Previous Book Club Readings

    Home of Christians > Previous Book Club Readings

 

“The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” by Watchman Nee

Discussion Questions For Preface & Chapter 1:

Preface – In the preface it talks about God doing a special work in Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.

  1. Why should we learn about Abraham, Isaac & Jacob?
  2. What type of experience/perspective did each one of the characters have?

Chapter 1

Section 1 – This section mentions that the Bible records the history of the Israelites in order to edify ourselves.

  1. What is edify?
  2. What must we acquire in order to become the people of God?

Section 2 – This section talks about two different beginnings in the bible.

  1. What was the first beginning? 2nd beginning?
  2. How is it that A, I & J are the foundations of the nation of Israel?

Section 3 – This section talks about places in the Bible stating that our Lord is the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

  1. What is the significance of this?

Section 4 – This section talks about special experiences in the lives of A, I, & J that shaped the people of God.

  1. God told Isaac, “I am the God of Abraham thy father… I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake. He also said I will bring you in unto the land sworn to A, I, & J; and I will give it to you for a heritage. Ex. 6:8. What does this mean regarding the inheritance of a) The Israelites? b) God’s people?

Section 5 – This section talks about Abraham, whose original name was Abram, which had a similar root Ab.

  1. According to this section, what was Abraham’s important lesson that he passed on to us?
  2. How does this important lesson shape our thinking of how to view God.
Section 6 – We move on to Isaac in this section.
  1. How does the book characterize Isaac and his life?
  2. What is the lesson we learn from Isaac?  How is this lesson tied to the lesson we learn from Abraham?
Section 7 – Lastly, We come to Jacob. Many Christians see that God is the source of everything (Abraham). They also see that everything they have comes through receiving (Isaac). But there is a problem: Many Christians do not receive.  That’s the learning of Jacob.
  1. What is the principle of Jacob?
  2. What is the outstanding characteristic of Jacob’s natural constitution?
  3. What is the lesson we learn form Jacob?
  4. What happened at Peniel?
  5. Why is the event significant?
Conclusion – In conclusion, Abraham shows us that everything is of God; we cannot do anything by ourselves. Isaac shows us that everything comes from God, and our place is to receive. But if we only receive and do not have the discipline of the Holy Spirit, something will go wrong. This is what Jacob shows us.
  1. What are some characteristics of someone whom God has dealt with?
All three experiences are particular experiences, and yet all three are interrelated in their accomplishment. We cannot have just one or two of the three. We have to be clear about all three experiences before we can advance in the way of God.
SUMMARY: 

God said “ I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Ex 3:6) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the beginning of the history of God’s people, and as such, God gave each of these three people particular experiences which together reveal how we experience and understand God as His people.

Section 1: God chooses the Israelites to be His people. He uses the Israelites, and particular men, to edify his people(ie how they became people of God)

Section 2: God’s people had 2 beginnings: one with Abraham because God selected and calling began with Abraham, the other with the beginning with the nation of Israel. A,I & J are the foundation of the nation of Israel, God’s people became HIS people through the experiences of A, I & J.

Section 3: The name of A, I & J are mentioned in the Old Testament and quoted by Jesus in the NT. “I am the God of A, I & J” are also quoted together in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke. These 3 particular names are repeated throughout the Bible, and not others, to highlight that A, I & J occupy a special place in the Bible.

Section 4: The special experiences in the lives of A, I & J shaped the people of God. Their different spiritual experiences typify 3 different kinds of spiritual principles.

Section 5: Abraham’s focus is that he experiences God as the Father. This is an example to us His people, too know that everything is from God, the initiator, the creator. This shows us to rely on the Father and leads us to confess that God is the source of everything, and we cannot do anything apart from the Father.

Section 6: What is the experience of Isaac and what do we learn from him? Isaac is the fulfillment of God’s promise, and the enjoyment of his father’s inheritance. We learn that all that we have, we inherit from the Father. We learn to receive. Salvation is received, victory is received, justification is received sanctification is received, forgiveness and freedom are received.

Section 7: We may understand that the Father initiates everything , and that everything comes through receiving, but we are unable to receive.  We try to do things through our own will, much like Jacob. Jacob used his own will and cleverness to try to get what he wanted.  What we learn through Jacob is his experience and change through the work of the Holy Spirit. God uses the HS to show us our own evil, wicked and conniving ways and to be transformed by the HS.

Section 8 / Conclusion: Abraham shows us everything is of God [the promises of God] we cannot do anything alone. Isaac shows us everything comes from God and our place is to receive [ the enjoyment of God].  We not only need to receive but to have the discipline of the HS, to change our natural life.

Discussion Questions For Chapter 2:

Bible Reading: Heb. 11:8-10; Acts 7:2-5; Gal. 3:8; Gen. 11:31—12:3, 7a; 13:14-17; 14:21-23

THE CALLING OF ABRAHAM – God’s desire was that he would have a group of men called by His Name who are His people. It is not enough to by called by God’s name and outwardly be known as God’s people, unless they see that everything is received , that everything of the natural life has been dealt with and laid aside by God.

  1. Can we be God’s people, a Christian, without receiving? Can we be God’s people without going through difficult things?

ABRAHAM BEING THE BEGINNING OF THE RECOVERY WORK OF GOD – Romans 4 tells us that Abraham is the father of all those who believe (v 17)

  1. What is Adam beginning of and what is Abraham beginning of? Explain.  What about all the “good” people in between (ie: Abel, Enoch, Noah) and how is Abraham different from them?
  2. How was God to accomplish the redemptive work through Abraham?

GOD’S PURPOSE IN CALLING ABRAHAM

  1. God’s purpose in calling Abraham was to recover man from the sinful situation. (reminder of how and when this situation came about?)
  2. In God’s calling of Abraham we see 3 things.
    a) God’s P______.
    b) God’s P____.
    c) God’s P_______________.
  3. In Genesis 12:1, God called Abraham away from 3 things.
    a) His C______.
    b) His K______.
    c) His F_____’s H____.
  4. In Genesis 12:2, God makes multiple promises to Abraham.
    a) I will make thee a G____ N_____.
    b) I will B____ T____.
    c) I will B____ T____ that B____ T____.
    d) But God’s ultimate goal of God’s selection of Abraham was that  I_ T___ S____ A__ F_______ O_ T__ E____ B_ B______.
  5. These verses can be summarized into 3 parts.
    a) Bringing him into the land which God would show him
    b) Making him a great nation that would become God’s people, and
    c) Blessing all the families of the earth through him.
“Unto a Land That I Will Show Thee”
  1. Abraham came from U_ of C______.
  2. His father T____ was also there with him.
  3. What was the general practice there and something that his father also practiced? (Josh. 24:2)
  4. Calling Abraham out of that area positive and negative aspects to Abraham. What were 3 negatives? 2 positives?
  5. What did God want to express in the land of Canaan?
  6. God’s intention is for His people to bring His authority and His will to earth.   What are two ways we can accomplish this?
  7. What are some idols in your life? Has God tried to call you away from these things?

“I Will Make of Thee a Great Nation”

  1. God’s choosing of His people began with Abraham. Salvation would come forth from this one man.
  2. God wanted a people unto Himself.  He will not tolerate any ______.
  3. 2 Kings 18:34-35 What does this tell us about God and His people?
  4. According to this section in the book, God wants to gain a group of people who will confess, “_ _____ __ ___ ___ _ __ ___ ___.”

“In Thee Shall All Families Of The Earth Be Blessed”

  1. God does not bless the nations of the earth directly.  How does He do this?
  2. God fully deposited His G____, P____, and A________ in this man. And through this man dispensed these to all men.
  3. God chooses special specific people for His purpose.  Do you remember a time where God chose you and you obeyed? A time where God chose you and you didn’t obey?
  4. There is a Sunday school song that says father Abraham had many sons, many sons had father Abraham.  What is this referring to? (Gal 3:7)
  5. “All spiritual works are based on the principle of b________, not on the principle of p_________.  What is b_________?
  6. Preaching doctrine alone does not beget sons.  Testifying of his s_________ and … others will touch something real.

GOD’S TWO CALLINGS OF ABRAHAM

  1. What is the first lesson Abraham had to learn? (p.23)
  2. From which passage does it recount God’s first calling of Abraham in Ur?  What happened after God called Abraham in Ur?
  3. How is Abraham’s calling different from Noah’s? (p.25)
  4. Describe the second calling of Abraham in Haran.
  5. Name the significance of this calling.

SUMMARY:

Abraham was the beginning of God’s redemptive work, Jesus is the center and the accomplishment of redemption, and the consummation of redemption is at the end of the millennium at the commencement of the new Heaven and new Earth. God’s redemptive work began with Abraham with a clear calling or purpose. God selected Abraham to 1) bring him into the land which God would show him, 2) make him a great nation that would become God’s people, 3) bless the families of the earth through Abraham.

​Just as God called Abraham, he calls us to be His people. As His people, we will confess, “I belong to God, and I am for Him.” The principle of spiritual work is one of begetting (passing on). God called on Abraham twice, teaching us God speaks to us again and again. We get easily distracted, but He calls on us to remember His ministry and purpose.

Discussion Questions For Chapter 3:

ABRAHAM AND THE LAND OF CANAAN

  1. Abraham’s history can be divided into three sections. What sections are they, and what part of his life do each of them cover?
  2. What can blur our vision of God’s calling?
  3. How do we retain the vision of God’s calling?

ABRAHAM BUILDING AN ALTAR

  1. What are the three places that Abraham built altars in?
  2. Why did God make Abraham do this?

Shechem (Shoulder)—the Place of Strength

  • What aspect of Canaan is displayed in Shechem?
  • What does genuine spiritual knowledge stemming from the power of Christ look like?
  • How does spiritual knowledge change our lives?
  • How do we share this spiritual knowledge with others?

Bethel (the House of God)—the Body of Christ

  • What aspect of Canaan Is displayed in Bethel?
  • What is God’s intention for His people? In other words, what does He hope for His people to create?
  • Why is it important that we don’t have personal liberties? What does that look like?
  • Why is our relationship with the body of Christ something we cannot learn?
  • What does Ai mean? What is the juxtaposition of bethel and Ai supposed to teach us?

Hebron (Fellowship)—the Principle of Fellowship

  • Where there is God’s house, there is fellowship
  • How do we move from the house of God to the fellowship of God?
  • What is something that can be found in fellowship?
  • What happens when a person is able to see, understand, and live out the attributes of the three altars?
  • What does this mean for meetings? What does that look like?

ABRAHAM BEING TRIED

The First Test–_________

  1. What did God want to show Abraham through this trial?
  2. Explain what happened during this test. What did Abraham do to cause God to test him?
  3. Was there a time when God caused something to happen in your life to show that you disobeyed Him?
  4. After his failure in Egypt, Abraham learned one lesson: He realized________________ __________ and knew _________________________________________.

The Second Test–___________________

  1. What caused this second test?
  2. On the one hand, Abraham had to fulfill God’s calling. On the other hand, what did God have to teach Abraham?
  3. What can those who have been called to be the ministers not do?
  4. We must learn the lesson of t_______ of G__ to p_______ that which He has p_______ us. There is no need for us to try to preserve it with e______ m_____ or f______ e_____.
  5. How did Abraham overcome this test?
  6. We have to learn to b_____________, t___________, and b_____________.

The Third Test- _____________________________

  1. What did Abraham do after hearing about what happened to Lot? What does this show us?
  2. Even if our brother has wronged us, we should still ________________________, and we should still p___________ and h____________________.
  3. What happened after the successful rescue of Lot? How did Abraham respond?
  4. What did Abraham show others?
  5. Because a man stood on earth for God, M__________ was able to proclaim God as the p________ of h_____ and e____.

Discussion Questions For Chapter 4:

ABRAHAM AND HIS SON

  1. Nee wrote” The matter of Canaan was settled for Abraham, but from Genesis 15, we see the matter of his son. This does not mean that Canaan is no longer an issue after chapter 15. It only means that the focus is no longer on Canaan, but on the seed.” (page 45) Please give a brief explanation of what he meant.
  2. What principle can you draw from “only heir, and not just any people who reside in the same household can inherit the land.” (Page 47)
  3. How verses 9 -11, 17 in Genesis 15 tell us about the way of the cross? (Page 48)
  4. Nee wrote on page 49 “ You have not failed because you cannot speak, you are not powerful enough, or you are not familiar enough with the Scripture. You have failed because you are the wrong person.” Please explain the principle behind his statement and how it applies to God’s works.
  5. Fill in the blank: “Just as Abraham became a vessel to bring in Isaac, so the __________ is a vessel to bring in the glorious Christ.” (Page.51)
  6. What are the similarities between Abraham and the church (Page 51). Use question 5 as a reference.
  7. What was Abraham’s first test concerning his son? Did he pass or fail? How did he do? (Page 53)
  8. What is the principle we can learn from Abraham’s failure on his first test relating to how God works? (Page 53-56) (Hint: Nee wrote,” We may work in a certain place, labor diligently, and save many souls, but in the final analysis, the number of souls that are saved and the appearance of the work are not important. Whether we have done something by God or by ourselves is what is important” (page 54)).” Please spend more time on discussing this question.
  9. Contrast Hagar/Ishmael and Sarah/Isaac in both Genesis and Galatians 4:21-31. (Page 56-59)
  10. God counted/reckoned Abraham as righteous in Genesis 15:6 and Romans 4:22 (by inference). Are there any differences between the two declarations in relation to Abraham himself?

Discussion Questions For Chapter 5:

ABRAHAM AND HIS SON (2)

Abraham’s Circumcision

1. What will happen to us whenever we act according to the flesh?
2. If we are chosen by God to fulfill His purpose, how should we act?

God Making a Covenant with Abraham

3. What might be the reason why Abraham tried to do things by himself?
4. Explain the difference between God is powerful and God is all-sufficient?
5. What kind of a standing should Abraham and God’s people take before they can become His people?
6. As far as redemption is concerned, we were _____________. As far as life is concerned, we were ___________. But if we are not _________, we will have no part in the testimony of the people of God. What does this mean?

The Meaning of Circumcision

7. What is circumcision? What should be the attitude of those who are circumcised?
8. What will happen if our flesh is not dealt with? What does this mean?
9. What does the flesh try to do?
10. What is the most obvious sign of unchecked flesh? Why is that?
11. What is the mark or characteristic of God’s people?

Abraham’s Circumcision

12. After being dealt by God for so many years, what kind of person did Abraham become?
13. What are the two ways God guides us?
14. God does not want a ______ faith, but a _____ faith. We should not ______ only when things look bright and we have _______ in ourselves. We should believe simply because God ________.

God’s Friend

15. What are the special enjoyment of a Christian who has been following the Lord for many years?
16. Describe how did Abraham have fellowship with God?
17. What knowledge did Abraham acquired from God?
18. How did Abraham exercise his intercessory prayer?
19. What should be the motive of our intercession?

THE SECOND TEST – PRAYING FOR THE HOUSE OF ABIMELECH

20. What was the mistake that Abraham did for the second time?
21. What is the purpose of God in dealing with Abraham?
22. Abraham was standing on the ground of _________ while Sarah was standing on the ground of ________. What does these signifies? Faith and grace can never be separated.
23. Bro. Nee said that God was removing the root that had been planted in Mesopotamia. If this matter had not been taken care of, Isaac could not have been brought forth. How is that the case?
24. What is the difficult thing that Abraham did in this second test?
25. What is the lesson Abraham learned from the second test?
26. What are the two meanings to the name Father? What is the difference?

Discussion Questions For Chapter 6:

ABRAHAM AND HIS SON (3)

The Day Ishmael Was Cast Out 

  1.     Who did Ishmael Represent?
  2.     Why was Ishmael cast out?
  3.     What does being weaned mean?
  4.     The life we have received is a ___ of freedom: we have been____ 

THE THIRD TEST – THE OFFERING OF ISAAC

Abraham Offering Isaac

  1.     What was the test the Lord gave Abraham?
  2.     Why was it such a big price for Abraham to offer Isaac?
  3.     What was the intention of this test?

God Being the Father

  1.     What did Abraham need to be reminded of, now that Isaac was born?
  2.     God does not want us to have a _______ relationship with the things He has given us.
  3.     What do Christians think that their “Isaac” will do?
  4.     What is the difference between when our hands are empty vs. when they are full?
  5.     What is the purpose of experiences?
  6.     What else does Isaac represent?
  7.     What is the lesson in sacrificing Isaac?
  8.     God wants us to realize that we can sacrifice _____but we cannot sacrifice ___, because only ___ is the Father!

God Being the God of Resurrection

  1.     Abraham did not see this as a ________, but rather as _______!
  2.     What did Abraham’s maturity in spirit translate to? What did he relate himself to?

THE COMPLETION OF GOD’S VESSEL

  1.     What is the difference between what is natural and what is of the resurrection?
  2.     What is the greatest misunderstanding that we have about God’s workers?
  3.     What did it take for Abraham to become a vessel?
  4.     What service should we have in order to satisfy Him?

Discussion Questions For Chapter 7:

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ISAAC

  1. What is God after? (p.87)
  2. What does God want us to be? (p. 87)
  3. What is an important principle in the Bible? (p.88)

ISAAC BEING THE SON

  1. How was Abraham a father as far as God’s recovery work is concerned? As far as God’s selection is concerned?  As far as his acts are concerned?
  2. How does Isaac’s history depict the Lord Jesus as the Son?
  3. What kind of experiences did Isaac have that typified the Son?
  4. What is the meaning of God as the Son?
  5. In Abraham we see God’s ________.  In Isaac, we see God’s _______.
  6. What is the one basic problem of many Christians?

TWO THINGS IN ISAAC’S LIFE

Isaac’s Relationship with Abraham

  1. What was Isaac’s relationship with Abraham? What is Isaac’s character?

Isaac’s Relationship with God

  1. What was Isaac’s relationship with God?

EVERYTHING WITH ISAAC BEING RECEIVED

  1. What were Isaac’s characteristics?
  2. What does it mean to know the God of Isaac?
  3. Why must we know the God of Isaac and why must we know the meaning of Isaac?
  4. Romans 7:18 (NIV) says, “for I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”  What’s his problem? and what’s the secret to victory?

OBTAINING VERSUS ATTAINING

  1. What is the difference between obtain and attain?  How do we “get” salvation and victory?
  2. What is the meaning of Isaac?
  3. Since we are the ____, we are also the ____ and are qualified to ____ the possessions of the family.  Since we are ____, we can ____.

WORKING AND ENJOYING

  1. What’s the wrong way of doing things? What’s the right way of doings?
  2. Isaac’s character is to ___ God’s ____.

THREE SPECIFIC EXPERIENCES A CHRISTIAN SHOULD PURSUE

  1. What does it mean to know the God of Isaac? (p. 96)
  2. Why can’t we reach God’s goal by knowing the God of Abraham alone?
  3. What is the work God is doing in Isaac and how is it different from His work in Jacob?
  4. What are the three experiences a Christian should pursue?
  5. How is each experience connected to either Abraham, Isaac or Jacob?

Discussion Questions For Chapter 8:

THE INHERITANCE GOD HAS PREPARED IN CHRIST

  1. Define Biblical Grace
  2. Define Watchman Nee’s definition of Grace
  3. Why is it important for us to be saved by grace and not by the law?
  4. Romans tell us that a  _______ __ ________ by  ________.
  5. Galatians tells us that after a man is _______ by ______, he should go on in _____.
  6. How can we apply these verses to ourselves since we are Christians?
  7. Hence, a _________ should not ______ ____ _______  just for his beginning; he should depend on _________  ____________.
  8. Why is it so important for us to understand that we need to depend on grace continually? What will happen if we haven’t done so? Will the grace disappear? What are the consequences if we don’t depend on grace continually?
  9. What are the characteristics of Isaac?
  10. Why is it important for us to know the characteristics of Isaac?

Two Aspects of Grace

  1. What are the Two Aspects of inheritance that God has given us?
  2. What are the other Two Aspects of God’s joining us to Christ?
  3. Why is it important for us not to confuse the Two Aspects in which God has given us?
  4. “Our being in Christ touches Christ’s work, while Christ being in us touches Christ’s life.” What does this mean to us?
  5. “When we are in Christ, ___________that are in Christ become ours. When Christ is in us, ____________that is in Christ becomes ours. When we are in Christ, everything that Christ has ____________becomes ours. When Christ is in us, everything that Christ can accomplish becomes ours. When we are in Christ, we _______everything that Christ has accomplished. When Christ is in us, we receive everything that Christ is ______. When we are in Christ, all the works that Christ accomplished in the _____ become ours. When Christ is in us, all that Christ is and can do _____ becomes ours.”
  6. What can we learn from this meaningful quote about Christ?
  7. Define Theoretical.
  8. Watchman Nee tells us that “If we only know that we are in Christ, but do not know that Christ is in us, we will be weak and empty, and everything will be theoretical.” Then tells us; “We will fail again and again.” Would you say our life has trials and errors in which we can relate to this quote?
  9. What are the Two Aspects of Grace?
  10. How does these Two Aspects of Grace relate to the Two Aspects of God’s joining and the Inheritance that God has given us?
  11. In the book it states “ We have the Adamic life in us, and we are wicked.” What would the world be like if Adam had not eaten the fruit would we still have Adamic life in us and would we be wicked?
  12. Define Conduct. 
  13. “God’s Word says that we should die in which man’s sins be washed away and the man who sins be put to death. In addition to death, we need a new life. If we want to have a new start before God, we need a new life.” How can we start a new life? What do we need the most? Can we apply the Aspects given to us? Why or why not? 
  14. “When we die, everything is ______. Therefore, we not only need to die, but we also need to _______. But we cannot stop at this point either. ____________ is not enough, and a ___ life is not enough. We still need a new ________. 
  15.  We are sinners, what are the three greatest needs? 

We in Christ

  1. What does the author mean to be ‘In Christ’? In which three aspects?
  2. Can you give a Bible verse to support your answer?
  3. Can you give an analogy to explain this truth (you may use your own experiences or the author’s  )
  4. Therefore we are co-______,co_______ and  co_____with  Christ.
  5. Our being in Christ is an inheritance:- All we have to do is to receive and enjoy it—just like Isaac—Please give some of your experience: the Power, divine nature and Son of God.

Conclusion: But after the one grain died, His all became our all!

Christ in Us

  1. We had just mentioned “We in Christ”. Our past is terminated . What are the other part of our inheritance?
  2. What is the purpose of “Christ is us”?
  3. How can we overcome, be righteous, and holy?
  4. God has given us Christ for only one purpose: Can you quote the Bible verse?

The Means and Not the Goal

  1. Is Galatians 2:20 our Goal to achieve?
  2. What is God’s means?
  3. What’s the meaning of a Christian’s life? How should we live out this life and satisfy God? What’s the way?

A Law

  1. What is the Christian life? What does it mean for Christ to live within us?
  2. How does this law of life operates in us?

A Person          Christ Himself

  1. How is Christ expressed as the Person in our life?
  2. What makes a Christian so special?
  3. How can God find fulfillment of His goal in a Christian”s life?

THE GOD OF ISAAC AND THE GOD OF JACOB

  1. What is the difference in spiritual significance between the God of Isaac & the God of Jacob?
  2. How does the God of Jacob works to complete the work of the God of Isaac in us?

Discussion Questions For Chapter 9:

Chapter 9 Jacob’s Nature and The Discipline He Received

Discussion Questions

  1. The personality and life experiences of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are very different. Which character do you identify yourself with? Is it possible that we find resemblances of all three characters in our own life? 
  2. What is the main theme of Chapter 9?
  3. The history of God’s leading in the life of Jacob can be divided into four sections. What are the four sections?
  4. Can you identify the places Jacob went to and their significance in the attached map?
  5. What is Jacob’s nature? What kind of person was he? What is your general impression about Jacob?
  6. Use the following incidents to describe Jacob’s nature:
    1. While he was in his mother’s womb (see Genesis 25)
    2. The moment when Jacob was born
    3. What does the name Jacob mean?
    4. Jacob bought Esau’s birthright.
  7. Use the following incidents to describe the disciple Jacob received and what we can learn from them?
    1. Jacob fled home to Padan-aram as a result of stealing his brother Esau’s blessing.
    2. What do you discover about Jacob the night he spent in Bethel?
    3. The treatment Jacob received from Laban in Haran.
  8. This chapter shows us that God accomplished His work in Jacob – how God disciplined him, dealt with his natural lids and weakened him, how God caused Christ to be formed in him through the constitution of the Holy Spirit, and how he bore the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Do you see yourself also being worked on just like Jacob?

Discussion Questions For Chapter 10:

THE BREAKING OF JACOB’S NATURAL LIFE

  1. Why was Jacob under God’s continuous discipline?

God Releasing Jacob Back to Canaan

  1. Why didn’t Laban want to let Jacob go?
  2. When Laban and Jacob made a covenant, upon whom did Laban swear upon? Upon whom did Jacob swear upon? Why?
  3. What is the evidence that Jacob’s relationship with God had made some progress since Bethel?

Through Mahanaim

  1. What does the name Mahanaim mean, and why did Jacob choose this name?

Scheming While Praying

  1. What did Jacob do right after he met Laban? Why?
  2. What was Jacob’s “master plan?”
  3. What is different about his schemes this time, compared to the other times?
  4. Was there a time where you both planned and prayed at the same time? What was the result?

THE EXPERIENCE OF PENIEL

  1. What happened at Peniel, and what happened to Jacob?
  2. Do you think that Peniel can happen to us?

God Wrestling with Jacob

  1. Why did God come and wrestle with Jacob?
  2. What does God being unable to prevail over Jacob mean?
  3. Do you think that Jacob could have beaten God at this wrestling? If, not how would it end so that God and Jacob are not wrestling anymore?
  4. Is it possible to not resist God as He deals with our natural life? Is wrestling with God inevitable, or can we surrender willingly? If we can surrender, how do we surrender?

God Touching the Hollow of Jacob’s Thigh

  1. What is a sinew?
  2. What is the significance of the hollow of the thigh being the strongest sinew of the body?
  3. How can we be like Jacob when putting his best ability forward, knowing the sinew of the hollow of the thigh was exposed and revealed?
  4. How do we know that God is exposing our weaknesses and is providing us the solution?

The Necessary Experience of a Christian

  1. How can we identify our Hollow of the thigh?
  2. What is the natural life of a Christian?
  3. Give four examples that were given about how some christians find natural strength
  4. How can we identify our natural strengths?
  5. What is natural life?
  6. How is natural life different from natural strength?

The Meaning of Peniel

  1. Summarize the meaning of Peniel.
  2. What is the seat of your natural strength? OR Give an example of natural strength.
  3. Have you already passed through Peniel? What is your testimony?

No Pretense in Dealing with the Natural Life

  1. Describe the word “pretense” in this context. Give an example of pretense.
  2. How can we be humble when talking about Spiritual things?
  3. Was there a time in your life where you had to pray because you were not sure what this other christian was going to say about spiritual things? If, so why did you have this feeling just to pray?
  4. “Anything that comes from _____ counts, while anything that comes from ___ is worthless. Anything that comes from _________ only makes us someone we are not. Only that which comes from ____ will make us Israel.”

A Sign—Lameness

  1. Summarize the meaning of Lameness
  2. What are the signs of lameness?
  3. Why is Lameness significant in natural life?
  4. To what degree have you been touched by God?

Jacob Laying Hold of God

  1. Interpret this in your own words “This shows that when the hollow of our thigh is touched, we hold on to God the strongest.”
  2. To us, it seems impossible that we can do this, but this is a fact. When our______ is gone, we find ourselves ________ hold of God. The_________ that happens when our ________ is gone is the real ________. Those who _____ hold of God have no need of their own _________.
  3. What does the name of Israel mean?
  4. When we are _______by God, we have truly prevailed and truly lost ______ in ourselves. Whenever we find that we can no longer make it, that is the ______when we have overcome.

Not Knowing God’s Name

  1. Jacob did not ____ the man. He did not ______ when He came and when He left. Jacob only _____ that his own name was to be _________ to Israel; he did not ______ who that person was.
  2. Interpret this in your own words: “Therefore, we should not wait for such an experience to come. If our eyes are set on the experience, we may wait for a few years and still not get it. God does not allow our eyes to be set on our experience; He only allows us to set our eyes on Him. Those who seek for experience will not find it, but those who look to God will find the experience.”
  3. How long did it take for Jacob to become Israel?

THE CONTINUATION OF THE OLD BEHAVIOR

  1. Was Jacob continuing his plan a bad thing, a good thing, or a mix of both?
  2. What changed about Jacob after God touched the hollow of his thigh?
  3. Why did Jacob say that seeing Esau’s face was like seeing the face of God?
  4. How do you face those you have wronged?

Remaining in Shechem

  1. How did Jacob fail here? How did Jacob show signs of progression, despite his failings?
  2. How did God drive Jacob out of Shechem?

Going to Bethel

  1. What did Jacob do in Shechem before making the journey to Bethel?
  2. What is the purpose of Shechem, and what is the significance of Bethel?
  3. What happened in Bethel?

Dwelling in Hebron

  1. If Bethel is where the experience of Peniel was completed, why did Jacob move to Hebron?
  2. What is the importance of fellowship, and why must the flesh be dealt with first?
  3. What does living in fellowship with the Lord and His children look like?

Discussion Questions For Chapter 11:

The Maturity of Jacob

  1. What kind of life events did Jacob experience in each of the following places(p. 153-154)\
    • Shechem
    • Bethel
    • Ephrath
    • Edar
    • Hebron
  2. What are the three stages of Jacob’s history we already completed study?(p.154)
  3. What is the last stage of Jacob’s history we are studying in this chapter? (p.154-155)
  4. Br. Nee gave a few examples of characters showing how they shine in their old age? Please name them and explain. (p. 155)
  5. Quiet Jacob – How was Jacob changed from very active to be quiet? What does it mean to be quiet? Is it easy to remain quiet? Why? (156-157)
  6. Compassionate Jacob – What event did it show Jacob’s compassion, his love and care for the young people? (Gen 37) (P. 158)
  7. Tender Jacob – How did we know Jacob has become a loving, tender-hearted person? Which brother did Joseph want to see when they came back to buy more food? What was Jacob’s response to this request? (Gen 42-43)(P. 159)
  8. Shining Jacob – What was Jacob’s first reaction to hear Joseph was still alive? How did Jacob prepare to go to Egypt to meet Joseph? Why did Jacob pray and ask God regarding the trip to Egypt? What was God’s answer to Jacob’s prayer? What does “Shining” mean? (p. 160-162)
  9. Jacob kept his spiritual standing before Pharaoh – Describe when Jacob was introduced to pharaoh. Compared to Jacob’s formal dealings with his uncle, Laban, what kind of attitude changes did you see from Jacob? What kind of Spiritual Standing did Jacob show? (p. 162-163)
  10. Shine more unto the perfect day – How old was Jacob when he first came to Egypt? How old was Jacob when he died? What did Jacob request his son, Joseph to do for his burial? What does “ leaning on the top of the staff “ mean?(Gen 47:31)(P. 165) When Jacob prayed for Joseph’s two sons, there was a “mix up” in order, same situation as the time when Isaac blessed his two sons. Please describe.(p. 166) How did Jacob pray for Simeon and Levi? Is there a change in Jacob’s understanding when compare to the time when these two sons revenged for their sister, Dinah? (Gen 49:5-7)(p. 167) One big significance after Jacob praying for his sons and passed, is the formation of 12 tribes of Israel.(V 28)
  11. What did we learn about the maturity of Jacob?
  12. What God did through _______________ typifies what God wants to do through the _____________. The commission of the  ______________is to accomplish the work of God’s ______________. The  _______________ is God’s vessel in His ________________ work. (p. 168)
  13. To summarize the three aspects that God wants us to experience:
    • Abraham –
    • Isaac – 
    • Jacob – 

Discussion Questions For Chapter 12:

The Constitution of the Spirit

  1. What does the word “Constitution of the Spirit” mean according to Br. Nee (P. 171)
  2. Partaking of God’s Holiness – For Christians, what is the purpose of life difficulties and trials? (Heb 12:9-10)(P. 172)
  3. For King Hezekiah, which part of his natural life needed God’s discipline? (2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32) (p.172)
  4. Fruit of the Holy Spirit – (Gal 5:22-23) Are these fruits given to us by the Holy Spirit? If not, how do we receive them? (P. 173)
  5. Christ being formed in us – (Gal 4:19) – What did we learn from Peter and Paul? (p. 174)
  6. Forming of precious stones – What do Gold and Silver stand for? How are precious stones formed? What is the process? (1st Cor 3:12, 14) (P. 175)
  7. Summary: God wants to make us His vessels : We must know that the God of
    • Abraham – _____   ____________ are of God
    • Isaac – Everything is for our _________________________and __________________
      • – Everything depends on our being ______    __________ and _______    _______ in us.
    • Jacob – God deals with our ____________   _________ and _____________________ Christ into our being through the  ________________.

Questions to conclude this book study – The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob:

  1. Which part of this book that you enjoy reading the most?
  2. Which part of the experiences of Jacob that you can identify with yourself?
  3. What is one thing new that you did not know before reading this book.
  4. Do you agree with Br. Nee’s explanation about how the Holy Spirit forms our life to be like Christ through various life experiences, consider that this book was written 65 years ago. In another word, are they practical implementation in present day life. If not, why?

References from Br. Watchman Nee’s hymns and related hymns:

  • Hymnary 156 Since long ago in Bethany (Luke 24:50)
  • Hymnary 386 Olives that have known no pressure 
  • Hymnary 417 The experience in Peniel (Gen 32:24-31) (In Chinese only)
  • Hymnary 471 All the way my Savior leads me (Gen 48:15-16)
  • Hymnary 584 Nearer my God to Thee (Gen 28:11-18)

Full details Get Directions

Book your tickets