Israel's Patriarch

A Study in Genesis 12-24

A Covenant of Circumcision

Genesis 17:1-27

September 6, 2020

I. THE COVENANT SIGN

• A “delay” of thirteen years has passed since Abram and Sarai had attempted to fulfill God’s promise by their own scheming (Gen. 17:25).
• The sign of God’s covenant is the sign of circumcision for every male under the family household (Gen. 17:10-14).
• The covenant is everlasting. With Abraham first, then his offspring, then all future generations.  The promise of the land is also everlasting (Gen. 17:4, 7-8).

II. THE PROMISE

• Abram and Sarai receive new names. A new day has dawned in their relationship to God (Gen. 17:5, 15).
• Abraham’s faith is being tested. He implores God to use ordinary means by simply blessing Ishmael (Gen. 17:18).

III. THE CALL

• It is God Almighty (El Shaddai) who now appears to Abraham (Gen. 17:1).
• Two sides of one covenant promise are shown. “Fear not” is the call in Gen. 15:1; and “walk before me and be blameless” is the demand in Gen. 17:1.

IV. THE RESPONSE

• Abraham’s response is typical for him. He obeys immediately (Gen. 17:22-26).
• Obedience is always the best course of action in our dealings with God (Deut. 6:3; Josh 1:7; 1 Sam. 15:22; Ps. 119:60; Matt. 28:20).

KNOW: A covenant (and a sign to accompany it) is now firmly established by God with Abraham and his offspring.  This covenant is forever.

DO: Place your hope and trust in God’s promises.  He keeps them forever.

Suggested Reading:

*The Obedience Option: Because God Knows What’s Good for Us  by David Hegg (LifePoint Library #248.4 HEG)

*Waiting on God by Andrew Murray (LifePoint Library #248.32 MUR)