Understanding Israel (Part 1) // Genesis 12:1-3 // 01.18.26

In Genesis 12:3, God famously comes to Abram and says, "I will bless those who bless you,I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt." In this study, we'll do our best to address some of the controversial questions surrounding Israel, her identity, her relationship to the Church, and what Jesus and His Word have to say about these matters.SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:- God chose Israel because she was “the fewest of all peoples”. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. What has God had to overpower in your life to bring you to salvation and sanctify you (e.g., stubbornness, wrong beliefs, self-centeredness)?- Why do you think Israel is back in their land today?- Do we, like Israel, experience blessings for faithfulness to God and curses for unfaithfulness to God, or is our relationship with Him different? How? Why?- The Jews in Jesus' day rejected Him as their savior because He didn’t meet their expectations and desires (they wanted a militant deliverer). Are there any wrong expectations Christians sometimes have of Jesus today?- If God knew that Israel was going to be so difficult, why did He choose them to be His nation?