Obedience... No Matter What

What God asks of us won’t always make sense, and it won’t always be easy. But there’s only one response that we should have when God speaks: “Obedience… No Matter What”.

Key Scripture

Genesis 22:1–14

Discussion Questions

Don’t be afraid to add to this list, skip questions that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is the time to work through the application of scripture and have group members figure things out together.

1. Review Genesis 22:1–14. What are your initial feelings when you think about what Abraham did when God told him to “Go?” How did the Lord speak to your heart in this passage, and how is He calling you to take action?
2. When we imagine God telling Abraham to leave his home and go where God directs him, we probably picture Abraham leaving one tent camp and heading to another. History tells us that the city where Abraham resided (Ur) was an extremely wealthy, thriving, advanced metropolis that even included indoor plumbing in various places. Imagine leaving a place similar to where we live now to go out into the wilderness. If God asked you to leave your residence, your relatives, and your resources, could you do it? Why or why not?
3. Review the section of your notes titled “When God Tests You, Remember These Things.” How has God tested you over the years? How did you respond? Do any of the six items from this section resonate closely with what you experienced when you were tested?
4. Read Proverbs 3:5–6. Obedience is contingent upon our trust in God. If we trust God, we will obey Him. We cannot fully obey Him without complete trust. Do you have this level of trust in the Lord? Is that trust so strong that it prevails over the tests and temptations you face? Why do joy and peace come after a test so much easier than while we’re in the midst of the test itself?
5. Pastor mentioned that procrastination is a form of disobedience. When have you procrastinated in obeying God? What did you learn through this process?
6. Abraham was given clear directives from God. Thus, he knew just what he should do and how to act. God doesn’t speak to us in such a clear and direct manner anymore. How do you decipher God’s will for you? What can you do when you don’t know what God wants you to do or even how to be obedient in various circumstances and situations?
7. Read Luke 5:4–9. When Jesus directed Simon Peter to cast down his net, Simon responded by saying they worked all night and couldn’t catch any fish. Then he said, “nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net.” What does this action tell you about Simon Peter’s view of Jesus? Based on the outcome of these verses, what can you conclude about Jesus? If people were observing your life, what would your actions tell them about your view of Jesus?
8. We will never regret obeying God. However, we all, like sheep, have gone astray and chosen our own way at some point. What’s one of your biggest regrets? How did you make things right? Do you still need to get back on track? If so, how can you make things right?

Accountability

• Where are you reading in the Bible this week? What has God been revealing to you through your quiet time with Him?
• Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
• How can you be praying for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?

Questions about following Jesus?

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