FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 48:1-22

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The Blessing of the Adopted Sons — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 48:1-22
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 19, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How have the narratives of Genesis changed or informed your understanding of faith? How does Hebrews 11 in particular aid our reading of these stories?
2.   What is the significance of the interchange of “Jacob” and “Israel” in v. 2?
3.   Why does Jacob begin his dialogue with Joseph by quoting God’s words from chapter 35?
4.   What makes Joseph’s desire to bring his sons to Jacob so remarkable given his position in Egypt? What does this teach us about worldly attainments?
5.   Discuss how faithfulness and faith are woven together in vv. 8-16. How does Jacob’s pronouncement of blessing over the two sons (vv. 15-16) provide insight into the Christian life?
6.   Why does God choose to carry his blessing forward by means of the younger son throughout Genesis?

References: Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:18-22; Hebrews 11:1, 13; Genesis 35:11-12; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2; Genesis 5:24; 6:9; Hebrews 11:21.

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 38:1-30

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The Line of Judah — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 38:1-30
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 22, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does Moses put this story about Judah and Tamar at this point in Genesis? What are the respective roles of Judah and Joseph in God’s overall plan?
2.   How does Revelation 5:5 help us to appreciate the relevance of this story for our lives?
3.   Describe Judah’s moral and spiritual descent. How does his story show us that sin desensitizes us to further sin?
4.   What role does this Hirah figure play in the narrative? What impact should this have on our relationships?
5.   Compare and contrast the sins of Judah and Tamar. Why does Judah say, “She is more righteous than I” (v. 26)? How do these words give us hope about Judah’s future?
6.   How does this narrative show God’s preservation and electing grace towards his covenant people? How does it show his hatred and judgment towards sin?

References: Revelation 5:5; Proverbs 13:20; Deuteronomy 25:5-6; Genesis 39:2.