Introduction & Chapter 1

The Magnificent Obsession – Introduction & Chapter 1
June 6, 2013

Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”  

Galatians 3:6

 

Before We Start:  Let's give credit where credit is due.  The Bible Study and discussion questions for the next 9 weeks are largely borrowed from Punky Tolson, the founder of Women at the Well, an interdenominational Bible Study in Dallas, Texas and online blog community (www.punkytolson.org). Thanks Punky!

Now, Let's Get Started!

THIS WEEK’S ASSIGNMENT:

• Read the short forward (from Rick Warren), Anne’s introduction & Chapter 1.
• Your Scripture readings for this week are: Acts 7:2-8; Romans 4; Galatians 3; and Hebrews 11:1-17.  This will give you the New Testament overview of the life and faith of Abraham.  Then read Genesis 12:1-13:4.  Don't panic!  This will the longest Scripture homework for the summer.  You can do this!
• Think about the phrase, “Abraham believed God…”  What does that mean to you?  You may want to take some time to do a word study on the word “believed”.
• Something to think about: In what areas of your life do you need to believe God bigger?
• Finally, don’t forget to “comment” (at the end of this blog) with your thoughts about what you’ve read, studied, discussed, and what the Lord is saying to you through this study of His Word!

“To believe God bigger and better… more and more:”  This is the goal of our summer Bible study of the life of Abraham.  Oh, that we might come to know God the way Abraham did… that we, too, might be considered God’s “friend” because we’ve believed Him.

Abram had a deep desire to know God better and that required great faith.  God’s first test for Abram required obedience and sacrifice.  It was a choice that Abram would have to make repeatedly.  

Our group discussion questions for the week. 

1. In what areas of your life to you need to "believe" God bigger?
2. Pg. 23 What is the familiar territory in your life?
3. Where have you become too comfortable in your own “comfort zones” and in what ways could they possibly be holding you back from knowing God better?
4. What does the “magnificent obsession” mean to you?
5. Pg. 29 What has caused you to think this isn’t the right time in you life for you to embrace the magnificent obsession?  What are your fears? Excuses? Concerns? Hesitations?
6. What has caused you to think that this is the right time to let go and embrace the magnificent obsession?  Why?
7. What do you think Abram was doing when God spoke to him in Genesis 12:1?

For personal prayer reflection:

• “Lord, what do I need to give up to truly know you better?”