Abiding in the Vine - God Prunes the Branches: Part 6 of 13

Preview: This is the sixth part of a thirteen-part series of lessons on this subject.


Scripture Reading: Genesis 19:1-26.

Memory Verse: Genesis 19:29.

1. Why did God spare Lot and his children in the foregoing Scriptures?
2. How did Lot prove that he was not abiding in God? Genesis 19:30-38.
Note: God does honor the intercessory prayers of the righteous. Just as Noah’s family was saved from the flood because of his righteousness, so was Lot spared from the flames of Sodom because of Abraham’s faithfulness.
3. How did Abraham put the fulfillment of God’s promise in jeopardy after waiting 25 years? Genesis 20:1-2.
4. How did God protect His branch of righteousness? Genesis 20:3-8.
5. How did Abraham justify his actions? Genesis 20:9-13.
Note: There are many lessons to be learned from this story. Because of Abraham’s fears after all of those years of trusting God, he had made this same mistake many years before with King Pharaoh (Genesis 12), so we wonder why this branch of righteousness did it again. If you have committed your life to God, do not become discouraged if you stumble. God is not finished with you yet. He is faithful and long-suffering with His children, and He is the way of redemption when we fall. Read I John 2:1-3.
6. How did God prove to Abraham and the world that he was a chosen, righteous branch? Genesis 20:14-18 & Genesis 21:22.
7. Did God fulfill His promise to Sarah and Abraham that year? Genesis 21:1-3.
Note: Finally, after 25 years, God fulfilled His promise. Isaac means “he laughs” or “may God smile”. Abraham and Sarah had laughed at the idea of bearing a child at their age, Genesis 17:17 & Genesis 18:12. Now Sarah laughs with joy and all who believe this account rejoice with her. Genesis 21:6.
8. How did Abraham honor his covenant with God? Genesis 21:4-5.
9. How did God reaffirm His plan for a righteous branch through Isaac? Genesis 21:7-12.
10. How did God provide for Abraham’s and Hagar’s son? Genesis 21:13 & Genesis 21:20-21.
Note: When God makes an unconditional promise, He will always keep it in its proper time frame.

To Be Continued…

Other Lessons* in this series:

Abiding in the Vine - God's Purpose for Man: Part 1 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - God's Plan for Righteous Fellowship: Part 2 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - How God Preserved A Righteous Seed: Part 3 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - How God Preserved A Righteous Seed: Part 4 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - How God Preserved A Righteous Seed: Part 5 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - God Prunes the Branches: Part 6 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - The Supreme Test of Faith: Part 7 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - God Chooses A Righteous Seed: Part 8 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - Jacob the Righteous Branch: Part 9 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - The Blessing Continues Through Jacob's Sons: Part 10 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - How God Preserves His People & Fulfills A Promise: Part 11 of 13
Abiding in the Vine - The Exodus Continues As Promised: Part 12 of 13
Abiding in the Vine- A Righteous Nation Is On the Way: Part 13 of 13

*Lessons in a series may not necessarily be in the same category.