing to Abraham. What does this mean to you?

  1. No matter the loss or conflict, I am grateful to God.
  2. I can be generous, as God will always take care of me.
  3. God keeps his Word.
  4. I’m not the only one to whom God gives a second chance.
  5. Other __________.

 

Where do you need such a second chance or lifeline from God?

  1. My health, where I need …
  2. My family, where I must give or share …
  3. My work, where I must face …
  4. My faith, where I am learning to …
  5. Other __________.

 

Abram was content. What next steps are you willing to take, so that others can be blessed/succeed?

  1. I am willing to lend/give some of my assets to …
  2. I am willing to give some time/attention to …
  3. I am willing to let go of grievances with …
  4. I am willing to encourage/equip others by …
  5. Other __________.

 

Our Story

Before we meet again, what will you do in response to questions #7 or #8?

 

How can this group be in prayer for you in the week ahead? Close in prayer.