Sunday School Lesson November 28, 2021
Subject: Confidence in Times of Testing
The Point: Trust God even when your faith is tested.
The Passages: Genesis 22:1-14
Study The Bible: Genesis 22:1-2
1). Our faith will often be tested.
- After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
- “Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
Lasting truths from: Genesis 22:1-2
* God may choose to test our faith.
* God’s testing differs from temptation; it seeks the strengthening of our faith.
* God wants nothing to pre-empt our relationship with Him.
2). Trust God in the midst of the test.
Genesis 22:3-10
- So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about.
- On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
- Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; them we’ll come back to you.”
- Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together.
- Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
- Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering my son.” Then the two of them walked on together.
- When they arrived at the place that God had told him about., Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood.
- Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.
Lasting truth from: Genesis 22:3-10
* We need to obey God even when the way seems uncertain.
* Many tests God sends can last a long time.
* God will provide the strength we need for the test we face.
3). God’s provision is always on time.
Genesis 22:11-14
- But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.”
- Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.”
- Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horn. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
- And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said, “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.”
Lasting truth from: Genesis 22:11-14
* God wants us to grow closer to Him in times of testing.
* Everything we have is a gift from God, and we should withhold nothing from Him.
* God is faithful to provide all our needs though Christ.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What are some areas of life in which God can test us to strengthen our faith? Make a list of as many areas as you can think of.
- Which strengthens our faith more deeply—testing that lasts just a moment, or testing that continues over a period of time? Why do you think so?
- Is anything in your life competing for your ultimate allegiance? What steps can you take to ensure God is your highest relationship, your most important priority?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”