1. Who has inspired you by making the most of a difficult situation?

2. What kind of dysfunction, if any, existed in your family?

3. What do you think was the key to Joseph’s success?

4. Who in this story do you really feel for?

1. What is the most fascinating part of Jacob’s story to you?

2. What do you think life was like for Rebecca while her son was gone? What was it like for Isaac? How about Esau?

3. Have you ever dealt with someone who reminded you of what you might someday become if you don’t change?

4. What was your most memorable encounter with God?

5. What have you wrestled with in your life?

1. What admirable traits do you see in Jacob in Genesis 25-27?

2. Where did Jacob still need some growth?

3. Why was Isaac so easily conned?

4. Why was Esau so easily conned?

5. What motivated Rebecca in this story?

6. In what areas of your life have you suffered because of choosing short term relief over long term wisdom?

1. When was the last time you found yourself in a trial? What did you learn from the trial? Did anyone encourage you in the midst of your trial? Did that bring you encouragement?

2. Maybe you are in the middle of a trial right now. Would you be willing to share that with the group? Tell them how they can pray specifically for you.

3. Has there been a time in your life where you have really been blessed by God’s grace and forgiveness? Has there been a time in your life when another Christian has shown you the same grace and forgiveness?

4. How has your faith in the Lord changed your life? How has it changed the lives of those around you?

5. Is their any treasures in your life you are holding onto too tightly? What can you do to loosen your grip?

1. What qualities stand out for you in the people who have influenced you the most?

2. What do you think held Lot back the most?

3. How did Abraham respond to the grief he must have felt over Sodom? How does Abraham’s response differ from the typical exhortations we hear for activism?

4. What can you do to become more influential?

1. Why do you suppose God kept talking to Abraham about his future heritage?

2. If God told you that your life isn’t going to be anything special, but that your descendants a thousand years from now will be really successful, how would that make you feel?

3. Has God ever called you to make a big move in your life? Did you do it?

4. What are the most critical moments in your life so far?

1. What is the biggest or most important team or project you have been a part of?

2. Why do you think that God had to step in and separate people?

3. In what areas of your life do you need more space?

4. What is something you have always wanted to try, but it was not practical or you have been too afraid to do?

5. What steps can you take to expand into new territory in your life?

1. When have you experienced the receiving end of violence?

2. Have you ever been baited into getting angry or violent in response to someone else’s anger or violence?

3. Why do you think an all-knowing God could be sorry that He made mankind?

4. Who in your life has shown you grace in the middle of ugliness?

5. What have you created and what are you currently creating?

1. Why do you think Eve ate the forbidden fruit? Why did Adam?

2. What memories do you have of being shamed by someone when you were growing up?

3. How does shame still influence your life? Who do you compare yourself with?

4. Do you still experience a tension between shame and the Gospel?

1. Why do you think God created the world?

2. Who is the most creative person who inspires you? Why are they an inspiration?

3. How do you use creativity in your daily life?

4. Why did God give Adam the rule about not eating from the one tree?