Achieving your God - Given Destiny

Portraits of Faith
Obedient Faith

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday March 17, 2019

This Week Reading:  Hebrews 11:8-12  Additional Reading:  Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-6; 21:1-7; 22:1-14

Introduction

When we hear the word destiny something stirs in our hearts. Knowing our destiny motivates us, defines us and enables us to persevere. Without faith we will never realize our God given destiny. Hebrews chapter 11 is called the faith chapter. It gives a gallery of portraits of what faith looks like in the lives of real life people. Abraham has the most verses in the chapter devoted to him (verses 8-19). Abraham is called the father of faith in the Bible (Romans 4:1-12). This study focuses on the obedience of Abraham in responding to God's call. Abraham unlike Noah received no details about where he was going or how the promise would be fulfilled yet he obeyed and went. The verses are also noteworthy because of the human impossibility on the part of Abraham and Sarah in accomplishing their destiny. Despite impossibility they believed in the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promise (verse 11). True faith is based on the faithfulness of God to accomplish His promise to us not on our own power or abilities. It would be a great idea as you go through this study to read the above additional verses which tell the story of Abraham and his faith. 
  

Background Information

Abraham was living in a pagan land when God's call came to him. He most likely worshiped idols and did not know the God of the Bible at that time in his life.The place he was later to receive as an inheritance was the land of Canaan or what is sometimes called the promised land. Today this is the nation of Israel. When Abraham was called there were other people groups living in the land he was promised. Sarah was 90 or 91 when she gave birth and Abraham was 100 years old.Today Abraham is recognized as the father of the 3 world religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. .  

  

A Simple Outline with Key Points

I. Faith takes us on a journey to our God given destiny

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.    

                                                                                                  Hebrews 11:1

II. Destiny 

You are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God

 prepared in advance for you to do.

                                               Ephesians 2:10

Success in life is not defined by how much money, fame or popularity you have rather 

success is defined as walking in your destiny.

The Saddest thing in life is to never live for your destiny.

III. Responding to Your God - Given Destiny - Verse 8

I will make you into a great nation, and i will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you.   Genesis 12:2-3

A God given destiny is always bigger than we could imagine and impossible to achieve 

in our own power. A God given destiny always has the purpose of blessing others.

IV.Living in the Now by Faith - Verses 9& 10

For we live by faith not by sight.   II Corinthians 5:7

Faith always looks beyond the immediate circumstances.

V.. The Faith - Power Connection - Verses 11&12

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine according 

to His power that is at work in us.    Ephesians 3:20

God's power (dynamite) will always enable you to accomplish your God given destiny.

Digging Deeper Questions

1. What is a good definition of faith? Have each person give their own definition of faith. Why is faith important?
2.Read Genesis 12:1-3. What was the promise (his destiny) given to Abraham? How would you have felt if God said that to you?. 
3. Have you ever felt God call you to do something or take a direction in your life? Describe what happened and how you felt. How did you respond?
4. Read verses 9 and 10. Discuss this and come up with a principle you can apply to your own life. 
5. Are there any things in your life that you consider impossible? Have you ever experienced God do something in your life that you never believed possible? Explain.
6. What is your God given destiny? How do you know what your destiny is? How will your destiny affect others both today and into the future?
7. What will you specifically apply from this study? Be specific.

This Week's Challenge 

Pray and think about your God given destiny. Write out what you understand to be your God given destiny. Share it with someone else.

Additional Resource:

Article: 

 What Does It Mean to Walk by Faith
Sermon:
Francis Chan Following Christ and living by Faith