Bible ReadingHebrews 11:8-12 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”
[49:07] [53:39]Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
[48:13]Revelation 21:1-4 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’”
[55:56]Genesis 18:9-15 “They said to him, ‘Where is Sarah your wife?’ And he said, ‘She is in the tent.’ The Lord said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?’ The Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.’ But Sarah denied it, saying, ‘I did not laugh,’ for she was afraid. He said, ‘No, but you did laugh.’”
[01:02:49]Observation questions- What details in Hebrews 11:8-10 show that Abraham both obeyed God’s call and continued to live like a traveler rather than a settled landowner? [53:39]
- According to Hebrews 11:6, what two things must a person believe in order to draw near to God?
- What does Sarah do in Genesis 18 when she hears God’s promise, and how does she respond when the Lord confronts her about it? [01:02:49]
- What parts of Revelation 21:1-4 describe why the New Jerusalem is a better and more lasting home than anything in the present world? [55:56]
Interpretation questions- Abraham did not leave merely to escape his old life; he went because God was leading him toward His promise. How does this help distinguish biblical obedience from simply making a major life change? [51:19]
- Hebrews says Abraham was looking forward to a city designed and built by God. How does Revelation 21 help explain what Abraham’s ultimate hope was, even while he lived in the promised land? [56:43]
- Sarah laughed at God’s promise and then denied it, yet Hebrews includes her among those who lived by faith. What does her story show about the source of faith and the kindness of God toward weak, doubting sinners? [01:05:37]
- Abraham and Sarah were unable to bring about God’s promise through natural strength or ability. Why is it important that God chose people who were “as good as dead” to begin such a large family and covenant line? [01:08:53]
Application questions- Faith is more than agreeing that God exists; it draws near to Him and follows Him. Where is it easiest to keep faith at the level of belief without letting it shape actual obedience—at home, work, relationships, spending, or use of time? [48:28]
- Abraham went without receiving a full map of where he was going. Is there an area where God’s Word has made the next faithful step clear, even if the outcome still feels unknown? What might obedience look like this week? [49:50]
- Christians are sojourners whose final home is with God. What good earthly gift—home, family, career, comfort, reputation, plans, or routines—can become something held too tightly? How can it be enjoyed with gratitude without being treated as ultimate security? [01:01:06]
- The New Jerusalem is the place where God dwells with His people and removes death, mourning, crying, and pain. How can this future hope give strength in a present grief, fear, disappointment, or season of waiting? [56:14]
- Sarah’s story shows that faith is God’s gift, not a spiritual achievement earned through effort. When does the pressure to “perform” for God show up most strongly, and how does God’s grace change the way a believer responds to that pressure? [01:07:28]
- God brought His promise through Abraham and Sarah’s weakness, not through impressive human ability. Where does someone in the group feel weak, insufficient, tired, or beyond their own resources right now? How might God be inviting that person to depend on Him rather than self-reliance? [01:09:01]
- Through Christ, those who were once far from God are brought near and called children of God. How does this good news shape the way believers view people who seem unlikely, distant, or uninterested in faith? [01:11:47]
