Walking with Abraham pt. 3

Why did Abram refuse the king of Sodom’s offer to keep the goods Abram won from the battle to free Lot? vs. 23. The king of Sodom saw in Abram a valuable ally after witnessing Abram’s army easily defeated the king’s enemies. He’d be a good guy to have in any future war. King of Sodom attempted to “buy” Abram’s loyalty to him. Make it where Abram would be obligated to serve him in the future. Play on Abram’s sense of honor. Abram was wise enough to refuse the king of Sodom’s offer. What characteristic do you see in Abram? Wisdom.

III. God’s Covenant – Genesis ch. 15

1) Define covenant – a solemn agreement that is binding on all parties. Examples – mortgage, marriage

Read vs. 1-7 – Why does God tell Abram “do not fear … I am your shield”? Abram’s heart is troubled by many things. Fear of other peoples in the land. Example – King of Sodom may have been upset at Abram for refusing his offer. Also Abram was experiencing a crisis of faith. God told Abram to not fear, I will protect you/reward you. How could Abram have faith in that promise when God had yet to fulfill his first promise – offspring/children? Abram asked God, “Where is the child you promised me?” God responded by renewing his covenant with Abram.

2) Genesis 15:1-7; 18-19 – What was God’s covenant with Abram? Offspring, specifically a son who would come from his own body and the land of Canaan.

Homework – count number of times God repeats the covenant to Abraham beginning in Genesis ch. 12

3) Genesis 15:5-6 - What sign did God give Abram to show him that he would have a son from his very own body? Told Abram to look at the stars in the sky and count them. So will be the number of his offspring.

4) Genesis 15:6 – What did Abram do? He believed what God said. Covenant – God makes promise to Abram. In exchange, Abram is to place his faith in God. God will do what He says. What did God do in response? Define “credited/reckoned” – God regarded Abram’s faith as an act of righteousness even though Abram did not do any physical act – no sacrifice, no good work. Simply believed in what he did not see and was sure of his hope that God would give him what he wanted most – a son.

vs. 7-8 – second part of covenant: God will give Abram and his descendants land of Canaan. Abram again questions God. Again, he needs a sign. God provides one. Speaks to Abram in a dream. Prophesies of the Israelite’s slavery in Egypt. After 400 years, God will bring his descendants to the Promised Land. This seems to be an odd and depressing sign to strengthen Abram’s faith. God giving Abram insight into the future of his descendants. Not pretty BUT the outcome will be positive. They will possess the land just as God promised Abram.