- The Lord spoke with Abram (later to become "Abraham") to confirm his promise of a son in Gen. 15:1–5, 6–10, 17–19. Describe that encounter in your own words.
- Abraham's wife, Sarai (later to become "Sarah"), had not received God's confirmation personally. What might have caused her to propose the solution to Abraham's childlessness that we find in Gen. 16:1–3? How might people try to help God fulfill his promises in our day?
- Three visitors brought yet another confirmation of God's promise in Gen. 18. From vv. 9–10, it is clear that the message was intended for Sarah. Why do you think that it was important for Sarah also to receive God's message?
- The word "to laugh" occurs four times in vv. 12–15. The word in the Bible refers to the laughter of joy—not laughing out of cynicism. What is there about this story that would have made Sarah burst out in joy?
- Sarah said in v. 12 that she was a person who had been worn out (using a word for a piece of cloth so thoroughly worn that it could never be repaired or used again). Have you ever had a time in your life when you gave up and then God turned hopelessness into pleasure?
- Notice how gentle God was with Sarah in v. 15 and how differently his message came to Sarah in contrast to Abraham's message in Gen. 15. What do you learn from this about how God works with people?
2012 Study Series • Copyright © 2012, Lake Avenue Church