Jesus in Genesis: Jesus is Greater than our Battles & Blessings

Jesus is Greater than our Battles & Blessings

OUTLINE

• The Battle (Genesis 14:1-16)

• The Blessing (Genesis 14:17-24)

QUESTIONS:

1. What stuck out to you today from today’s sermon from Genesis 14?

2. (Gen 14:1-16) Often we find ourselves in battles, struggles, and or tough times because of both foolishness and/or faithfulness. At times, we might be experiencing battles because of others’ foolishness or faithfulness. If you are experiencing being in a battle right now, what words do you use to describe the condition of your heart? How is this battle shaping your view of God?

3. How have you experienced scars, wounds or hurts from being in difficult trying times because of your own foolishness?

4. How have you found healing and restoration from that battle?

5. (Gen 14:17-24) God’s heart to bless is clear throughout the totality of scripture. Read Ephesians 1:3-12 together and discuss the current blessing that you have because of what Jesus has done on your behalf.

6. How are you tempted to seek the blessing rather than the One who blesses?

7. Abram was faithful to God’s promise by ensuring God gets all the glory (Gen 14:23). How are you tempted to take the glory from God’s work in your life?

8. How are the blessings that have been given to you from God being used to bless others around you? Where might Jesus be wanting you to be a blessing to someone else this week?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Genesis 14:1-24

War of the Kings
1And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. 7Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar. 8And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, 9against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country. 11Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. 12They also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom.13Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. 14When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.
God’s Promise to Abram
17Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. 19He blessed him and said,“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,Possessor of heaven and earth;20And blessed be God Most High,Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”He gave him a tenth of all. 21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” 22Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”