In Genesis 15:1-21, God makes a promise to Abram in Genesis 12 that leads into a deeper covenant agreement in Genesis 15. This message will explore the themes of covenant, what its significance is for us, and how we can also lean on the promises of God. There must be some attention given to Genesis 15:6 – “So Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” What does it look like to have an enduring faith when you don’t get an immediate blessing?
(Genesis 15:1-21)
Sermon Outline
“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)
When God Commits to Our Protection and Provision (Genesis 15:1)
- In light of the fighting in chapter 14
- God’s promise of His presence and provision
When God Commits to a New People (Genesis 15:2-5)
- In light of the lack of a child
- God’s promise of a flesh and blood heir and future community
When God Commits to Our Future (Genesis 15:7-16)
- In light of the enemies around and unknown future
- God’s promise of deliverance in face of difficulty for Abram and for his descendants
When God Commits Himself to Us (Genesis 15:17-20)
- In light of the covenant requirements
- God’s promise to take responsibility Himself
The Response of Faith (Genesis 15:6)
- Abram’s belief
- God’s justification
The Ultimate Commitment of God (Romans 4:23-5:2)
- We see God’s commitment to Abraham
- We see it ultimately in humanity in Jesus Christ
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When did you experience someone going above and beyond your expectations of how they would support, help or love you?
- This week’s study takes us into a deep exploration of Genesis 15 as we continue the “Faith Life” series at Eastbrook. Ask God to speak to you before reading this chapter of Genesis aloud.
- In Genesis 15:1, God speaks a word of reassurance to Abram. What do you think the significance would be for this reassurance after what transpired in the previous chapter?
- In verses 2-6, we encounter a conversation between God and Abram about how God’s promises will be fulfilled given the fact that Abram and Sarai have no children. It culminates in Abram’s belief and God’s gracious gift to him in verse 6. What stands out to you about both God and Abram in these verses?
- In verses 2-3 and 8, Abram asks God probing questions about what is going on in his life. Do you think it is okay to ask God questions or wrestle with His promises? Why or why not?
- Verses 9-20 are rich with imagery and symbolism that can easily be lost upon us as 21st century people. The act of covenant-making in the ancient near east often involved very physical symbols, here seen in the divided animals, which conveyed responsibility in the agreement. When a party would walk in the midst of these physical symbols, it conveyed their obligation to fulfill the promises at risk of being ripped apart like the physical symbols. What does this tell you about what God is taking upon himself in this covenant-making situation?
- God tells Abram about things that he will never see within his lifetime, such as the enslavement of future generations (15:13-14) and his eventual death in peace (15:15). What does this tell us about God? Also, what might Abram have thought or felt in response to these words from God?
- This chapter reveals just to what extent God will go to sustain Abraham in his life of faith. What is one thing God is speaking to you about your own life of faith? If you are on your own, write it down somewhere so you can think about that during the week. If you are with a group, take some time to discuss this with one another.