GOD’S DESIGN

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

Genesis 1:31 – “Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good!”

1. We are called to leave a legacy.

2 Timothy 1:5-6 – “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.”

2. We are called to sacrifice.

1 Samuel 1:11 – “And she made this vow: ‘O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if You will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to You. He will be Yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut.”

1 Samuel 1:26-28 – “’Sir, do you remember me?’ Hannah asked. ‘I am the very woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and He has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.’ And they worshiped the Lord there.”

3. We are called to consecrate.

Genesis 21:16-18 – “Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. ‘I don’t want to watch the boy die,’ she said, as she burst into tears. But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, ‘Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

Genesis 21:18-20 – “Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants. Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you found yourself measuring successes by the world’s standards instead of Biblical truth?

2. Are there areas God is wanting you to fear Him more and people less?

3. Whether we are old, young, single, married, or parents, we can all leave a legacy behind. Take a minute and think about what kind of legacy you want to leave behind and then share about it.

4. What is something you have sacrificed for your family or for your faith? Was it worth it?

5. Ask the Lord what He is wanting you to consecrate to Him.