Faith in God's Promises: The Covenant with Abram
Summary
In the narrative of Genesis 15:7-21, the concept of faith and the assurance of God's promises are central themes. The story begins with Abram, later known as Abraham, who is promised by God that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Despite his advanced age and that of his wife, Sarai, Abram chooses to believe in God's promise, which is credited to him as righteousness.
The passage delves into the intricacies of ancient covenant-making, where God instructs Abram to bring specific animals of prime age, signifying the importance and solemnity of the covenant. In those times, covenants were not merely made; they were "cut," a term that reflects the practice of sacrificing animals and laying their halves opposite each other. The parties involved would then walk between the pieces, symbolizing their commitment to the covenant and the dire consequences of breaking it.
However, in Abram's case, the covenant is unique because it is between a mortal and the divine. As Abram prepares the animals, he spends the day protecting the carcasses from birds of prey, illustrating his diligence and participation in the covenant process. As night falls, Abram falls into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness envelops him. This darkness is not just a physical state but also represents a profound spiritual or psychological experience, often associated with encountering the divine presence.
During this state, God reveals to Abram a vision of the future, where his descendants will endure enslavement and suffering for 400 years. Yet, God also assures Abram that they will eventually be liberated with great possessions. This prophecy extends beyond Abram's lifetime, as he is told he will die peacefully at an old age, and his descendants will return to the promised land after the "iniquity of the Amorite" is complete. This phrase suggests that the Amorites' wrongdoing has not yet reached its full measure, implying a period of grace before divine judgment.
The narrative reaches its climax when a smoking firepot and a blazing torch, representing God's presence, pass between the animal pieces. This act signifies that God alone is committing to fulfill the covenant's terms, emphasizing divine faithfulness. The imagery of fire and smoke is later echoed in the description of God's presence on Mount Sinai, reinforcing the connection between God's presence and the covenant.
The passage concludes with God reiterating the promise of land to Abram's descendants, stretching from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates. This promise is so certain that it is spoken of as already accomplished, even though Abram has yet to have any children. This assurance is likened to the New Testament's depiction of salvation, which is described in past, present, and future tenses, underscoring the certainty of God's promises.
Key Takeaways:
- The distinction between believing in God's promises and understanding how they will be fulfilled is a crucial aspect of faith. Abram's story illustrates that it is not a lack of faith to question the "how" of God's promises, but rather a part of the human experience. The ultimate assurance comes from trusting in God's character and His commitment to fulfill His word. [09:15]
- The ancient practice of cutting a covenant, involving the sacrifice of animals, symbolizes the gravity and binding nature of the agreement. In Abram's unique covenant with God, the divine presence alone moves between the animal pieces, highlighting that God's promises are based on His faithfulness, not human effort or merit. [23:06]
- Visions and deep spiritual experiences, such as the one Abram had, often accompany significant revelations from God. These moments can be both enlightening and terrifying, as they bring individuals into a closer understanding of God's plans and their own place within them. [15:42]
- The concept of God's timing and justice is evident in the prophecy concerning the Amorites. It suggests that there is a divine threshold for sin, after which judgment is enacted. This serves as a reminder of the patience and sovereignty of God, who operates on a timeline beyond human comprehension. [19:45]
- The assurance of God's promises is a theme that transcends the Old Testament and finds resonance in the New Testament's teachings on salvation. Just as Abram's descendants were assured of a promised land, Christians are assured of salvation and eternal life, not because of their own righteousness, but because of God's unwavering promise and grace. [27:18]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 15:7-21
2. Genesis 12:2-3
3. Romans 4:3
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific promise did God make to Abram in Genesis 12:2-3? How does this promise relate to the events in Genesis 15? [00:51]
2. Describe the process of "cutting a covenant" as depicted in Genesis 15:9-10. What was Abram's role in this process? [11:44]
3. What vision did God reveal to Abram during his deep sleep, and what future events did it foreshadow? [18:21]
4. How did God symbolize His presence and commitment to the covenant with Abram? What imagery was used? [21:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Abram's question in Genesis 15:8 ("How may I know that I will possess it?") reveal about the nature of faith and understanding God's promises? [08:37]
2. How does the concept of "cutting a covenant" in Genesis 15 emphasize the seriousness and binding nature of God's promises? What does it signify about God's faithfulness? [12:16]
3. In what ways does the prophecy about Abram's descendants' future suffering and eventual liberation (Genesis 15:13-14) demonstrate God's timing and justice? [19:02]
4. How does the assurance of God's promises to Abram in Genesis 15:18-21 parallel the New Testament teachings on salvation and God's unwavering commitment? [27:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to understand how God would fulfill a promise in your life. How did you navigate that uncertainty, and what did you learn about faith through that experience? [09:15]
2. The practice of "cutting a covenant" involved a significant commitment and a visual representation of the consequences of breaking it. How can you apply this level of commitment and seriousness to your own promises and commitments, especially in your spiritual life? [12:56]
3. Abram experienced a deep spiritual encounter that was both enlightening and terrifying. Have you ever had a profound spiritual experience that changed your perspective or deepened your faith? How did it impact your relationship with God? [15:42]
4. God's prophecy about the Amorites suggests a period of grace before judgment. How does this concept of divine timing and justice influence your understanding of God's patience and sovereignty in your own life and in the world around you? [19:45]
5. The assurance of God's promises to Abram was so certain that it was spoken of as already accomplished. How can you cultivate a similar assurance in God's promises in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties? [27:18]
6. Abram's faith was credited to him as righteousness. How can you actively demonstrate your faith in God's promises in practical ways this week? Consider specific actions or decisions you can make that reflect your trust in God's character and faithfulness. [05:20]
7. The imagery of fire and smoke representing God's presence is powerful. How can you create moments in your daily routine to acknowledge and invite God's presence into your life, especially during times of decision-making or difficulty? [21:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Beyond Understanding
Faith is not merely an acceptance of what we can comprehend; it is a trust in the divine even when the path is unclear. Abram, faced with a promise that seemed impossible by human standards, chose to believe. His faith was not rooted in the evidence before his eyes, but in the One who made the promise. This act of belief, despite his circumstances, was counted to him as righteousness. It is a powerful reminder that faith often requires us to trust in promises that we cannot see being fulfilled in our current reality. It is a surrender to the knowledge that some divine workings are beyond our understanding, yet still within the realm of possibility for God.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on a promise or a hope you have that seems impossible right now. How can you exercise faith like Abraham in this situation, trusting God's character over your understanding? [09:15]
Day 2: The Solemnity of Divine Promises
The ancient ritual of cutting a covenant was a serious and binding agreement, underscored by the sacrifice of animals. This practice highlighted the gravity of the promises made. In the case of Abram, it was God Himself who passed between the animal pieces, signifying that the fulfillment of the promise depended solely on His faithfulness. This unilateral act of commitment from God serves as a profound assurance that His promises are not contingent upon human effort or merit. It is a testament to the unchanging nature of God's word and His sovereign ability to bring His promises to fruition.
"For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself." - Hebrews 6:13 ESV
Reflection: How does understanding that God's promises are based on His faithfulness, rather than your actions, change the way you live out your faith? [23:06]
Day 3: Encountering the Divine in Darkness
Significant encounters with God can often be accompanied by experiences that are both enlightening and terrifying. Abram's deep sleep and the enveloping darkness represent a profound spiritual moment where God reveals future events and His plans. These encounters can be unsettling as they challenge our perceptions and comfort. Yet, they are also moments of revelation that can deepen our understanding of God's sovereignty and our role in His larger narrative.
"The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, 'Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward.'" - Genesis 13:14 ESV
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you experienced a profound spiritual moment that both challenged and deepened your faith? How did it change your perspective on God's plans for you? [15:42]
Day 4: Divine Timing and Justice
The prophecy given to Abram about the future suffering of his descendants and the eventual judgment of the Amorites reveals God's perfect timing and justice. It is a reminder that God's understanding of sin and grace operates on a timeline that is beyond our comprehension. His patience allows for grace periods, but His justice is inevitable. This aspect of God's character is both comforting and sobering, as it assures us of His ultimate control over history and the affairs of humanity.
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." - Galatians 6:7 ESV
Reflection: How does the concept of God's timing in enacting justice affect the way you view current injustices in the world? What role does patience play in your response? [19:45]
Day 5: The Certainty of Salvation
The assurance of God's promises is a theme that spans from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Just as Abram's descendants were promised a land that was certain, Christians are assured of salvation and eternal life through God's grace. This promise is not based on human righteousness but on the steadfast promise and grace of God. It is spoken of in past, present, and future tenses, reflecting the certainty and the already accomplished work of Christ.
"And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life." - 1 John 2:25 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the certainty of your salvation today, knowing that it is a secured promise from God and not based on your own merit? [27:18]
Quotes
1) "God says I've already done it you don't experience it yet but it's as good as done because I have proclaimed it Christian I want you to understand that you can have full assurance that God will keep his promises every last one of them." [28:39] (Download)
2) "What God is saying is this and you need to hear this you need to understand this God is saying I will keep my promises I will be faithful what a beautiful picture of God's faithfulness." [23:06] (Download)
3) "Our Salvation depends solely on God and his character he will save you God has promised it and if God has made you a promise you can believe it with all certainty." [24:36] (Download)
4) "It is not an indication of a lack of faith on your part if you don't know how God's going to keep his promise... all you need to know is that God will you need to believe in the character and the goodness of God." [10:33] (Download)
5) "When God proclaims a matter to be settled it is settled... it is so secure that we can talk about it in the past tense even though it hadn't happened yet." [26:43] (Download)
6) "God always keeps his promises to us sometimes we might end up in in Egypt like Abram did and and find ourselves with circumstances that were not God's plan but nevertheless God keeps his promises to us." [02:12] (Download)
7) "Abram we don't see it in this verse but I believe that Abram somehow senses what's going to happen in the future that these descendants of his will be enslaved these descendants of his will go through the worst of times." [18:21] (Download)
8) "Abram's willingness to take away the blessing that God had given him was the essential proof that Abram truly did believe in what God had promised." [06:41] (Download)
9) "There's a difference between believing that the Lord will do something and understanding how the Lord will do it... the question Abram is asking is how how will you do it." [09:15] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?