The Sign of God’s Covenant with Abram
Genesis 17:1-27
I. Almighty God Establishes His Covenant with Abram (vs. 1-9)
a. Almighty God (El Shaddai) meets with Abram when he is 99 years old. What is the purpose of this meeting?
b. Is the content of God’s promise any different than at times past?
c. What was Abram’s response to God’s appearance?
d. What happens in verse 5 to symbolize the magnitude of God’s covenant with Abram?
e. Does this covenant have an expiration date?
f. Was it going to be enough for just Abraham to keep the covenant or was the command more expansive?
II. Circumcision (vs. 10-14)
a. What outward sign of the covenant would separate Abraham and his male descendants to God?
b. Was the obedience to be circumcised meant to be most significant to people or to God?
c. When were the males to be circumcised?
d. Who among Abraham’s people were to be circumcised?
III. Family Matters (vs. 15-27)
a. What changes for Sarai in verse 15?
b. What promise is affirmed in verse 16?
c. How does Abraham respond to the Lord’s promise?
d. Why does Abraham ask that Ishmael “live before You”?
e. Does God consider Abraham’s request?
f. What accommodation does God make for Ishmael?
g. How does Abraham respond to the covenant’s requirements?
Application: Can we sometimes make decisions and afterward want God to bless actions, relationships, business ventures etc. that are not in God’s will and plan for us?
Who must yield us or God?
