13 May 2018

The LORD Made a Covenant With Abram

The LORD Made a Covenant With Abram
Text: Genesis 15

Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Charles Tan
Chairman:
Student Pastor Jonathan Jacob & Student Pastor Eugene Seow
Series:
I Will Bless You

Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Meaning of a Divine Covenant

a) A treaty between God and His people
b) A sworn oath by God to His people
c) A Promise made by God to His people
d) A Commitment from God to His people

2. The Significance of the Abrahamic Covenant

a) A Covenant given
b) A Covenant sealed
c) A Covenant that is everlasting
d) A Covenant that has far-reaching effects
i) To the nation of Israel
ii) To all the families of the earth
And to the individual believer

THE FEATURES OF THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT

1. The Preamble

a) I am Your shield   (Genesis 15:1a)
b) I am Your exceedingly great reward   (Genesis 15:1b)

2. Abraham’s Concern

a) What will You give me?   (Genesis 15:2)
b) I go childless   (Genesis 15:2)
c) The present “nominated heir”- Eliezer of Damascus   (Genesis 15:2)
d) No offspring had been given by God   (Genesis 15:3)

3. God’s Word to Abraham

a) Clarification about the heir
Eliezer will not be the heir   (Genesis 15:3)
b) Certainty of an heir from Abram
i) He will have a biological heir
ii) There will be countless descendants   (Genesis 15:5)

THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Faith in God
Abram believed in the LORD   (Genesis 15:6)

2. His faith was accounted to him for righteousness   (Genesis 15:6)

THE CONFIRMATION OF THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT

1. In a special worship

a) Abraham’s part
Significance of an offering made
b) God’s part
i) Symbol of a smoking oven
ii) Symbol of a burning torch
c) Significance
i) God’s acceptance
ii) God’s presence made known
iii) God’s power evidenced

2. The Covenant was confirmed   (Genesis 15:18)

This covenant has eternal significance for both Israel and the Gentile world.