# Genesis 12–23: The God Who Provides

## Summary

Genesis 12–23 marks a major shift in the biblical story. God calls Abram into a personal relationship and promises him land, descendants, and a blessing that will reach all nations.

Abraham responds in faith, but his journey is not perfect. He struggles with fear, makes poor decisions, and sometimes tries to accomplish God’s promises in his own way. Still, God remains faithful.

In Genesis 15, God confirms His covenant by passing alone through the divided animals, showing that the promise rests on His faithfulness, not Abraham’s perfection.

God eventually gives Abraham and Sarah the son He promised, Isaac. Then in Genesis 22, Abraham is tested when God asks him to offer Isaac. Abraham obeys, trusting God to provide. At the last moment, God provides a ram in Isaac’s place, and Abraham names the place “The Lord Will Provide.”

Abraham’s story reminds us that God desires relationship with us, remains faithful through our failures, and provides even when we cannot see how.

**Big Idea:** Trust God, obey Him, and believe that He will provide.

## Sermon Notes

### 1. God Calls Abraham

**Genesis 12:1–3**

God calls Abraham to leave everything familiar and follow Him into the unknown.

**Key Principle:** God desires a relationship with you, not just religious activity.

### 2. Abraham’s Faith Is Imperfect

**Genesis 12:10–20**

Abraham trusts God, but fear still causes him to make bad decisions, including lying about Sarah.

**Key Principle:** Your weaknesses do not automatically disqualify you from what God is calling you to do.

### 3. Abraham Chooses Trust

**Genesis 13:1–18**

Abraham lets Lot choose the land first. Lot chooses by sight, while Abraham trusts God with what remains.

**Key Principle:** Choose by trust, not simply by appearance.

### 4. Abraham Rescues Lot

**Genesis 14:1–24**

Abraham rescues Lot, meets Melchizedek, gives him a tenth, and refuses the king of Sodom’s wealth.

**Key Principle:** Live in a way that makes God’s faithfulness visible.

### 5. God Makes a Covenant

**Genesis 15:1–21**

God promises Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars. God alone passes through the covenant pieces.

**Key Principle:** God’s promises depend on His faithfulness, not our perfection.

### 6. Abraham Tries to Rush God’s Plan

**Genesis 16–17**

Abraham and Sarah try to produce God’s promise through Hagar. Their shortcut creates pain, but God does not abandon them.

**Key Principle:** God’s timing is better than our shortcuts.

### 7. God Provides Isaac

**Genesis 21**

After years of waiting, Sarah gives birth to Isaac.

**Key Principle:** Waiting does not mean God has forgotten.

### 8. The Lord Will Provide

**Genesis 22**

God tests Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac. Abraham obeys, trusting that God will remain faithful.

At the last moment, God provides a ram in Isaac’s place. Abraham names the place “The Lord Will Provide.”

This points forward to the greater sacrifice God would provide through Jesus.

**Key Principle:** We can trust God’s provision even when we cannot see it yet.

## Practical Applications

1. **Take the next step of obedience.**

What is one thing God has been asking you to do?

2. **Stop forcing God’s timing.**

Identify one area where you are trying to control the outcome and surrender it to Him.

3. **Choose trust over appearances.**

Make decisions based on God’s character, not simply what looks easiest or best.

4. **Give God the credit.**

Recognize where He has provided, opened doors, or carried you.

5. **Prioritize your relationship with God.**

Set aside intentional time this week for prayer, Scripture, and worship.

6. **Lay down what you are carrying.**

Give God the fear, burden, or uncertainty you have been trying to manage yourself.

## Discussion Questions

1. Where do you see Abraham growing in trust throughout these chapters?

2. In what area of your life is it hardest to trust God’s timing?

3. Have you ever tried to force something instead of waiting on God?

4. What does Genesis 22 teach us about obedience and trust?

5. Where have you seen God provide in an unexpected way?

6. What is one practical step of obedience God may be asking you to take?

7. What burden do you need to surrender to God this week?

> **“The Lord will provide.” — Genesis 22:14**