Our culture is filled with imitations posing as truth. Even the Christian church is not immune to imitators, where truth can become mired in compromise and fallacies. So how do we cultivate an authentic walk with God? The answers are found in the book of Genesis. This study examines the lives, experiences, and choices of three men who pursued a genuine relationship with God: Isaac, Isaiah, and Joseph. Wiersbe Bible Studies deliver practical, in-depth guides to selected books of the Bible. Featuring insights from Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s Be Authentic commentary, this eight-week study features engaging questions and practical applications that will help you connect God’s Word with your life. Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe (1929–2019) was an internationally known Bible teacher, author, and conference speaker. He served as the pastor of Moody Church in Chicago from 1971 to 1978. For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. In his lifetime, Dr. Wiersbe wrote more than 150 books—including the popular BE series—selling over five million copies. Dr. Wiersbe was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). His trusted writing will continue to impact generations. The Wiersbe BIBLE STUDY SERIES: GENESIS 25—50 Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World By Warren W. Wiersbe David C. Cook Copyright © 2012 Warren W. Wiersbe All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-7814-0636-9 Contents Introduction to Genesis 25—50, How to Use This Study, Lesson 1 Father and Son (Genesis 25—26), Lesson 2 Decisions (Genesis 27—31), Lesson 3 Yesterday (Genesis 32—34), Lesson 4 Home and Hero (Genesis 35—37), Lesson 5 Difference Maker (Genesis 38—41), Lesson 6 Truth and Consequences (Genesis 42—45), Lesson 7 Family Matters (Genesis 46—49), Lesson 8 Endings (Genesis 50), Bonus Lesson, Summary and Review, CHAPTER 1 Lesson 1 Father and Son (GENESIS 25—26) Before you begin ... Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson. Read Genesis 25—26. This lesson references chapter 1 in Be Authentic. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson. Getting Started From the Commentary Isaac was the son of a famous father (Abraham) and the father of a famous son (Jacob), and for those reasons he is sometimes considered a lightweight among the patriarchs. Compared to the exploits of Abraham and Jacob, Isaac's life does seem conventional and commonplace. Although he lived longer than either Abraham or Jacob, only six chapters are devoted to Isaac's life in the Genesis record, and only one verse in Hebrews 11 (v. 9). Isaac was a quiet, meditative man (Gen. 24:63), who would rather pack up and leave than confront his enemies. During his long life, he didn't travel far from home. Abraham had made the long journey from Haran to Canaan, and had even visited Egypt, and Jacob went to Haran to get a wife, but Isaac spent his entire adult life moving around in the land of Canaan. If there had been an ancient Middle East equivalent to our contemporary "jet set," Isaac wouldn't have joined it. — Be Authentic , page 17 1. How are the differences between Isaac and his father and son significant to the unfolding Genesis story? What does the fact that Isaac stayed close to home say about him? What does his story teach us about God? More to Consider: Respond to the following statement: Isaac wasn't a failure; he was just different. What made him different? 2. Choose one verse or phrase from Genesis 25—26 that stands out to you. This could be something you're intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. Going Deeper From the Commentary Abraham recognized his other children by giving them gifts and sending them away, thereby making sure they couldn't supplant Isaac as the rightful heir. Along with his father's immense wealth (Gen. 13:2; 23:6), Isaac also inherited the covenant blessings that God had given Abraham and Sarah (12:1–3; 13:14–18; 15:1–6). Isaac had parents who believed God and, in spite of occasional mistakes, tried to please Him. Abraham's firstborn son, Ishmael (chap. 16), wasn't chosen to be the child of promise and the heir of the covenant blessings. God promised to bless Ishmael and make him a great nation, and He kept His promise (17:20–21; 25:12–16); "But my covenant will I establish with Isaac" (17:21; Rom. 9:6–13). Ishmael was on hand for his father's funeral (Gen. 25:9), but he wasn't included in the reading of his father's will. — Be Authentic , page 18 3. Review Genesis 25:1–18. In what ways does Ishmael picture or represent the unsaved person (1 Cor. 2:14)? How does Isaac portray someone who trusts Jesus (1 Peter 1:22– 23)? W
