Today’s passage: Genesis 15:1-21
Helpful thoughts:
- God had already compared the descendants of Abraham to the sand or the dust of the earth (Innumerable). Now, the Lord compares the number to the stars in the heavens.
- Abraham believed the promises of God by faith. God counted him as righteous.
- This doesn’t mean Abraham was without sin or that he did everything right.
- Abraham believed God and God declared Abraham as righteous.
- Abraham believed the promises of God by faith. God counted him as righteous.
- Abraham was also told of the slavery the Israelites would endure in Egypt and its duration.
- When Israel came back to the promised land, part of their return would involve pouring out God’s judgment for the sin of the people presently there (Verse 16).
- The ceremony performed in this chapter was not unique (But it was executed uniquely in this instance!).
- God “cut a covenant” with Abraham and because Abraham did not walk through the cut pieces with God, it made the covenant unconditional. God was going to fulfill his promise no matter what.
Questions to consider:
- In what way is verse 1 God’s response to what we read in chapter 14? How did God prove to be Abraham’s shield? How did Abraham evidence his faith in God as his rewarder and greatest reward?
- How does verse 6 help us to understand salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Romans 4)?
- Who counted Abraham as righteous (Who is responsible to make that judgment)? Who guaranteed the fulfillment of the promises? With all this being considered, upon whom should we trust for the assurance of our salvation? Who is the author of the New Covenant? Whose body and blood was given as a sacrifice? Who has promised to complete the work started in you? Why should this give us greater confidence and rest? Why will this result in greater glory and worship?