Faith, Covenant, and Spiritual Victory in Abraham's Journey
Summary
### Summary
In today's session, we delved into Genesis 15, continuing our exploration of the life of Abraham. We began by reflecting on the significance of being a sanctuary for the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and holiness. This theme of sanctity ties into Abraham's journey, where his faith and actions serve as a testament to his relationship with God.
We revisited Abraham's victory over the kings who captured his nephew Lot, highlighting that this was not just a physical battle but a spiritual one. Abraham's triumph was a declaration of God's power and presence, signaling a new divine order. This victory was followed by an encounter with Melchizedek, which underscored the importance of seeking personal understanding and revelation from the Word of God.
In Genesis 15, God reassures Abraham with the words, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your great reward." This promise addresses Abraham's fears and uncertainties, reminding him of God's protection and the ultimate reward of His presence. Despite Abraham's concerns about his lack of an heir, God reaffirms His promise, illustrating it with the stars in the sky to signify the multitude of Abraham's future descendants.
Abraham's faith in God's promise, despite his doubts and the apparent impossibility of the situation, is credited to him as righteousness. This faith is not just in the promise of a son but in the belief that God is the supreme and only true God. This kind of faith is what God desires from us, as it opens the door for His work in our lives.
God's covenant with Abraham is sealed with a symbolic sacrifice, representing cleansing and atonement. This act signifies the depth of Abraham's relationship with God and the sacrifices required to maintain it. The vision that follows reveals a prophetic word spanning generations, detailing the future of Abraham's descendants and their eventual possession of the promised land.
### Key Takeaways
1. Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit: We are called to be sanctuaries for the Holy Spirit, maintaining purity and holiness in our lives. This requires a conscious effort to keep our spiritual temple clean and dedicated to God. Reflect on how you can cultivate an environment that honors the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. [04:49]
2. Spiritual Warfare and Victory: Abraham's victory over the kings was not just a physical triumph but a spiritual declaration of God's power. This reminds us that our battles often have spiritual dimensions, and our victories can serve as testimonies of God's sovereignty. Consider the spiritual implications of your struggles and victories, and how they can glorify God. [07:15]
3. God as Our Shield and Reward: God's reassurance to Abraham, "I am your shield, your great reward," speaks to His role as our protector and the ultimate prize. In times of fear and uncertainty, we can trust that God is our shield, guarding us from harm, and our reward, providing us with His presence and blessings. Reflect on how you can trust God more deeply in your current circumstances. [10:57]
4. Faith Credited as Righteousness: Abraham's faith in God's promise, despite his doubts and the impossibility of the situation, was credited to him as righteousness. This teaches us that true faith is believing in God's word and His nature, even when circumstances seem contrary. Evaluate your faith and consider how you can strengthen it by focusing on God's character and promises. [22:45]
5. Generational Promises and Sacrifice: God's covenant with Abraham involved a prophetic word that spanned generations, emphasizing that His promises often extend beyond our lifetime. The sacrifices Abraham made were symbolic of cleansing and atonement, necessary for a deeper relationship with God. Reflect on the legacy of faith you are building and the sacrifices you are willing to make to draw closer to God. [29:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:49] - Being a Sanctuary for the Holy Spirit
[05:19] - Focus on Abraham's Life
[06:45] - Abraham's Spiritual Warfare
[08:49] - Encounter with Melchizedek
[09:46] - God's Reassurance to Abraham
[10:57] - God as Our Shield and Reward
[12:11] - Abraham's Faith and Questions
[16:20] - God's Promise of a Son
[17:24] - Illustration of the Stars
[22:02] - Faith Credited as Righteousness
[25:14] - God's Covenant and Prophetic Word
[29:33] - Symbolic Sacrifices
[32:24] - Deep Sleep and Revelation
[34:12] - Prophetic Word Spanning Generations
[37:26] - Fire and Covenant
[39:18] - Closing Blessings and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 15:1-6 (NIV)
> "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.' But Abram said, 'Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?' And Abram said, 'You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.' Then the word of the Lord came to him: 'This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.' He took him outside and said, 'Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."
2. Genesis 15:17-18 (NIV)
> "When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, 'To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did God promise Abraham in Genesis 15:1, and why was this significant for Abraham? [09:46]
2. How did Abraham respond to God's promise of an heir, and what was God's reassurance to him? [16:20]
3. What symbolic act did God perform to seal His covenant with Abraham, and what did it signify? [37:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to be our "shield" and "great reward" in the context of Abraham's life and our own lives? [10:57]
2. How does Abraham's faith, despite his doubts and questions, serve as an example for us in our relationship with God? [22:02]
3. What is the significance of the symbolic sacrifices and the vision that followed in Genesis 15, and how do they relate to the concept of atonement and cleansing? [29:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea of being a sanctuary for the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take to maintain purity and holiness in your daily life? [04:49]
2. Consider a recent struggle or victory in your life. How can you view it through a spiritual lens, recognizing God's power and presence in the situation? [07:15]
3. In times of fear and uncertainty, how can you remind yourself that God is your shield and great reward? Share a specific instance where you need to trust God more deeply. [10:57]
4. Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness. How can you strengthen your faith in God's promises, especially when circumstances seem impossible? [22:45]
5. Reflect on the legacy of faith you are building. What sacrifices are you willing to make to draw closer to God and ensure that your faith impacts future generations? [29:33]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and personal revelation from the Word of God, similar to Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek? [08:49]
7. Think about a promise or word from God that you may have forgotten or doubted. How can you revive your faith in that promise and hold on to it despite current challenges? [39:57]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes and lessons from Genesis 15, as discussed in the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Being a Sanctuary for the Holy Spirit
We are called to be sanctuaries for the Holy Spirit, maintaining purity and holiness in our lives. This requires a conscious effort to keep our spiritual temple clean and dedicated to God. Reflect on how you can cultivate an environment that honors the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. The idea of being a sanctuary is not just about avoiding sin but actively creating a space where the Holy Spirit feels welcome and can work freely. This involves daily practices of prayer, reading the Word, and being mindful of our actions and thoughts.
In the life of Abraham, we see a man who, despite his imperfections, sought to live a life that was pleasing to God. His journey was marked by moments of deep faith and obedience, which made him a vessel through which God could work. Similarly, we are encouraged to examine our lives and make the necessary changes to become sanctuaries for the Holy Spirit. This might mean letting go of certain habits, relationships, or mindsets that hinder our spiritual growth. [04:49]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to make your life a more welcoming sanctuary for the Holy Spirit?
Day 2: Spiritual Warfare and Victory
Abraham's victory over the kings was not just a physical triumph but a spiritual declaration of God's power. This reminds us that our battles often have spiritual dimensions, and our victories can serve as testimonies of God's sovereignty. Consider the spiritual implications of your struggles and victories, and how they can glorify God. Abraham's battle to rescue Lot was a significant event that demonstrated God's intervention and power. It was a moment that went beyond the physical realm, showing that God was establishing a new order through Abraham.
In our lives, we face various battles—whether they are emotional, relational, or spiritual. Recognizing that these struggles have a spiritual dimension can change how we approach them. Instead of relying solely on our strength, we can seek God's guidance and power. Our victories, then, become testimonies of His sovereignty and faithfulness. They remind us and those around us that God is actively involved in our lives and that He is the ultimate victor. [07:15]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Think about a current struggle you are facing. How can you invite God into this battle and trust Him for victory?
Day 3: God as Our Shield and Reward
God's reassurance to Abraham, "I am your shield, your great reward," speaks to His role as our protector and the ultimate prize. In times of fear and uncertainty, we can trust that God is our shield, guarding us from harm, and our reward, providing us with His presence and blessings. Reflect on how you can trust God more deeply in your current circumstances. Abraham had many reasons to be fearful and uncertain, especially regarding his future and the promise of an heir. Yet, God reassured him with these powerful words, reminding him that His presence and protection were more valuable than any earthly reward.
In our own lives, we often face situations that cause fear and uncertainty. It is in these moments that we need to remember God's promise to be our shield and reward. Trusting in God's protection means believing that He is actively working to guard us from harm. Trusting in His reward means valuing His presence and blessings above all else. This trust can transform our perspective, giving us peace and confidence even in the midst of challenges. [10:57]
Psalm 18:2 (ESV): "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God as your shield and reward? How can you actively place your trust in Him today?
Day 4: Faith Credited as Righteousness
Abraham's faith in God's promise, despite his doubts and the impossibility of the situation, was credited to him as righteousness. This teaches us that true faith is believing in God's word and His nature, even when circumstances seem contrary. Evaluate your faith and consider how you can strengthen it by focusing on God's character and promises. Abraham's faith was not a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises. Even when he had no tangible evidence that God's promises would come to pass, he chose to believe.
This kind of faith is what God desires from us. It is a faith that looks beyond our current circumstances and trusts in God's character and promises. Strengthening our faith involves immersing ourselves in God's Word, remembering His past faithfulness, and choosing to trust Him even when it is difficult. It is this kind of faith that opens the door for God's work in our lives and is credited to us as righteousness. [22:45]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What promises of God do you need to hold onto more tightly? How can you actively strengthen your faith in His character and promises today?
Day 5: Generational Promises and Sacrifice
God's covenant with Abraham involved a prophetic word that spanned generations, emphasizing that His promises often extend beyond our lifetime. The sacrifices Abraham made were symbolic of cleansing and atonement, necessary for a deeper relationship with God. Reflect on the legacy of faith you are building and the sacrifices you are willing to make to draw closer to God. Abraham's covenant with God was not just about his immediate blessings but about a promise that would impact generations to come. This long-term perspective is crucial for understanding God's work in our lives.
Our faith and actions today can have a lasting impact on future generations. The sacrifices we make, whether they are in terms of time, resources, or personal desires, are part of our commitment to God. These sacrifices are not just about what we give up but about what we gain—a deeper relationship with God and a legacy of faith that can inspire others. Reflecting on this can help us see the bigger picture of God's plan and our role in it. [29:33]
Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV): "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."
Reflection: What legacy of faith are you building for future generations? What sacrifices are you willing to make to deepen your relationship with God today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your great reward. Why would God come and speak to him like that? It's because, yes, Abraham is a human being, and he's experiencing things. This delay, he must be asking himself so many questions. And yet God is saying, Abraham, do not be afraid." [09:46] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I am your shield. Don't ever worry. I am around you. I have you covered. Nothing will touch you. Nothing will affect you. No one will overthrow you. I am your shield. And I believe that's what God is telling you today. That's what God is telling someone today that is worried about what's going on, that is worried about the event that is happening around us, with the circumstances happening around us." [11:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I am your reward. He's not saying, I have a reward for you. He's saying, myself, Jehovah, I am your reward. My presence is your reward. I am with you. I will always be with you. And as much as I am with you, you will never run lost. You will never go into lost. I believe that God is speaking to us today. I am your shield." [13:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith doesn't mean you have to take your brain and throw it in the bin. Faith doesn't mean you have to take your thinking and throw it and flush it in the toilet. No, you have to ask questions. And one thing about our God, he doesn't get offended when you ask questions. He actually enjoys when you ask questions. He actually enjoys when you question him. You're not questioning to doubt him, but you're questioning to get understanding." [15:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I believe God was saying, I'm going to do something with you. That a lot of people are going to question if this is of me. A lot of people are going to question if this is really of God. But the Father said, the time will come when the fruit will come out. And when those fruit comes out, people will realize that this is the work of the Lord." [20:00] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So for Abraham to go and overcome all those people, I mean, for Abraham to go and have victory over all this country, all these kings, it was a spiritual statement. It was in a spiritual realm. It was a declaration. It was something that God was using that to let all those countries, all those territories around where Abraham was staying, to let them know that there's a God in heaven." [07:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So always go back to the word of God and read for yourself so that you can have confirmation and understanding. So verse one, after this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your great reward. I love that. He said, do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your great reward." [09:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So God is saying, I'm gonna give you a son, but not just a son. You are crying for a son, but I'm preparing a nation out of you. I'm preparing an army out of you. I'm preparing a generation that are gonna have dominion over the whole earth. I'm preparing a nation that gonna be so full of, you know, they're gonna be, there's so many of them that you cannot, you're not counting." [17:58] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So Abraham, faith in God. Faith in the fact that God is the most high, is the only God. It's what qualifies him to be a righteous man before God, not his actions. Because, yes, he gets some good actions. But we know how he made some mistakes. We saw how he gave his wife up. You know, somebody almost took his wife away. And we'll see later what he did also. And he still wanted to have a child out of the will of God." [23:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the moment you focus your attention to your ability, that's where our faith just shrinks. Then verse 8. Then Abraham said, Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it? I think that question shook the Lord. And I want you to stay and listen to this. This is deep. This is deep. I think I was when I was going through today, this today. And when God hit me with that understanding, I did some dancing this morning." [26:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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