This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Genesis, the 1st book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 14th January 2024.

About this book

Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and in its more than 1500 verses, there are over 50 prophecies, 100+ commands, over 70 promises, and almost 100 distinct messages from God. As well as recording the firsts of so many things — including the first marriage, sin, child, murder, death, laughs, tears — this book also explains God’s established order in all things; from creation to Israel, marriage to tithing, and all before the law is even mentioned. But ultimately, this book points to Jesus as our Saviour, not only in obvious ways, but in its smaller details too.

About this study

This chapter is one of the most profound in the Bible. What at first seems a bizarre request from God to Abraham, to offer his son as a sacrifice, turns out to clearly be a foreshadow of the sacrifice Jesus would make in our place. Furthermore, we see how Abraham, having previously taken matters into his own hands, has now reached a place of total obedience to the Lord – an example for us to follow.

Application questions

• Are you ready and willing to respond to God’s call?
• Do you trust God as fully as you should? Do you trust that He will provide?
• Is there anything you would yet withhold from God?
• How thankful are you for what God did in sending Jesus to die for you?