Genesis: Week 55

Sunday, August 17, 2025

“God made us on purpose and for purpose.”  ~ Pastor Jason 

Read aloud Genesis 36. If the pronunciation of the names is a deterrent, maybe try Genesis 25:19-34 or Deuteronomy 2:1-5.  Pray together.

(Possible texts to read and discuss in light of being sent into the world but not of the world and yet we are to love the world as God loved the world. See Jn. 15:16 - 27; Matt. 5:13 -16; 5:43 - 48.)

Genesis 36

LAUNCHING QUESTION

After gathering together on Sunday morning (through the welcome, listening to the Disaster Relief Ohio ministry, being led in Elder’s prayer, praying together, worshiping in song together, listening to the sermon together, attending an educational class together, talking and listening to one another, welcoming new guests, etc.), in what ways were we helped to wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ by knowing Him and making Him known? How can the main idea of the message help equip us to help others?

Main Idea: To make the most of life, trust God and live for Him.

Three Questions - From Genesis 36

What does this passage teach us historically?

  • Summary: Genesis 36 is a brief description of the generations of Esau who was Jacob’s twin brother. By listing Esau’s sons, grandsons, and kings/chiefs of Edom, Moses clearly demonstrates who trusted in Yahweh and who did not carry the line of promise.   

    What are some signs of unbelief and distrust in Yahweh coming from Esau and his progeny? What are some opposite signs of belief and trust in Yahweh coming from His covenant people?

  • The chapter shows the place (Edom), the people (Edomites = staunch enemies of God’s people, and their prosperity (stable Nation and succeeding in material terms) all outside the covenant. What are we to make of this reality? In what ways can unbelievers prospering be a temptation to believers? How can we help each other “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?” See Ps. 73, Obadiah, or Habakkuk for help and guidance.

What does this passage teach us theologically?

  • God’s Word is sure.

  • Every life God makes has value. 

  • Of the two theological principles, which one struck you the deepest and why that one? 

What does this passage teach us practically? 

  • If every word God says is sure, then you can trust Scripture.

  • If every life God makes has value, then your life counts. 

  • In what situations this last week were you clearly needing to trust God and His Word? Share freely.  After talking about your walks of faith last week, how can you pray for each other to live for Him in front of believers and unbelievers? What are some promises from Scripture that you can share with each other?

A Passage to Ponder

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”        ~ Habakkuk 3:17-18