Faith in God's Promises Amidst Imperfection and Fear
Summary
In Genesis 15, we find a pivotal moment in the life of Abram, a moment that speaks profoundly about faith and God's promises. Abram, having just experienced a great victory, stands before God with questions and fears. God reassures him with the words, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield for you; your reward will be very great." This encounter highlights the nature of faith and God's faithfulness.
Faith, as demonstrated by Abram, is not about perfection, fearlessness, or having all the answers. Abram was not perfect, he had fears, and he had questions. Yet, his faith was counted as righteousness. This teaches us that faith is about trusting in God despite our imperfections and uncertainties. Abram's faith was not in the promise itself but in the God who made the promise. This distinction is crucial because faith is ultimately about a relationship with God, not just belief in a set of doctrines or outcomes.
God's promise to Abram was not just about a future heir but about a multitude of descendants, as numerous as the stars. This promise was not fulfilled immediately; Abram had to wait, teaching us that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed. God's assurance to Abram, "I am your shield," signifies His protection and provision, reminding us that God's presence is our true security.
The narrative also emphasizes that faith is credited as righteousness. Abram's belief in God was not about earning righteousness through deeds but receiving it through faith. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where faith in Christ is the basis for our righteousness before God. Abram's story foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus Christ, the descendant who brings blessing to all nations.
In essence, faith is about trusting God's character and His promises, even when we cannot see the full picture. It is about leaning on God, knowing that He is faithful and His word is true. As we reflect on Abram's journey, we are reminded to look up, trust in God's promises, and find peace in His presence.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith and Imperfection: Faith does not require perfection. Abram's life shows us that faith is about trusting God despite our flaws and failures. We can have faith even when we fall short, as God's grace meets us in our imperfection. [08:01]
2. Faith Amidst Fear: Faith does not eliminate fear but provides a foundation to trust God in the midst of it. Abram's fear was met with God's assurance, "I am a shield for you," reminding us that God's presence is our true security. [11:24]
3. Faith and Questions: Having faith does not mean we never have questions. Abram questioned God about His promises, and God graciously provided clarity. Our questions can lead us to deeper trust when we bring them to God. [08:52]
4. Faith and God's Timing: God's promises may not be fulfilled immediately, but His timing is perfect. Abram waited years for the promise of a son, teaching us patience and trust in God's perfect plan. [20:12]
5. Faith as Righteousness: Faith is credited as righteousness, not through our deeds but through trust in God. Abram's belief was counted as righteousness, foreshadowing the righteousness we receive through faith in Christ. [30:45]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - The Most Important Verse
[04:30] - Abram's Journey
[06:45] - God's Assurance to Abram
[08:01] - Faith and Imperfection
[08:52] - Faith and Questions
[11:24] - Faith Amidst Fear
[12:56] - God's Promise as a Shield
[16:15] - Abram's Response to God's Promise
[18:20] - God's Plan vs. Human Plans
[20:12] - Waiting on God's Timing
[22:44] - God's Promise of Descendants
[23:46] - Faith and God's Grace
[27:02] - Faith in God's Character
[30:45] - Faith as Righteousness
[34:02] - God's Covenant with Abram
[38:46] - The Question of Faith
[40:21] - The Transformative Power of Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Genesis 15:1-6
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Abram's initial reaction to God's promise in Genesis 15, and how did God respond to his concerns? [08:52]
2. How does the phrase "I am a shield for you" in Genesis 15:1 reflect God's relationship with Abram? [12:56]
3. What does Genesis 15:6 reveal about the nature of Abram's faith and its significance? [23:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Abram's questioning of God in Genesis 15 reflect a deeper level of trust rather than doubt? [08:52]
2. In what ways does the promise of descendants as numerous as the stars challenge Abram's understanding of God's timing and plan? [22:44]
3. How does the concept of faith being credited as righteousness in Genesis 15:6 connect to the New Testament understanding of faith in Christ? [30:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt imperfect or inadequate in your faith. How can Abram's story encourage you to trust in God's grace despite your imperfections? [08:01]
2. Consider a current fear you are facing. How can you apply the assurance of God being your "shield" to find peace and security in His presence? [11:24]
3. Have you ever questioned God's promises or timing in your life? How can you bring those questions to God in a way that deepens your trust in Him? [08:52]
4. What is a promise from God that you are currently waiting on? How can Abram's patience and trust in God's perfect timing inspire you during this waiting period? [20:12]
5. How does understanding faith as a relationship with God, rather than just belief in doctrines, change the way you live out your faith daily? [24:54]
6. In what ways can you lean on God's character and promises when you cannot see the full picture of your life's journey? [23:46]
7. How can you actively remind yourself of God's faithfulness and promises, similar to how Abram was reminded by the stars? [22:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Embraces Imperfection
Faith is not about achieving perfection but about trusting God amidst our flaws and failures. Abram's life exemplifies this truth, as he was not without fear or questions, yet his faith was counted as righteousness. This teaches us that faith is about relying on God's grace, which meets us in our imperfections. We are reminded that our shortcomings do not disqualify us from having faith; instead, they are opportunities to lean on God's strength and mercy. Abram's journey encourages us to trust in God's character and promises, even when we fall short. [08:01]
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate or flawed? How can you invite God's grace into that area today?
Day 2: Faith Confronts Fear with Trust
Faith does not eliminate fear but provides a foundation to trust God amidst it. Abram experienced fear, yet God reassured him with the promise, "I am a shield for you." This assurance highlights that God's presence is our true security, offering protection and provision. Faith allows us to confront our fears by trusting in God's unwavering presence and promises. As we navigate life's uncertainties, we are encouraged to lean on God's strength, knowing that He is our shield and refuge. [11:24]
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a fear you are currently facing. How can you actively place your trust in God as your shield today?
Day 3: Faith Welcomes Questions
Having faith does not mean we never have questions. Abram questioned God about His promises, and God graciously provided clarity. This interaction shows that our questions can lead us to deeper trust when we bring them to God. Faith involves an ongoing dialogue with God, where we seek understanding and assurance. By bringing our questions to Him, we open ourselves to His guidance and wisdom, allowing our faith to grow stronger through the process. [08:52]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is a question or doubt you have about your faith or God's promises? How can you bring this question to God in prayer today?
Day 4: Faith Trusts in God's Timing
God's promises may not be fulfilled immediately, but His timing is perfect. Abram waited years for the promise of a son, teaching us patience and trust in God's perfect plan. This waiting period is an opportunity to deepen our faith and reliance on God's wisdom. We are reminded that God's timing is not our own, and His plans are far greater than we can imagine. As we wait for His promises to unfold, we are encouraged to trust in His sovereignty and goodness. [20:12]
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a promise or desire you are waiting on God to fulfill? How can you practice patience and trust in His timing today?
Day 5: Faith as Righteousness
Faith is credited as righteousness, not through our deeds but through trust in God. Abram's belief was counted as righteousness, foreshadowing the righteousness we receive through faith in Christ. This principle emphasizes that our standing before God is based on faith, not works. We are invited to rest in the assurance that our faith in Christ makes us righteous before God. This understanding frees us from striving for perfection and allows us to live in the grace and love of God. [30:45]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding that faith is credited as righteousness change the way you view your relationship with God? How can you live out this truth today?
Quotes
If I were to ask you this morning, what do you believe is the most important verse in all of the Bible? What do you think? Okay, I heard John 3 .16. That's a great suggestion. God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. What else? Can you think of something else? Maybe somebody would say Romans 6 .23, the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Maybe you would say, I think Genesis 1 verse 1 is the most important verse in the Bible. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. [00:00:00]
And you might be right on all of those, and to be sure there may be others that come to your mind, this morning, I want to talk to you about the most important thing in the world from what might be the most important verse in all the Bible. You have your Bible, turn with me to Genesis chapter 15 as we continue our series, Prototype of a Promise, and we're studying in this second series through the book of Genesis, the life of Abram. We've tried... We've tried to retract Abram's journey. We've seen him from the time when God called him from Ur to Haran to the land of Canaan. Then he made a detour to Egypt where he should not have been, now made his way back. [00:07:14]
And then last week in Genesis chapter 14, we saw how God supernaturally used Abram to win a great battle. Now, when we left off last week at the end of the week, we saw how God used Abram to win a great battle. And in the end of Genesis chapter 14, Abram was offered great riches for his faithfulness, for his rescue of the property and the people of five kings who had been defeated. But Abram refused to have any kind of dealing with the king of Sodom. But now we pick up the story in Genesis chapter 15 as all the other 11 kings have faded away. Now Abram stands. in the presence of the Lord and God speaks note what the scripture says after these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision saying do not fear Abram I am a shield for you your reward will be very great but Abram said Lord God what will you give me since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus Abram also said since you've given me no son one who has been born in my house is my heir then behold the word of the Lord came to him saying this one will not be your heir but one will come from your own body shall be your heir and he took him outside and he said now look toward the heavens and count the stars if you're able to count them and he said to him so shall your descendants be then he believed in the Lord and he credited to him as righteousness now the text begins in Genesis 15 verse 1 after these things well these things referring back to the events of Genesis chapter 14 the great chapter 14 the great victory that God used Abram to bring the rescue of his nephew Lot and all of their possessions all of that has come in the life of Abram to the end of Genesis chapter 14 is sort of summarized in those first three words after these things also suggesting that all of these things have now led to this moment after these things now God spoke the Bible says that God appeared to Abram in a vision now no other explanation is given there those curious among us would like some more information about what does that mean was Abram awake he see something did he hear something it is perhaps the first Theophany of Scripture as God now manifesting himself to Abram both visibly and audibly and the Lord has a message for Abram now I want you to note in these first six verses of Genesis chapter 15 four things occur in the Bible for the very first time we'll see them repeatedly throughout the remainder of Scripture but I want you to note four things that take place for the first time first notice the phrase the word of the Lord came to Abram now that is certainly suggesting some kind of theophany experience as God manifesting tangibly in in in a way that Abram could experience him he could see something he could hear something the word of the Lord came a phrase frequently used throughout Scripture here for the very first time note that next phrase do not fear now we'll see that phrase at least a hundred and eighty times in Scripture do not fear often accompanying some kind of angelic visitation or when God or later in the New Testament when Jesus would come on the scene they would often begin that conversation with the phrase do not fear then you know the next phrase I am a shield to you no doubt describing God's divine protection no doubt a comforting promise for Abram I am a shield for you frequently used especially in the psalmist as a psalm the psalmist calls out God you have been a shield for me first time here but then you note finally in verse 6 the Bible says that Abram believed in the Lord now Abram was not the first person to believe in the Lord this is just the first time we find that phrase and it's something significant something stands out something shocking alarming earth -shattering is taking place there in verse 6 as we see Abram's faith meeting God's grace Abram believed in the Lord that's really what I want to talk about this morning faith. [00:08:01]
What does it mean to believe in the Lord? Well, the first thing I want to suggest to you about faith from Genesis chapter 15 is what faith does not mean. I want you to note, first of all, faith does not mean always being perfect. Abraham was not perfect, which is of great comfort for you and for me, because we're not either. [00:07:17]
Abraham displayed faith in God, but it's not because of anything that was of merit for him. It's not because he was so great or so perfect. You can have faith even though you and I have fallen short of the glory of God. Faith doesn't mean being perfect. Let me tell you a second thing faith does not mean. Faith does not mean you are never afraid. [00:07:45]
That phrase, do not fear, stands out. It is certainly something of an introduction. It is something of an encouragement for Abraham, but it also suggests from the language and the grammar of that phrase that Abraham was. You might even translate that, stop being afraid. You ever have fear in your life? And you think about time in your life when you faced some kind of great fear. Maybe you're facing it right now. Maybe you're facing it right now. Maybe you're facing it right now. Faith doesn't mean you're never afraid. It means we have someone in whom we trust in our fear. [00:08:52]
But I want you to know the third thing faith does not mean. Faith doesn't mean we're always perfect. Faith doesn't mean we're never afraid. And faith doesn't mean we never have questions. Note two times in this text, Abraham has questions. He has a question in verse 2, and then he has a question a little bit later in verse 8. His question, verse 2, Lord God, what will you give me since I am childless in the air of my house as Eliezer of Damascus? God has just said, I'm going to be a great reward for you. And Abram associates reward with offspring. And indeed, most of God's promises to Abram and indeed the core of the covenant of God to Abram depends on him having children. And at this point, he has none. And God said, I'm your reward. So Abram asks, what are you going to give me? I don't have any children. [00:11:24]
And then when you get to verse 8, Abram has a second question. How will I know I will possess? A clarification. Now remember the verse just said, Abram believed in God. So he's not doubting God in verse 8. He's asking for clarification. And God in his graciousness honors that request. So faith, it's not about being perfect. It's not about never being afraid. It's not about never asking questions. So what is faith? That's what I want to talk about this morning. What do we learn about faith? Because here's what I want us to see. If you and I can have this kind of faith, what would it look like in your life? What is faith for you? Well, look what the text says after these things. The word of the Lord, God came to Abram in a vision. God came at a critical time. Abram has just won a decisive victory. But as he has won this decisive victory, now the landscape has changed. He's found perhaps that his life, his family, his possessions are now in jeopardy for perhaps all of these kings that he's just defeated will go back to Mesopotamia, rearm themselves, and come back and attack. [00:12:56]
And God spoke to Abram in a vision. Abram, don't be afraid. What do you think Abram might have been afraid about? The text doesn't say. Could have been that Abram was afraid about his protection. Indeed, that might suggest why God introduces himself as a shield. It might be that Abram was afraid that the enemies might retaliate. It might be that he was afraid as he's now vulnerable. He was afraid to fight when the fight began. He inserted himself in the fight when they took Lot captive. And now Abram could imagine himself to be the enemy of every foreign nation around. Maybe he was afraid that there would be retaliation. Maybe Abram was afraid of how God was going to fulfill his promise. Because at this point, the promise is not fulfilled. It really hasn't even from Abram's perspective begun. He says, I have no son to be fulfilled. I have no offspring. He points it out twice to God, by the way. God could have caught it the first time and already knew it. But Abram points it out twice. He says it in verse 2, repeats himself, says it again in verse 3. I'm childless. Verse 2, verse 3, I have no son. Okay, I don't have offspring. And he points it out two times to God. In fact, almost in a tone of accusation, you have given me no son. I'm waiting on the fulfillment of your promise. God said, Abram, don't be afraid. [00:16:15]
Fear makes us do all kinds of things, sometimes even irrational things. It wasn't very long ago we saw a national experiment, even global, on fear and how fear changes how we think, how fear changes how we think. How fear changes how we respond, how fear changes how we act. And now Abram, who may or may not be weighed down by this fear in his life, hears the word of God saying, Abram, don't be afraid. Why should I not be afraid, God? I am your shield. Now, if Abram is afraid of two things, his protection and perhaps his provision, note the two things that God says in response. I am a shield and you are a shield. Your reward will be great. First, notice, I am a shield. I love how that phrase sounds. It's perhaps even more meaningful in the original because there is a sense in which God is using his own name. I am here foreshadowing of the self -revelation of God to Moses in Exodus chapter 3, when Moses said to the Lord, God, I'm going to Pharaoh, but when I stand up, I'm going to Pharaoh. When I stand before Pharaoh, whom shall I say has sent me? And God said, you tell them I am has sent them, sent you to them. Now God's saying to Abram, I am a shield. [00:18:20]
The shield is the protection. The shield is the provision. The shield is the promise. Now tangibly, think about what a shield is. A shield is something that's in front of me. It's blocking the arrows. It's blocking the enemy attack. The shield goes first. I stand behind the shield because the shield is my protection. If I get away from the shield, what have I done? I've gotten away from the protection. So now God is saying to Abram, Abram, you stand behind me. You stand near me because I'm the protection. I'm the one going first. You go behind me. I'm the protector. the presence, the protection of God. I am a shield for you. Notice God did not say you'll never need a shield. He didn't say there's never going to be any danger in your life, Abram, it's all good. I'm a shield. A shield implies battle. I'm the one who goes out before you. Listen, it's not the absence of fear that brings peace in your life, it's the presence of the Lord. I'm the shield for you. I'm the protector for you. Hear the words of Isaiah in Isaiah 54 verse 17, no weapon formed against you will prosper. There's nothing that the enemy brings to this battle that the shield of the Lord is not all sufficient to defend. I am your shield and I am your great reward. Now depending on your English translation, your verse renders that last part, of verse 1 differently. Some translations say, I am your shield, I am your very great reward. [00:20:12]
Some, like the one I'm using, the New American Standard 2020, I am a shield to you, your reward will be very great. Grammatically it can mean either, textually they both mean pretty much the same. In other words, because I am a shield, your reward is great. So God is saying, I'm not only the shield, I am the basis of whatever reward comes to you. Remember, Abraham just declined a reward from the king of Sodom. Sodom wanted to give Abram some of his wealth, perhaps making Abram dependent on Sodom. Abram said in Genesis 14, I don't want anything to do with you. You and I are done. Our negotiations are over. I don't want any part of Sodom. I don't want any part of you. I don't want any part of you. I don't want any part of Sodom in my life. So he declined that reward in Genesis 14, only to hear God respond in Genesis 15, I am your reward. If there's a reward coming, it comes from me. I'm the source of that reward. I'm the source of your blessing. I'm the source of anything great that comes in your life. What will you give me? Interesting response to God from, Abram. God has just said, Abram, I'm a shield. Your reward's great. To which Abram responds, what exactly are you going to give me? [00:22:44]
Now, Abram is not doubting God. He's not lacking faith. He is merely trying to get an explanation to the thing that God just said about a great reward that's coming. And Abram says, your promise to me involves an offspring, remember when you said in Genesis chapter 13, verse 16, my descendants will be like the dust, the sand on the shore, but I don't even have one. What will you give me? Notice Abram is referring to a custom in that day that when a couple were childless, more specifically when they had no male offspring, it was customary in that day that anyone who might have been born in their house, would become their offspring. So that when Abram died, then everything that belonged to Abram would then be transferred to the air. And in this case, there is a man who is otherwise unknown in scripture, who merely was born in Abram's house first. And Abram says, Eliezer? Is that what you want from me, God? Do you want me to give you Eliezer? Do you want him to be my offspring? In some ways, Abram is saying, Lord, I'm going to try to help you. You have not given me a child. You've not given me a son. So I'm going to take matters into my own hands. And so legally, I'm going to declare Eliezer to be my heir. That allows you, God, to be able to say you've given me an offspring. That allows me to say I have an heir. And God's response to Abram is, I don't really need your help fulfilling my promise. [00:23:46]
Abram two times says, God, I offer this. You've not given me a child. I'm childless. And this guy's my heir. Verse three, since you have given me no son, one born in my house is my heir. It's been 10 years since God promised Abram innumerable offspring. 10 years. It'll be 15 more until Isaac's born. In 25 years, Abram waited. Are you waiting? Maybe God's promised something to you. God's assured something in your life, but it hasn't happened yet. And you're waiting on God. Doesn't mean you're doubting God, but you're wondering what God is doing or when God is going to do something. And you're waiting on God. And you're hoping to do it. And you wish God would do it now. But here's what we learn. God's delay does not necessarily mean his denial. His will and his timing is always perfect. So now Abram, who offers an alternative, notice verse four, is kindly refused. Thank you for your offer. That's not my plan. Nothing against Elohim. Eleazar, that's not God's plan. Look at verse four. Behold, the word of the Lord came to him saying, this man is not your heir, but one will come from your own body who will be your heir. I know you don't have any children, but you're going to. Trust me. [00:27:02]
And that's all the evidence that Abram now has. As long as he has been married, as long as they have been trying to have children, they have not had children. And all he has to tangibly hold on to in the covenant promise of God is God's word. You have my word on it. This is going to be the plan. It's not going to be from your manufacturing. It is going to be my plan, miraculously fulfilled in my time. And to prove it, God grabs Abraham by the hand and he took him outside. Let's go outside. Did you go outside last night? Sky was clear. Venus bright before next to the moon. And you could see the stars, however much light was in your neighborhood. If you could look up, you could see the stars. We've got too many lights in our area, but have you been in an area where it's dark? There are no lights around on a clear night and you look up and you see innumerable stars. God took Abram by the hand and they walked outside. And God said, Abram, look up. See those stars? How many can you count? I can't count them all. That's how many descendants you're going to have. In the same way that you can't count the sand on the seashore and can't count the stars in the heavens, I have promised you you. I've given my word to you. I've declared my message in your life. I have not changed my mind. My promise is sure. I am true to my word. I stand by it. You will have descendants. And if you can count the stars, you can count the number of descendants that you will have. I stand by my word. [00:30:45]
And now we get to the message. In the Lord. And he credited it to him as righteousness. Now I want you to note the collision of Abram's faith and God's grace. Where Abram offers God something and God declares it to be something else. And we learn two things that are monumental truths that Abram needed, but frankly, truths that you and I need. Truth number one, faith is believing in the Lord. Look what the language says. Then he, that's Abram, believed in the Lord. Now, what did Abram believe in? Faith. Because if you can understand that, maybe that's a key to the second part of that verse coming true in your life. If I can understand what is it that Abram believed in, I can apply that to my life. Abram believed in the Lord. Did he believe in the covenant promise of God? Did he believe that he would have descendants? Did he believe that there would be a land? Did he believe that his name would be a blessing? And to be sure, maybe all of those are true. But I want you to note that. And I want you to look more closely at what the text says. He believed in the Lord. It's very clear in the text. It's not just that Abram believed in God's promise. Abram believed in God. Because ultimately, faith is not just believing a doctrine. Faith is believing in a person. Abram believed in the Lord. The Hebrew word there, aman, where we get our English word, amen, by the way, can be rendered to steady oneself by leaning on something sturdy. Abram believed. He leaned on God. [00:34:02]
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