God’s promises to Abram were numerous.
Genesis 12:1-3 I will make you a great nation
Genesis 15:5 Descendants as numerous as the stars
Genesis 17:1-2 I will multiply you exceedingly.
Why do you suppose that none of these promises are conditional?
Even though Abram demonstrated faith in God (15:6 – Abram believed God and He reckoned it to him as righteousness) what could have happened if God had made His promise of a great name conditional on Abram’s obedience to some command?
Genesis 17:3-8 Name Change
Abraham – Father of a Multitude. Father of Many Nations.
What do these verses say about the covenant? How long is it good for?
What can we learn about the Lord from these verses?
Genesis 17:9-14 God’s direction for Abraham
(Thomas Constable, Soniclight.org) There are three types of signs in the Old Testament. Some signs were proofs that convinced observers of something (e.g., the Egyptian plagues). Others were certain acts that resembled an announced situation (e.g., acted prophecies, Ezekiel 12:1-6). Still others were reminders of something (e.g., the rainbow, circumcision).
Circumcision was a fitting symbol for several reasons.
1. It would have been a frequent reminder to every circumcised male of God's promises involving seed.
2. It involved the cutting off of flesh. The circumcised male was one who repudiated "the flesh" (i.e., the simply physical and natural aspects of life) in favor of trust in Yahweh and His spiritual promises.
3. It resulted in greater cleanliness of life and freedom from the effects of sin (i.e., disease and death).
Genesis 17:15-19
The ratification of this promise was the change of Sarai's name into Sarah (v. 15), the same letter being added to her name that was to Abraham's, and for the same reasons. Sarai signifies my princess, as if her honour were confined to one family only. Sarah signifies a princess--namely, of multitudes, or signifying that from her should come the Messiah the prince, even the prince of the kings of the earth.
Prior to this section do you think Abraham was confused regarding who God would use to fulfill the Promise?
How did Abraham respond to the command to circumcise himself and everyone?
God directed Abraham in a way that He seemed confident that Abraham would obey.
God made promises to Abraham that took time to fulfill, time to understand, and were not what Abraham expected.
As we consider God’s promises, we shouldn’t be too quick to rush to our own conclusion about how and when they might be fulfilled.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Genesis 13 - Brothers
This chapter continues Abram’s story, telling of how he and Lot split up. Today I’d like for us to follow Abrams story and see how God reinforces His promises to Abram.
Read Genesis 13 (Today we will be looking at Abram’s actions, but I want us to also keep in mind that this story is meant to reveal God and His character, not simply provide a human model of action).
According to v2 and v5, what was Abram’s and Lot’s financial situation?
What was the cause of strife between Abram and Lot?
Why did their strife bother Abram?
Abram told Lot to choose the land he wanted and go there.
Do you think Abram’s proposal to solve the problem was radical?
Do you think that Abram’s solution was influenced by what happened in v4?
What causes strife in our families today?
Possible answers: Financial problems, self-centered behavior, external forces.
Lot was Abram’s nephew, but he refers to him as “Brother”. Hebrew word is ach (phonetic awkh)
A primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance. Also translated as kinsman (27 times) or relative (80 times).
Let me suggest that we, in the church family, can run into strife (surprise?).
Here are a few NT ideas on how to deal with strife among family or brothers in Christ:
Matthew 18:15-17 15"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16"But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Galations 6:1-3 1Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Let’s get back to Lot. Lot chose the best looking land based on the fertile ground and fitness for his own personal wealth. We can see what a bad choice this was in hindsight, but given prosperity or struggle, what would you choose?
What are some Biblical principles for making the best choices?
Does the Bible specifically forbid it?
Does the Bible specifically give guidance?
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – God – to Israel. Choose Obedience!
V14-18: God confirms his promise of the land and Abram’s descendants.
Read Genesis 13 (Today we will be looking at Abram’s actions, but I want us to also keep in mind that this story is meant to reveal God and His character, not simply provide a human model of action).
According to v2 and v5, what was Abram’s and Lot’s financial situation?
What was the cause of strife between Abram and Lot?
Why did their strife bother Abram?
Abram told Lot to choose the land he wanted and go there.
Do you think Abram’s proposal to solve the problem was radical?
Do you think that Abram’s solution was influenced by what happened in v4?
What causes strife in our families today?
Possible answers: Financial problems, self-centered behavior, external forces.
Lot was Abram’s nephew, but he refers to him as “Brother”. Hebrew word is ach (phonetic awkh)
A primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance. Also translated as kinsman (27 times) or relative (80 times).
Let me suggest that we, in the church family, can run into strife (surprise?).
Here are a few NT ideas on how to deal with strife among family or brothers in Christ:
Matthew 18:15-17 15"If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16"But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Galations 6:1-3 1Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Let’s get back to Lot. Lot chose the best looking land based on the fertile ground and fitness for his own personal wealth. We can see what a bad choice this was in hindsight, but given prosperity or struggle, what would you choose?
What are some Biblical principles for making the best choices?
Does the Bible specifically forbid it?
Does the Bible specifically give guidance?
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 – God – to Israel. Choose Obedience!
V14-18: God confirms his promise of the land and Abram’s descendants.
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