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How long has Abram been in the promised land?
How long has it been since God first made a covenant with Abram?
Nothing is said about this period of time, but we can make some assumptions provided we are careful not to make the scriptures say something they do not. What do you think has been happening in Abram’s household during this time?
How old is Ishmael? What do you think life has been like for him?
Whom do you believe has taken the responsibility to raise him?
God identifies Himself as whom? This is another name for God. What is the name in the Hebrew?
Why do you think God referred to Himself as God Almighty?
After telling Abram that He is God Almighty, what instructions does God give Abram?
What does it mean to you to walk before the LORD?
What does it mean to you to be blameless?
Do these instructions still apply to us today? If so, how can one walk before the LORD and be blameless?
God has already made this covenant with Abram. Why is He “making” it again?
Why do you think Abram fell face down this time?
Read verses 4-8 carefully and list the provisions of God’s covenant with Abram?
What “new” provisions are listed?
As part of the covenant, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham. What does Abram mean? What does Abraham mean?
Why would God change Abram’s name?
Can you think of other instances where God has changed a person’s name? God also tells Abraham that kings will from him. If you were Abraham, what would this mean to you?
God also tells Abraham that He will make nations plural of him. What does this mean?
What does God say about his covenant with Abraham in verse 7?
When does God say about the land He is giving to Abraham in verse 8?
What does it mean to you when God says He will their God?
How could Abraham see that his descendants would keep God’s covenant?
Next, God tells Abraham what covenant he is to keep. What does Abraham have to do to keep God’s covenant?
Look carefully once again at all of God’s responsibility in this covenant compared to what Abraham is to do. Does this seem a little lop-sided?
Is their any way we could ever enter into an “equal” covenant with God? Please explain.
Is there any way, once this was done, to turn back? What is the significance of this?
Just as a sign of a marriage covenant is the ring, circumcision is the sign of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendents. Is it still? Please explain.
God also tells Abraham that he is to circumcise even those bought from a foreigner. What does this mean?
What significance does this hold for us today?
What is to happen to all uncircumcised males?
Can you find out what Sarai means? What Sarah means?
For the first time, God mentions Sarah. What does God say about her?
Which promises do Abraham and Sarah have in common?
Why do you think Abraham laughed?
What was going through Abraham’s mind when he laughed?
Why do you think Abraham is concerned about Ishmael?
Do you think Abraham was asking if Ishmael was the child of promise? Please explain.
What does God say in response to Abraham’s request?
For the first time we hear of Isaac. What does the name “Isaac” mean?
What do we learn about Isaac?
What does God say He will do for Ishmael?
How many rulers will come from Ishmael? What does this number mean to you?
When is Isaac to be born?
What effect do you think this news will have upon Sarah?
Hagar?
Ishmael?
What does this tell us about obedience to the LORD?
What do you think Abraham told Ishmael?
Again, how old is Ishmael when he is circumcised? How old is Abraham?
Why do you think we are told several times that every male, including Abraham and Ishmael, were circumcised? |