Strangers In This Land [Trust God's Promises] Discussion Guide

Summary
In this sermon, Jonathan begins a new series focusing on Abraham's life, exploring how to live as strangers in this world while trusting God. The message centers on Abraham's calling in Genesis 12, where God asked him to leave his homeland for an unknown destination. Abraham's obedience despite not knowing the full plan demonstrates what it means to walk in blind faith - trusting God without seeing the complete picture.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your faithfulness and the example of Abraham's trust, open our hearts to Your voice. Help us recognize the areas in our lives where You're calling us to step out in faith. Give us the courage to let go of our need for complete understanding and embrace Your perfect guidance. May our discussion today draw us closer to You and strengthen our trust in Your promises. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker
Share about a time when you had to take a step forward without knowing exactly how things would turn out. How did you feel in that moment?

Key Verses

• Genesis 12:1-4
• Psalm 37:23-24
• Isaiah 41:10
• Galatians 3:9
• Psalm 91:1-2

Questions

• What does it mean to have 'blind faith' according to the sermon? How is this different from believing without evidence?
• Abraham was 75 years old when God called him to leave everything familiar. What challenges might this have presented, and what does this teach us about God's timing?
• Jonathan said, 'The immense promise of blessing first required obedience.' How have you experienced this principle in your own life?
• In what areas of your life right now might God be asking you to trust Him without seeing the full picture?
• How does knowing that we are 'true children of Abraham' and heirs to God's promises (Galatians 3:29) affect how we view our identity and purpose?
• What promises of God mentioned in the sermon do you find most comforting during uncertain times?
• Jonathan used the illustration of Jordan at the creek, holding both her father's hand and a branch. What are the 'branches' you might be holding onto instead of fully trusting God?
• How might our lives look different if we truly believed and acted upon God's promise that 'He directs our steps and delights in every detail of our lives'?

Life Application
This week, identify one area where God may be calling you to step out in faith without seeing the complete picture. Then, spend time each day reading and praying through Psalm 91 as Jonathan suggested. Write down the specific promises you find in this passage and how they apply to your situation. Each time you feel fear or uncertainty rising, remind yourself of these promises and consciously choose to trust God's guidance rather than demanding to see the full path ahead.

Key Takeaways

• God often asks us to obey before showing us the complete picture or destination.
• Abraham's obedience to God's call demonstrates what it means to walk by faith rather than by sight.
• Through Christ, believers become children of Abraham and heirs to God's promises.
• God's promises include His presence, guidance, strength, and protection when we step out in faith.
• Trust in God's promises allows us to move beyond our comfort zones into His perfect will.

Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for the powerful example of Abraham who stepped out in faith without knowing the destination. We confess that too often we cling to security and certainty rather than fully trusting You. Give us the courage to let go of our need to control and see the full picture. When You call us to new places or new challenges, help us remember Your promises to guide, strengthen, and protect us. May we walk forward this week with confidence, not in our own understanding, but in Your faithful character and unwavering love. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.