Waiting Faithfully (Genesis 12-15)

We’re looking at Genesis 12-15 today, examining the life of Abraham as he follows God’s call. God told Abraham that he would be a father to many and that God would bless all the people in the world through his descendants. The problem was that Abraham was very old and didn’t have any kids. PLUS his wife wasn’t able to get pregnant. But Abraham believed God’s promise. We see Abraham struggle to find a faithful way to walk in God’s calling - moments where he tries to take matters into his own hands, and moments when he is honest with God about how he feels.

How do you feel about waiting for an answer from God? If you’re anything like us you hate the waiting. Today we learn from Abraham’s story and God’s faithfulness.

Discussion Questions:

Genesis 13 questions

• Have you ever trusted God and felt like you lost something because of it?

• Why do you think it’s so hard to let someone else “win”?

• How do we tell the difference between what looks right and what is right?

• Do you think Abraham knew what God would do, or was he just choosing peace?

• Where in your life are you tempted to grab control instead of trusting God?

Genesis 14 questions

• What does it look like to fight for people instead of walking away from them?

• When has faith required courage instead of comfort?

• Do you think Abraham felt ready to lead, or did he just step forward?

• What’s the difference between trusting God and being passive?

Genesis 15 questions

• Why do you think God allowed Abraham to wait so long?

• Have you ever asked God a hard question and felt nervous doing it?

• What does it mean that God calls Abraham righteous before the promise is fulfilled?

• How do you stay faithful when nothing seems to be changing?

• What’s something you’re currently waiting on that’s hard to trust God with?

Resources:

Tim Keller Sermons:

https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/real-security-and-the-call-of-god/

Good Shepherd Pres. Sermon:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3r2B9SZgXPPra1dmHxkJXa?si=69bd6366e39243e5

Teachings from Jesus on what success in the kingdom of God looks like:

• Faith and obedience over wealth:

  • Matthew 6:19–21 – Don’t store up treasures on earth, but in heaven. Your true “success” is what’s eternal.

  • Mark 8:36 – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” This directly contrasts worldly success (power, wealth, reputation) with God’s eternal perspective.

• Servanthood is greatness:

  • Mark 10:42–45 – Jesus teaches that the greatest are the servants of all. Leadership and influence are measured by humility and service, not status or recognition.

• Faith in dependence on God:

  • Luke 12:15 – “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

  • Trusting God to provide and prioritizing His kingdom is central to spiritual success.

• Love as the highest measure:

  • Matthew 22:37–40 – Loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself sums up the law and the prophets. Success is relational: loving others well, not just excelling personally.

• Eternal perspective over temporal achievements:

  • Parables like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) show God values faithful stewardship—how we use what He gives us to serve others and expand His kingdom, not just personal gain.