GOD IS DEPENDABLE EVEN WHEN WE STRUGGLE WITH UNBELIEF. (Genesis 15:7-21)
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SERMON NOTES:
Dependable
Genesis 15:7-21
GOD IS DEPENDABLE EVEN WHEN WE STRUGGLE WITH UNBELIEF.
Like Abram, we can humbly express our doubts to God. (7-8)
Like Abram, we can anticipate a marvelous future through God. (9-16)
Like Abram, we enjoy a secure, covenant relationship with God. (17-21)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson – Genesis 15:7-21
- Read verses 7-8. Why do you think God reminded Abram about bringing him out of Ur and into Canaan? What do you think this reminder accomplished? How did Abram respond? Notice how Abram addresses God as “Lord God” (in the ESV). Look at two or more other translations to see how this title of God is translated. What does this title teach us about Abram’s heart and relationship to God? Do you ever need to be reminded about who God is and what He has done? Why do you think you need these reminders?
- Read verses 9-11. Take a minute to picture this scene in your mind. What words would you use to describe this scene and what this process must have felt like for Abram?
- Read verses 12-16. What did God predict would happen to Abram’s offspring? Where were Abram’s offspring afflicted for 400 years (see also Exodus 2:23-25)? How was this nation that afflicted Abram’s offspring judged (see Exodus 7-12)? What did God predict would happen to Abram? Are you ever tempted to forget the faithfulness of God when you are in hard seasons of life? How so? What helps you to remember the faithfulness of God in these hard seasons?
- Read verses 17-21. At what time of the day did verses 12-16 happen (see vs. 12)? At what time of the day did verses 17-21 happen? What happened after the sun went down? Why do you think God had a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch pass between the carcasses of animals that were cut in half? What did God formally ratify with this ceremony? What promises did he make? Have these promises ever been fully realized by Israel and the descendants of Abram? How so?
- So what. What characteristics about God are we reminded about in this passage? Take a few moments to really dig and think about all the different characteristics on display in these verses. Which of these characteristics do you need to take to heart and be reminded about in your life?