ACTS Church Lakeway Jesus Who? // Week 2: Discussion Guide

Jesus Who? Son of Abraham: Our Sacrifice for Sin

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Big Idea from the Message It’s officially December and the Christmas season is upon us. As we prepare ourselves for the celebration to come, we can celebrate today that sin we find ourselves in has been defeated by the Son of Abraham and the Sacrifice for our Sin. Connect

1. Have you ever been stretched to believe God for something big? What was it? How did you grow through this experience?

2. Read the following quote by George Mueller and discuss before moving on to the Scripture study. “If we desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and therefore, through trial, to be strengthened.” How have you found this to be true?

Digging Deeper This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1

3. This week we continue to explore the family tree of Jesus. When Matthew states for his largely Jewish audience that Jesus is ‘the son of Abraham,’ he is stressing the Jewish roots of Jesus. Did you know that Abraham was the Patriarch (or father) of the entire Jewish nation? Read the brief description in the New Testament book of Hebrews 11:8-12. Reflect: in what ways did Abraham display a strong faith in God? How strong would you rate your own faith?

4. In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul makes the strong point that through our baptism into

Christ - the Son of Abraham - we too become children of Abraham! Read Galatians 4:26-29. What does it mean to be “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”? What is God’s Promise?

5. There was a day (recorded in Genesis 22) when it looked as though Abraham’s son Isaac would be

killed, and the Promise would be nullified. But just when it looked like all was to be lost, a sacrifice was provided. A ram, caught in a thicket, was killed instead of Abraham’s son. The ram spilled its blood. The son was set free. Read the amazing turn of events in Genesis 22:13-14. What does Abraham call this place? Why?

6. A son of Abraham - not his direct line, but a son of a son of a son - would provide a final and

perfect sacrifice for sin. Speaking of Jesus the Messiah, the apostle Peter wrote: “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus is the Son of Abraham: Our Sacrifice for Sin! How might this be good news to someone who is caught up in guilt this season? What hope might be given to them?

Live It Out

7. In his book, Our Father Abraham, Marvin Wilson provides a great summary as to why

Abraham is so important to us. He writes, “The biblical phrase, ‘our father Abraham’ (John 8:53, Acts 7:2) thus expresses the family relationship that every person of faith has with “the man of faith” (Galatians 3:9). The New Testament writers argue that those who display Abraham’s faith and deeds are Abraham’s true offspring (John 8:31-41)… Abraham’s faithful obedience, from the moment God called him (Hebrews 11:8ff) serves as an inspiring witness to the Church (12:1), that new people of God are both rooted in Abraham and numbered among his children.” There’s a lot in this summary to unpack. Take a few minutes to share reactions to this.

8. As a child of Abraham, then, how is God using you to live out the Promise given to

Abraham? How is God using you to bring His blessings in Christ to ‘all nations’… in other words, not just ‘church insiders’ but also those on the outside?

Lifting it up How great are my privileges in Christ Jesus! Without him I stand far off, a stranger, an outcast; in him I draw near and touch his kingly scepter. Without him I dare not lift up my guilty eyes; in him I gaze upon my Father-God and Friend. Without him I hide my lips in trembling shame; in him I open my mouth in petition and praise. Without him darkness spreads its horrors in front; in him an eternity of glory is my boundless horizon. Praise be to thee for grace, and for the unspeakable gift of Jesus. Valley of Vision: A Book of Puritan Prayers