How did Sarah respond to the birth of Isaac? Do you think followers of Christ should be characterized by somber seriousness or lighthearted laughter? In what sense can the promises of God enable us to laugh (at least inwardly) even though the circumstances of life may be temporarily challenging?

In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul tells us that Sarah and Isaac represent the covenant of grace lived in the power of the Spirit producing freedom, while Hagaar and Ishmael represent the covenant of law lived in the power of the flesh producing bondage. What do you think is the significance of Hagaar and Ishamel being forced out of the family? Abraham was distressed by this choice. In what ways, is giving up our old ways of the flesh “distressing” to us? Is God asking you to dismiss some “child” of your flesh? Remember no matter how challenging that may feel, the Lord want to give us something much better!

Do you have any areas of your life in which you repeatedly stumble? How do you think the Lord wants you to respond to these areas? Are you willing to seek out the help, prayers and encouragement of another believer? Galatians 6:1-5, James 5:16, Hebrews 3:13, 12:1; II Timothy 2:22

How did God show Himself faithful to Abraham even though Abraham was faithless at this point in time (II Timothy 2:13)? What can we do when we fail to live up to God’s standards among non-believers?

How do you respond to the fact that there are non-believers who are more pleasant, refined, and easier to be around than certain believers you may know? How can even this reality show forth the truth of the Gospel?

What impact did living life in Sodom have on Lot himself? On his ability to impact those around him in Sodom? On his wife and children? On his material prosperity? How did his attempt to live for “the best of both worlds” work out for Lot? How do you think he viewed his life’s choices when he woke up from his drunken stupor and the sordid events of the end of the chapter?

Are there any areas in your life right now in which you are compromising with the world and it is bothering your conscience? When we attempt to live both to satisfy our own worldly desires and for the Lord, who do we really end up serving? What consequences of compromise have you seen in your own life and the lives of others? What changes do you need to make now with the Holy Spirit’s help?

How should we as followers of Jesus treat the whole issue of homosexuality? What do the Scriptures say about homosexual activity (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26,27,32; I Corinthians 6:9-11)? What do the Scriptures say about heterosexual activity outside of marriage (I Corinthians 6:9-11; Hebrews 13:4; etc)? How are we to treat those who are not followers of Christ and who are sexually immoral? How are we to relate to those who claim to follow Christ, yet live sexually immoral lives? I Corinthians 5:9-13

What does the Lord’s willingness to come and eat with Abraham indicate about his nature and the type of relationship he desires with those who have trusted Him? Cf. Rev. 3:20 When do you think Abraham recognized that he was actually entertaining the Lord?

What obstacles do you think caused Sarah to respond by laughing to herself when the Lord told Abraham that she would have a son? How did the Lord respond to Sarah’s fearful denial and outright lie? What truth did He remind this old couple to keep in mind?

Are there any promises of God that you think are so outrageous that you find yourself cynically laughing inwardly about the possibility of their fulfillment? Based on the Lord’s interaction with Sarah, what do you think He would say to you in your current situation?

Abraham’s relationship with the Lord caused the Lord to reveal his plans to judge Sodom and Gomorrah to his friend Abraham (see John 15:15). What does Abraham’s response tell you about his relationship with the Lord and his attitude toward other people? What truth about the character of God caused him to be so bold in his approach? Do you spend anytime pleading with the Lord for others?