Preparing for Sunday

Covenant Chaos: The Cost of Ignoring God

This Sunday we will wrestle with one of the most disturbing and confronting chapters in Genesis—chapter 34—a passage that shows us what happens when God’s people stop listening to God and begin doing what is right in their own eyes. In a story filled with foolishness, fear, deceit, and vengeance, we will see how covenant life becomes unlivable when obedience is replaced by self-rule. Yet this dark chapter is not meant to leave us in despair; it is meant to drive us to Christ—the One who bore God’s righteous vengeance so that we might live differently. Join us as we trace the downward spiral of Genesis 34 and lift our eyes to the hope of the gospel, where God is no longer silent and His people are empowered to live faithfully by His Word. Soli Deo Gloria! 

Big Idea: When God is ignored, chaos reigns and life becomes unlivable.  

1. Confession ignored

2. Honesty abandoned 

3. Justice perverted 

Preparation Questions: Genesis 34:1-34

1. When are you tempted to manage sin through negotiation or avoidance rather than confession and obedience to God’s Word? What will be the result? 

2. Think of a time when you experienced injustice. Did you trust God to bring true justice, or did you feel compelled to take matters into your own hands? 

3. On what matters has God clearly spoken, but you continue to live contrary to His Word? Based on Genesis 34, what will the outcome be? 

4. How does Christ’s work on the cross equip us to overcome (1) our fears and (2) our desire for vengeance? Try and be specific in applying the power of the gospel to each.