Lesson 2
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
Journey Through God's Word
God Makes a Covenant
Skim Genesis 12-22
1. Read Genesis 12:1-3.a) What was God's command and accompanying promise to Abram?
b) What phrase gives gentiles the hope of blessing?
Carefully read Genesis 15 at least two times.
2. What did Abram believe that God counted it to him as righteousness?
3. To prove to Abram that he would keep his promise (see Abram's question in verse 8) God enters into blood-covenant with him. Verses 9-17 describe the ceremony in which God enters into the most solemn and absolutely binding of covenants with Abram. In your own words, describe this ceremony.
4. a) In the ancient world both parties would have to pass through the animal pieces in order for the covenant to be ratified. Describe what Abram saw pass between the animal pieces.
b) What do you think these represent? For help see Deuteronomy 4:11, Exodus 19:18, 2 Samuel 22:9, Matthew 17:22 and Revelation 1:14-15.
5. What was Abram's part in the cutting of this covenant? (How did he participate in this covenant with God?) Remember verse 6.
6. Read Genesis 16 and summarize the events.
7. What do you think was Abram and Sarah's motivation for taking these actions?
8. Have you ever tried to "help" God? What were the results?
Read Genesis 17
9. Previously God had revealed himself as a shield (15:1). How does he reveal himself to Abram in 17:1? Why do you think he reveals himself this way at this time?
10. What impact will God's revelation of himself as Almighty have on your present circumstance?
11. Using phrases from this passage, in the chart below, tell what God expected from Abram and what God pledged himself to do. Include verse references.
Abraham's Part
God's Part
Read Romans 4
12. Who are the descendants of Abraham? Give verses.
13. Comparing Genesis 17:10-14 with Romans 2:28-29, Philippians 3:3 and Colossians 2:11-13, what is the significance of the sign of circumcision?
14. a) Who performs this circumcision? Give verse.
b) Why is this good news for us who believe? Read Genesis 21-2215. Describe the test God gave to Abraham.
16. Why do you think God gave Abraham such a test as this?
17. From Genesis 22, write phrases (with verses) that show Abraham's faith.
18. Just as Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place from afar, let's look far ahead to John 1:29 to see another "Ram" provided by God. What does John the Baptist say of Jesus in this passage?
19. What future significance would Mount Moriah have? See 2 Chronicles 3:1.
20. Just as Abraham looked ahead in faith to his seed Jesus, so we look back with the same faith. What do 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Titus 2:14 tell us God did for us in providing a sacrificial Ram in our place? How will you respond to Christ's work?
Copyright © 2008, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture Quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001, by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
Journey Through God's Word
God Makes a Covenant
Skim Genesis 12-22
1. Read Genesis 12:1-3.a) What was God's command and accompanying promise to Abram?
b) What phrase gives gentiles the hope of blessing?
Carefully read Genesis 15 at least two times.
2. What did Abram believe that God counted it to him as righteousness?
3. To prove to Abram that he would keep his promise (see Abram's question in verse 8) God enters into blood-covenant with him. Verses 9-17 describe the ceremony in which God enters into the most solemn and absolutely binding of covenants with Abram. In your own words, describe this ceremony.
4. a) In the ancient world both parties would have to pass through the animal pieces in order for the covenant to be ratified. Describe what Abram saw pass between the animal pieces.
b) What do you think these represent? For help see Deuteronomy 4:11, Exodus 19:18, 2 Samuel 22:9, Matthew 17:22 and Revelation 1:14-15.
5. What was Abram's part in the cutting of this covenant? (How did he participate in this covenant with God?) Remember verse 6.
6. Read Genesis 16 and summarize the events.
7. What do you think was Abram and Sarah's motivation for taking these actions?
8. Have you ever tried to "help" God? What were the results?
Read Genesis 17
9. Previously God had revealed himself as a shield (15:1). How does he reveal himself to Abram in 17:1? Why do you think he reveals himself this way at this time?
10. What impact will God's revelation of himself as Almighty have on your present circumstance?
11. Using phrases from this passage, in the chart below, tell what God expected from Abram and what God pledged himself to do. Include verse references.
Abraham's Part
God's Part
Read Romans 4
12. Who are the descendants of Abraham? Give verses.
13. Comparing Genesis 17:10-14 with Romans 2:28-29, Philippians 3:3 and Colossians 2:11-13, what is the significance of the sign of circumcision?
14. a) Who performs this circumcision? Give verse.
b) Why is this good news for us who believe? Read Genesis 21-2215. Describe the test God gave to Abraham.
16. Why do you think God gave Abraham such a test as this?
17. From Genesis 22, write phrases (with verses) that show Abraham's faith.
18. Just as Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place from afar, let's look far ahead to John 1:29 to see another "Ram" provided by God. What does John the Baptist say of Jesus in this passage?
19. What future significance would Mount Moriah have? See 2 Chronicles 3:1.
20. Just as Abraham looked ahead in faith to his seed Jesus, so we look back with the same faith. What do 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Titus 2:14 tell us God did for us in providing a sacrificial Ram in our place? How will you respond to Christ's work?
Copyright © 2008, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture Quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001, by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
