His-Story Vol 1, Ch 2: Patriarchs
Sermon Notes
HIS-STORY: The Bible in 18 Weeks
Volume I: The Old Testament Story
Chapter 2: Patriarchs (Genesis 12–50)
1. Abraham: Blessings of Obedient Faith
God’s Call & Covenant with Abraham
Abraham’s Faith
Abraham’s Failures
Willingness to Offer Isaac
2. Isaac: God’s Plans are Better than Ours
Miraculous Birth
God’s Covenant with Isaac
Isaac’s Faith & Failures: Like father, like son
3. Jacob: God Uses Unlikely People
Jacob the Schemer
God’s Covenant with Jacob
Jacob and Laban (Rachel & Leah): the deceiver deceived
Jacob Wrestles with God: Renamed “Israel”
Jacob’s 12 Sons = the 12 Tribes of Israel
4. Joseph: God Turns Bad into Good
Joseph & His Brothers
Joseph’s Faith in Trials
Joseph & His Brothers (Round 2)
Israel Moves to Egypt
a. The Flood (Gen. 6–9)
b. The Tower of Babel (Gen. 10–11)
Study/Discussion Questions:
What was Abraham promised in the Abrahamic Covenant? How does this relate to the whole story of the Bible?
In what way does the story of Isaac mirror God’s actions with his own beloved Son?
The theme of the story of Jacob is that God takes the most unlikely people and uses them for his purpose. Can you think of other examples of this in the Bible? In your own experience?
The theme of the story of Joseph is that God takes bad and turns it into good. Can you describe an example of this principle in your life, your family or in society?
Jesus talks about two ways or roads one may take in life. Dr. Mark Strauss takes us through the two paths and how we can choose the right one.
Should Christians ever judge others? Dr. Mark Strauss breaks down what Jesus says about judgement and generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Is it okay to worry about some things in life? Why or why not? Can we completely eliminate worry and anxiety from our life? Watch as Pastor Ken unpacks what the Sermon on the Mount says about worry and anxiety.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? What was the experience like for you? Join Pastor Ken Ingold as he unpacks fasting and what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
Why is it important not to practice our righteousness so that others can observe it? What does Jesus mean that, if we do this, we have already received our reward?
Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Learn what it means to say that transforming love takes the offensive, and how God demonstrates his love for his enemies.
The Sermon on the Mount: Antithesis. What does Jesus teach about murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths?
The Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law. Did Jesus come to fulfill or replace the Old Testament Law?
Salvation comes by Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. Are cult members or Mormons or JWs saved? Any religious tradition that says you are saved through works is contrary to what the Bible says: you are saved by faith alone. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God alone is judge. Our responsibility is to love people and pray for them.
Mark Strauss is University Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, where he has served since 1993. Mark has a heart for ministry and preaches and teaches regularly at churches, conferences and college campuses.