Scripture Study with Bibi - Genesis 17:1-14

“God never made a promise that was too good to be true.”  - Dwight L. Moody

Abram was 75 years old when the LORD told him to gather his family and go to Canaan (Genesis 12:1-5). He was 86 years old when Ishmael was born (Genesis 16:15). As our study opens this week, Abram is ninety-nine years old when the LORD appears again.

Some may feel that as they age in years their usefulness and productiveness fades away; that their best years in life are behind them. Abram and his wife Sarai found themselves in such a situation.

We know that Abram had listened to God and practiced faith. But instead of waiting patiently for God, Sarai persuaded him to conceive a child with her Egyptian maid Hagar. As we have seen, the ramifications of this act were many.

God had already made a covenant with Abram (Genesis 15), all he and Sarai had to do was wait in faith for Him to fulfill it. However, oftentimes "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

By conceiving a child with the maid Hagar, Abram unveiled his disbelief. The result was not an heir to Abram's lineage through divine design, but by the flesh instead. Hence, the long delay before God gave Abram and Sarai a child of their own.

Our impatience can cause us to push the limits with God, making us try to go at it ourselves; usually with less than stellar results. Abram and Sarai let their age affect their faith, although one certainly doesn't have to be along in years to stumble.

Abram hadn't heard anything from God since Ishmael's birth. Why the long wait? God had to wait for Abram and Sarai to die to themselves, that is, to rid themselves of depending on the flesh. Only then could God demonstrate His resurrection power in their lives.

Genesis 17 will be divided into two parts. In Genesis 17:1-14, we shall see God firm up His promise to Abram, among other things. Take note of the events here as they will be referred to many times throughout scripture. We will complete the rest of the chapter next time.

Before we start, I encourage everyone to read ahead before answering the questions. I believe it to be most beneficial and will definitely make your study time more instructive and fruitful!

Let's begin with prayer: Dear LORD, as we meet together to learn, grow, and change in study, help us move into a deeper understanding of Your truth. Amen.

Now this week's study...

Years ago there was a television commercial by a certain financial company that declared when they gave advice, people listen. We can apply this same attitude to our relationship with God. When He tells us something, it is imperative that we not only listen, but obey!

1.) After a long delay, the LORD finally speaks to Abram again. When He does He makes an important revelation to Abram for the first time. What was it? What was expected of Abram? What did God say He would do for Abram? (Genesis 17:1-2)

2.) It was Abram's unbelief in God that had caused him problems earlier. Now, God declared His generosity with Abram, which would be far more than only giving him an heir. What did God tell him? (Genesis 17:3-4)

3.) God continues His blessings on Abram, this time Abram is the subject of a special one. What did God do for Abram? What was the significance of it? (Genesis 17:5-6)

4.) Just when you'd think that God's promises to Abraham couldn't get any better, they do! What did God set up with Abraham, and what kind was it? What else did He give to Abraham? What was it that God required from Abraham? (Genesis 17: 7-9)

5.) God also required a sign from Abraham that would always serve as a reminder to him and his descendants. What was this confirming sign? What was its other purpose? (Genesis 17:10-11)

6.) Abraham was provided specific instructions regarding this special sign. What were these instructions? What was the end result of obeying these directives from God? (Genesis 17:12-13)

7.) Naturally, along with the positive there is negative. It is no different in our interactions with God. What happened to those who failed to meet God's specific instructions? (Genesis 17:14)

We have now come to the end of this week's Bible study. Next time we will take a look at the second half of Genesis 17, verses 15-27. There we will discuss the promise of Isaac.

Until then, have a blessed and safe weekend!

Scripture: Philippians 4:19; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 37:4

Prayer: Dear LORD, strengthen me with the hope of my salvation and the many other blessings You provide with Your presence in my life. Amen. 

May you be generously blessed!

Bibi