The covenant of faith - Genesis 15

Today’s sermon: Genesis 15 “The Covenant of faith”

 

Intro: Constitutional law and Intention

 

         1) God himself is the reward (v1)

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

 

• Sin turned us away from God

 

• God’s intention is to keep calling people close to him

 

What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

Perspective matters: Treasure in a field, car accident, house fire, Job1v21. God is our reward!!!

 

              2) Righteousness is required (v2-11)

 “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited to him as righteousness.”

How can a sinner be so close to God, so confident in his presence?

• Credited righteousness

 

• The blessing of life

 

• A promised home

 

• Sacrificial blood

 

God himself acting to establish the covenant without our input!

         

          3) Trials are built in (v12-21)

Great encouragement for the people of God going through trials and suffering;

“Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and ill-treated there.”

 

• Trials are part of life for God’s people

 

• These trials are to cause us to run to him, depend on him, treasure him

 

Application: Is God the centre of my life? What should I do next?

 

Memory verse: Genesis 15 v 1 AND v6

“Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward…. Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

 

Life Group Questions:  

• Read all of chapter 15. Who is the active agent throughout this chapter? Why does God do so much for his people?
• V1: Is God your reward? In what circumstances and areas of life will this show most clearly? How do we grow in love for God?
• V2-11: How does the different elements around this covenant point to the cross of Christ? Why is this such good news?
• V12-21: Why does God build trials in to the life of his people? Are your trials right now pointing you in on yourself or up to God?