More Righteous Than I

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Jun 21, 2026 by: Dale Thiele | Series: Genesis: Foundations for Life Scripture: Genesis 38:1-30

MESSAGE – Rev. Dr. Dale Thiele

Genesis: Foundations for Life

More Righteous Than I 

  • The Sins of Judah
  • The Choices of Tamar
  • The Conversion of Judah  

Questions for Further Study or Group Discussion:

  1. Read Genesis 38:1-30. What catches your attention from this passage? Why?
  2. Why is verse 1 so ominous? What choices is Judah making that lead to more problems?
  3. How should we understand the deaths of Er and Onan? Why would God put them to death (and not Simeon and Levi, cf. chap. 34; or Judah)? Or should we ask, why would God not put me to death?
  4. In what ways does Judah sin against Tamar? Do these sins excuse Tamar from guilt for her dubious actions? Why or why not?
  5. Consider Judah’s responses in verses 24-26. What happens to Judah here? Some commentators call this Judah’s conversion? Why would they do that? What happens here that is necessary for conversion and/or spiritual transformation? 

Memory Verse of the Week:

Matthew 9:13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. (ESV)