As God continued confirming his promises to Abraham, Abraham and Sarah turned their hesitant and halting faith into obedient action. Growing up progresses step-by-step and often feels slow to a child but rapid to an adult. God guides our life of maturing in faith as we understand who we are in relationship to him and obediently follow him one step at a time. Together, let’s learn from Abraham and Sarah’s example of growing up in their faith. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Genesis 17:1-14, and if possible, the expanded passage including verses 15-26 and chapter 18:1-15. What questions pop into your mind and what words, phrases, and ideas connect with your heart? 2. Isolate the words from God in this passage. What does God emphasize in his communication? What can you observe about God’s character? How would you characterize relationship with God from this episode in Abraham and Sarah’s life? 3. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 4. How would you describe the significance of God’s changing Abram and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah (v. 4-6 and v. 15-16)? What does God say about your identity in him that you most need to hold onto or consider right now? Consider consulting Ephesians 1:3-8 or one of these passages: a. You are forgiven. I John 1:9 b. You are God’s child. Galatians 3:26 c. You are free. Galatians 5:1 d. You are a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20-21 e. You are loved. Ephesians 3:16-19 5. How would you describe the connection between understanding your identity and trusting God for who he is? How might God be calling you to take another obedient step of faith in him? 6. Through Abraham and Sarah’s faith, all people on earth have received blessings from God. Who could God bless through you, your life, your faith, your generosity, your love? What action could you take to be a blessing in someone’s life this week?