Genesis: Week 57
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Begin Growth Group in prayer and Bible reading
Pray Psalm 119 - “Open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of your law. Incline our hearts to our testimonies and not to selfish gain. Turn our eyes from looking at worthless things and give us life in your ways. We ask these things for the sake of our transformation and Your glorification. In Jesus’ name, Amen”.
Read Genesis 38
Genesis 38
“Why is this chapter in the Bible & why here?” ~ Pastor Jason
The first answer Jason gave for his two questions is found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Why might this answer be beneficial to us?
Main Claim: The same God who has a startling response to sin has startling redemption for sinners.
What does this passage teach us historically?
Summary: Genesis 38 recounts the story of Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar, detailing how Judah uses a “prostitute” (so he thought) for sex and idol worship, and Tamar uses deception to secure an heir for her deceased first husband.
In verse one, how do the following terms demonstrate Judah’s developing behavior - “Judah went down”, “turned aside”, “to an Adullamite”?
In verse two, how do the following terms demonstrate Judah’s darkened heart - “saw”, “took”, “went in”? Cross reference: Genesis 3:6 - “saw”, “took”, “ate”.
In verses 1-5, how many sons did Judah have, and with whom did he father these sons? What do these verses imply about Judah’s character?
In verses 27-30, how many more sons did Judah have, and with whom did he father these sons? What do these verses imply about Judah’s character?
In verses 6-10, what happened to his first two sons? Why did God do this to them? How does this scene speak to God’s holiness?
How does the chapter end, and how does the ending throw light on Judah (vv . 25-26) and God (vv . 27-30; see also Matthew 1:1-16)?
What does this passage teach us theologically?
God has a starting response to sin and startling redemption for sinners.
How does the above claim relate to God’s holiness and his mercy? How does it relate to Er, Onan, and Judah? How might this truth help you to “put off sin” and “put on Christ”? (See Ephesians 4:17-24).
What does this passage teach us practically?
Be careful about your community.
Turn away from sexual immorality.
Know His redeeming grace is for you.
Help your people unpack the three exhortations mentioned above. Leaders, come prepared with your set of questions to draw out your people to help in unpacking the three exhortations. Remember, we have help at the church for those dominated by sin. If men need help, Jason has made contact information available for our Director of Biblical Formation & Community Life. You can email Dan at dan.turner@ubcbeavercreek.com
Regarding women who need help, contact Rachel, the Director of Women’s Ministries at rachel.kimble@ubcbeavercreek.com