Trouble in the Middle East
What in the World were Abraham and Sarah thinking? Part 1
White House Church of Christ
Auditorium Class
April 26, 2026
Date Taught:
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Main Scripture:
Genesis 16
Teacher:
Jeff Smith
*** Lesson Series ***
This is Lesson #2 of a Lesson Series called Trouble in the Middle East.
For information about Trouble in the Middle East and the other lessons, click here.
Or, click to the Previous Lesson (#1) in the series or the Next Lesson (#3) in the series.
Class Notes
Genesis 15
God reinforces His promise with a "covenant oath."
Abram is concerned that he is "childless".
Abram is satisfied for Eliezer, his chief servant to be in heir. God says, vs. 4, this man shall not be your heir, but "from your own body" will come your heir.
After showing Abram the sky in Vs 6, "Abram believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness."
Vs. 18, "to your descendants I give this land."
Genesis 15 sets the stage for the decisions of Genesis 16.
What were Abraham and Sarah thinking?
Genesis 16
Abraham and Sarah's plan to help God fulfill His promise. [Gen. 15 & 16]
Consider "male spiritual leadership".
Hagar, an Egyptian, probably given by Pharoah. [Gen. 12]
Bad decisions multiply and reach into the future.
Consider Abraham's confident faith. [Romans 4:17-25]
God uses imperfect people.
People of faith can make bad decisions!
Genesis 16
Verse
1,2 - Choosing wives/concubines was a violation of God's intent. [Mt. 19:4-6]
3,4 - Hagar was not Sarah's equal.
5,6 - Suddenly, a problem with no good solution.
"My wrong be upon you"
Per law, Sarah could do with a slave what she wished.
What might "harsh treatment" include?
Hagar fled, also against the law.