2.  Genesis 21:1-5; 24:62-67  Isaac and God’s Faithfulness  When we doubt God’s power and ability we allow our finite minds to be the motivating factor in our decision to serve or not to serve the Lord › God needs those who will have faith and believe He will do what He says He will do.

3. A.It’s a Boy! 1.Abraham and Sarah both had doubts about the promises of God to grant them an heir. a)Viewed promises within the boundaries of our own minds b)Natural instinct is to place mortal limitations on God c)Chapter 21

4. B.Divine Intervention 1.Graciousness a)V1. The Lord was gracious to Sarah b)Means to experience divine intervention in order for God’s will c)Steadfastness 2.God’s promises are ageless and fulfilled according to His timetable and plan.

5. C.Reliability of God’s word 1.We should always trust and obey God because he is faithful to his word even though he works in unexpected and unexplainable ways. a)Sometimes there is divine postponement as we pray and look for God’s promises. b)May not be immediate but will be ultimately.

6. A.Honor the law of tradition or the covenant promise of God 1.One son would receive a common blessing a)Ishmael b)Law of tradition i.Abraham could not abandon his responsibility 2.One would receive a covenant blessing a)Isaac b)Chosen by God 3.Abraham had to decide what to do

7. B.Consequences Q: Have you ever made a poor decision because you doubted God? Q: What was the outcome of your decision? Q: Were you able to correct your mistake?

8. 1. Some Christians carry a lot of extra dead weight because of their disobedience, children born out of wedlock, poor career choices, criminal activity. 2. God’s forgiveness doesn’t mean we don’t have to suffer the consequences of those sins

9. A. We have to be careful not to plan ahead of God (Chapter 24) 1. If God is leading us then we can depend on God to remove all obstacles that stand between us and God’s will B. So to avoid getting ahead of God we need to follow the following steps 1. Request God’s guidance – Pray for God’s direction

10. B. So to avoid getting ahead of God we need to follow the following steps 1. Request God’s guidance – Pray for God’s direction 2. Research the scripture – Know God’s word and that it reveals God’s principles, plans and purpose 3. Respond to the scripture – Commit to accepting God’s guidance 4. Rely on God’s structure – Trust God’s plan

11.  For next week’s discussion Assignment 2: Mind Challenge (Lesson 2)  Scripture References: Genesis 25:21-38  Read and Research the above scriptures for understanding then answer the following questions. Be prepared to discuss your answers during next week’s lesson. Discussion Question 1: Does the lust of our flesh often seem to take precedent over the common sense of our faith.. Discussion Question 2: What steps do you take to maintain a life that is spiritual rather than carnal?.