09/15/2024 Study Guide
/Summary
I. Introduction: From Abraham to Isaac (Summary)
This section transitions from the previous sermon on Abraham, highlighting how God identifies Himself not only as the God of Abraham, but also as the God of Isaac. It prompts the listener to consider who Isaac was and what his life reveals about God.
II. Isaac: A Life of Inherited Blessing (Summary)
This section contrasts the life of Isaac with Abraham, emphasizing how Isaac lived a life of privilege and inherited blessing. Unlike Abraham, who journeyed extensively and faced numerous trials, Isaac remained in Canaan and enjoyed material prosperity.
III. Isaac: A Supporting Character in His Own Story (Summary)
This section examines Isaac's limited role in the biblical narrative. It points out that even in key events like his marriage and the blessing of his sons, Isaac appears passive, with others playing more active roles. This begs the question: why is Isaac's story significant?
IV. Eliezer: A Model of Faith and Respect (Summary)
This section shifts focus to Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, who is portrayed as a model of faith and respect. It analyzes Eliezer’s prayer for guidance in finding a wife for Isaac, highlighting his specific requests and unwavering belief in God's provision. Eliezer's example is presented as a model for the Church today.
V. The Joy of Missionaries in Israel (Summary)
This section shares an anecdote about a missionary in Israel who witnesses the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of people from resistant backgrounds. The story emphasizes the joy and fulfillment found in sharing the Gospel and living a life transformed by Christ.
VI. Isaac’s Sons: Jacob and Esau (Summary)
This section delves into the well-known story of Isaac's sons, Jacob and Esau, and the conflict surrounding the birthright. It highlights how God’s prophecy of the younger son’s dominance plays out through their contrasting personalities and choices.
VII. Isaac's Blindness: Physical and Spiritual (Summary)
This section analyzes Isaac’s decision to bless Esau despite God’s clear favor on Jacob. It connects Isaac’s physical blindness with a spiritual blindness that hinders his ability to discern God’s will. This blindness is interpreted as both a consequence of Isaac’s misplaced affections and a form of divine protection.
VIII. The Unfulfilled Potential of Isaac (Summary)
This section explores the paradox of Isaac’s life: despite experiencing abundant blessings, he seems to miss out on the fullness of a personal relationship with God. It suggests that Isaac's obedience, while commendable, lacked the depth of faith and intimacy that characterized Abraham’s relationship with God.
IX. Beyond Mechanical Obedience: Embracing Intimacy with God (Summary)
This section challenges listeners to move beyond a superficial understanding of obedience and cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. It uses the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate the difference between begrudging obedience and the joyful freedom found in the Father's love.
X. Conclusion: From Isaac to Our God (Summary)
The sermon concludes by urging listeners to embrace their identity as beloved children of God, free to approach Him with honesty and vulnerability. It encourages them to move beyond simply acknowledging God as the God of Abraham and Isaac to experiencing Him as their own personal God. The sermon ends with a call to prayer and reflection.
2. Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences based on the provided sermon excerpt.
How does Isaac's life differ significantly from Abraham's, and what does this difference highlight about Isaac's position in God's plan?
Describe the role of Eliezer in the life of Isaac. What key character trait does Eliezer exemplify, and how does this trait manifest in his actions?
According to the sermon, what causes the Palestinian Muslim students and the North Korean official to weep during their encounters with missionaries?
Explain the significance of Rebekah receiving the prophecy about her sons instead of Isaac.
How does the sale of Esau's birthright foreshadow the eventual fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Jacob and Esau?
What reason does the sermon give for Isaac's preference for Esau over Jacob?
What is the significance of Isaac's blindness in the context of Jacob receiving the blessing? How do biblical commentators interpret this event?
What turning point in Isaac's spiritual life is marked by him building his own altar?
According to the sermon, what is the "missing element" in Isaac's relationship with God, despite his blessings and obedience?
What message does the sermon offer to those who, like Isaac, may be living in "mechanical obedience" to God?
Essay Questions
Analyze the character of Isaac as presented in the sermon. What are his strengths and weaknesses? How does his life compare and contrast with his father, Abraham?
Discuss the significance of Eliezer's prayer in Genesis 24. What does it reveal about his faith and his relationship with God? How can his prayer serve as a model for believers today?
Explore the sermon's comparison of Isaac to the older son in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). What parallels can be drawn between their stories, and what lessons can be learned from both?
The sermon argues that Isaac's blessings did not necessarily translate to true joy and fulfillment. Discuss the relationship between material blessings, spiritual blessings, and genuine happiness in the life of a believer.
How does the sermon encourage its listeners to move beyond a "mechanical obedience" to a deeper, more personal relationship with God? What practical steps does it suggest for cultivating this kind of intimacy with God?
Glossary of Key Terms
Rhema: A Greek word often used in Christian theology to describe a spoken word from God that carries specific, timely application and revelation.
Patriarch: A male ancestor heading a family or tribe. In the Bible, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are considered the patriarchs of the Israelites.
Birthright: The special privileges or inheritance traditionally given to the firstborn son in a family.
Prophecy: A message that is claimed to have been communicated by a divine being, often concerning future events or God's will.
Covenant: A binding agreement or promise between two parties, often involving God and his people.
Blessing: God's favor and protection, often resulting in prosperity, health, and spiritual well-being.
Obedience: Compliance with God's commands and will.
Mechanical Obedience: A form of obedience that is done out of duty or fear, lacking genuine love and heartfelt devotion.
Second-Generation Believer: Individuals whose parents converted to Christianity, and thus they grew up in a Christian household.
Answer Key
Isaac lived a more settled life, primarily in Canaan, unlike Abraham's nomadic journeys. This stability highlights that Isaac was born into a position of established covenant blessing, inheriting the promises made to Abraham.
Eliezer, Abraham's servant, is entrusted with finding a wife for Isaac. He displays remarkable faith and obedience, evidenced by his detailed prayer for guidance and his reliance on God for direction and success in his mission.
The tears of the Muslim students and the North Korean official stem from a yearning for the genuine joy and purpose that the missionaries embody, which stems from their relationship with Jesus.
Rebekah receiving the prophecy emphasizes her role in God's plan and foreshadows her active involvement in ensuring the fulfillment of that prophecy, even if it means going against societal norms.
Esau's willingness to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew reveals his lack of appreciation for spiritual things and foreshadows his eventual loss of the greater blessing, aligning with the prophecy of the younger serving the older.
The sermon suggests that Isaac, being naturally compliant and non-confrontational, saw in Esau a reflection of the rebellious and independent spirit he himself lacked, perhaps finding a vicarious sense of freedom in his son's personality.
Isaac's blindness, understood by commentators as a consequence of spiritual blindness, prevents him from mistakenly bestowing the primary blessing upon Esau. It ensures that God's will, despite the deception involved, is carried out.
Isaac building his own altar, distinct from his father's, represents a step towards a more personal faith and a direct connection with God, signifying spiritual independence and growth.
Despite his obedience and the abundance of blessings, Isaac seems to lack a close, intimate relationship with God, relating to Him more formally and through the lens of his father's faith.
The sermon urges listeners to go beyond mere rule-keeping and instead cultivate an honest, heartfelt relationship with God, characterized by open communication, vulnerability, and the confident acceptance of His love and forgiveness.
