The Almighty God

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PASSAGE: Genesis 17:1-27

COMMENT: God appeared to Abram and identified Himself as the Almighty God. He was not just one of many gods; He is the only Supreme God. The Lord changed the names of Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah to show His power to change their lives and their future. He promised a son to Abraham and Sarah and demanded that Abraham and the men in his household practice circumcision as the token of the covenant. The Almighty God will do a great work in their lives.

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

1.                   When the Lord appeared to Abram, he fell on his ________ and God __________ with him.

2.                   God promised to give Abraham’s seed all the land of __________ for an everlasting ______________.

3.                   Every male child that is __________ days old shall be circumcised.

4.                   Sarah will be blessed and will be a mother of ____________; kings of ___________ shall be of her.

5.                   Sarah shall indeed bear a son and his name shall be called __________.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1.                   A key word in this chapter is the word covenant. Covenant is used 13 times; my covenant is mentioned 9 times; everlasting covenant is mentioned 3 times. The everlasting covenant is mentioned in Genesis 17:7, 13, 19. Carefully read these verses and make a list of the things they say about the everlasting covenant. Why do you think it is called an everlasting covenant?

2.                   Genesis 17:11 states, “And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.” Look up the word token in a dictionary. What does it mean? In what way is the act of circumcision a token of the covenant made with Abraham? [Note: a covenant is an agreement.] What was the token of the covenant God made with Noah in Genesis 9:12-17? What was the covenant God made with Noah?

3.                   According to Genesis 17:20-21, Ishmael (the son of Hagar and Abraham) and his descendants are to be blessed by the Lord but God’s covenant will be established with Isaac (the son of Sarah and Abraham). Read the allegory Paul gives in Galatians 4:22-31. What does this allegory mean according to your understanding?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

1.                   When God appeared to Abram, He declared, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). In Genesis 17:18, Abraham cried out, “O that Ishmael might live before thee!” We already walk and live before the Lord in the sense of Him seeing us. What do these phrases mean? How can they lead me to a more holy and dedicated life?

2.                   Abraham was commanded to circumcise every man child of his house and in future generations (Genesis 17:10-13). This was a physical cutting of the flesh. However, the Bible has numerous references to a spiritual circumcision. Read the following verses: Jeremiah 4:4; 9:26; Acts 7:51; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:11. Consider the overall teaching of these verses and tell in your own words what this spiritual circumcision is. Please note that every one of these verses may not be speaking of exactly the same thing. Now explain how you can apply this spiritual circumcision to your own life and walk with God.

SUGGESTED MEMORY VERSES: Genesis 17:1, 7, 8

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