From November 16, 2025 Sermon – Genesis 23:1-20

1) The sermon mentions that God’s promise to his people includes a return to our creational vocation of reigning with Christ over the cosmos
(cf. Genesis 1:28ff, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 5:10).  What do you think about this part of God’s promise?  What implications does it have for how you approach life now?

2) The sermon also refers to the “already-but-not-yet” nature of these promises.  Christ reigns now and the promise is ours, but we still feel the “not-yet.”  Where in your life do you feel the “not-yet” right now?  Where do you feel most like an alien, sojourner, or stranger?  Describe why.

3) Why do you think humility is such an important feature of Christian maturity?  What makes humility so difficult to develop?

4) The sermon wondered how it would affect the Church’s public witness if we engaged with the cultural systems of the world as justly as possible, then “took it on the chin” and “turned the other cheek” (i.e. Matthew 38-42) when things went against us.  What do you think would happen if the Church did that?

5) Re-read Philippians 3:20-4:1.  Reflect on how these verses inform this discussion.