1/18 Genesis - Suffering and God's Sovereign Will
Release Date: 01/18/2025
Key Chapters of the Bible
So, the account of David and Bathsheba is surprisingly well-known, and while it’s a sad chapter, it shows us that no one, not even David himself, is without sin. Thus David, and the rest of us, need a Savior. Join us in this sobering account of a respected man’s fall. Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: . Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: Itunes: YouTube: . As always, we are grateful to be included...
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Some chapters in the Bible are vital to know, even if they may not seem to be super applicable to our lives. 2nd Samuel 7 is one of those chapters. Today, we'll look at this passage and see how these few verses lay the path for the arrival of our Lord and King. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast mentioned that 2nd Samuel 7 is one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament. Why is that? 2. In this chapter, the Lord makes several key promises to David. What was the occasion that led to these promises? Why did David’s efforts result in God...
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The Bible is filled with Key Chapters that are necessary to know in order to understand the message of the Bible. Today we’ll study one of those passages as we look upon the installation of David as king. Join us as we see what this passage has to say and how it ties into the overall Word of God! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast gave a brief overview of the first few chapters of 2nd Samuel. How would you describe the political climate of Israel during this time? 2. In light of the political climate of Israel prior to chapter 5, what is the...
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There are times when life looks desperate and we don’t know where to turn. Today, we’ll look at Saul’s sinful act of suicide and see how it was a reflection of a life of disobedience to God. Although the chapter is short and the topic is difficult, this material helps us clarify what life is about. So, please join us for another key study in a key chapter of God’s Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. Think back over what we’ve learned about Saul’s life. What are some principles we can glean from his life? Was his life an example worth following? Why would God not...
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We’ve all had times where we wished God would make His will clearer. Today, we’re looking at 1st Samuel 28 where Saul wanted to know what to do, but sought guidance from a witch. This is a stunning passage that helps us connect the dots on God’s judgment of Saul. Join us in another key study in the Key Chapters of God’s Word! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. What is the overall context of 1st Samuel 28? Where are we at in the timeline of Saul’s life? 2. What was in Saul’s heart in verse 5? How do you think this impacted Saul’s decisions in...
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Although David was anointed by God to be king, his time was anything but easy. Yet today, we’ll see that even when David has an opportunity to take matters into his own hands, he doesn’t. He continues to trust the Lord. Join us as we continue our study of David’s life and his example of a man who trusted the Lord even in adversity. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The podcast mentioned several times the differences in Saul’s purpose as King and David’s purpose in life. What were those differences? Why would the Lord bless one and not the other? 2. ...
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Today we look at one of the most famous events in the entire Bible: David and Goliath. As we look at this familiar passage, we'll see that it has much more to say than simply "conquering the giants in our life". Join us for another key study in the key chapters of the Bible! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. The opening verses of chapter 17 tells us that the Philistines were gathering for battle at Socoh. According to verse 1, where was this city? What does this fact tell us about the Philistine dominance over Israel during this time? 2. The fight between David...
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One of the more unsettling truths we find in the Bible is that God is sovereign over everything, including evil spirits. Today we’ll look at 1 Samuel 16 starting with God’s choice of David to be king, but then we’ll look at His choice to send an evil spirit to Saul. Not for the faint-hearted. Join us! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. What does Samuel’s grieve over Saul tell us about Samuel and his love for the Lord, the Lord’s ways and even Saul himself? 2. What does the Lord say to Samuel in verse 7? What does this tell us about the kind of...
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When God gives a command, sometimes we only half-heartedly obey. Today in our study of 1 Samuel 15, we’ll see that this is exactly what Saul did, and he was condemned for it too! Join us as we look at Saul’s heart and learn how to bring our own into wholehearted submission to God. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. What was the Lord’s command, through Samuel, in verse 3? What reasons did the podcast give for why God would have given a command such as this? How does verse 33 shed light on the Amalekites? 2. What was the outcome of this battle? Did Saul obey...
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Life does not always go according to our schedule. Today we’ll look at an account from King Saul’s life where he took matters into his own hands, and ultimately was lost his kingdom because of it. Join us in a challenging reminder to trust God and wait on Him. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1. How was Saul’s army chosen in verse 2? What kind of pressure with the support on Saul to have victory in these early battles? 2. What was the size of the Philistine army in verse 5? How does this compare to Israel’s army back in verse 2? 3. What were the...
info_outlineLife doesn't always go the way we want; and today as we begin to look at Joseph's life, we'll see that indeed, things didn't start out the way Joseph would have wanted either; but God had sovereign plans for Joseph's life and He was going to use Joseph to save His people. We may not always understand why God is doing what He does; but we know He has good and wise reasons. Join us!
DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:
Genesis 37 1. Joseph grew up without his birth mom because Rachel died in Genesis 35. He had multiple stepmoms, 10 older brothers, and a dad who seemed to be disconnected from the dynamics of his own family. What kind of environment was this for growing up in? What was Joseph’s relationship like with all these people?
2. The study explained Joseph’s robe signified his dignity over his brothers. What kind of animosity did this favoritism produce between Joseph and his brothers? How did the Lord use this division to bring about His will? Has God ever used something seemingly insignificant in your life to change the path you were on?
3. What were the dreams Joseph had and what did they signify? What reaction did this produce between Joseph and his brothers?
4. Although Joseph could have handled his family situation with more delicacy, he was not wrong in telling his brothers about these dreams. Has there been a time when you learned a spiritual principle, but when you told others, they reacted poorly? What can we learn from this?
5. Joseph’s brothers sinned against Joseph, yet we know from Genesis 50:20, that this was part of God’s plan. What does this tell us about God’s sovereign will? Why does God sometimes use sin and sinners to accomplish His purposes?
6. In verse 21, Reuben convinced his brothers not to kill Joseph. How did that decision change history for the children of Israel?
7. Even though Joseph was going through such hardship, he was exactly in God’s will. Does God promise us a life of ease if we are faithful to Him? How is Joseph’s life a reminder for us to trust the Lord no matter what He brings into our lives?
8. The study summarized Joseph’s life from Genesis 37 to 44. How did Joseph respond amid life’s troubles? Where did this strength come from?
9. No doubt, when Joseph was facing the challenges of Genesis 37-44, his life had not worked out the way he had hoped. Ultimately, why did God allow him to go through these sufferings (see also Genesis 45:7, 50:20)? What kind of hope does this give us when we face difficulties in our own life?
10. Thirteen chapters are dedicated to the life of Joseph, with a total content exceeding the content of Abraham’s life by 25 percent. One reason for this might be to help us see the similarities between the life of Joseph and Jesus. How are both of their lives similar? Or to use theological terms, how is Joseph's life a “type” of Jesus? (A type is a theological term referring to something in the Old Testament that foreshadows Jesus).
Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon!
To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org.
Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv
Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819
YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube.
As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com.
Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM.
Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.