El Shaddai

El Shaddai

Genesis 17:1-14

God is all-powerful; He expects us to be all-in.

El Shaddai appears to Abram. (1-2)

Abram humbles himself before God. (3a)

God restates His covenant promises. (3b-8)

God requires obedience from His people. (9-14)

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 17:1-14

1. Read verses 1-2. How old was Abram when God appeared in 17:1? How long had it been since Ishmael was born (see 16:16) and since Abram entered Canaan (12:4)? What does God call himself, and what does this name reveal about God? Considering his circumstances, why would this name be an encouragement to Abram? How can this name be an encouragement to you? What two commands were given to Abram? How do these commands apply to us (see also Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:12)?

2. Read verses 3-8. How did Abram respond when God appeared and spoke to him? Do you respond like this to the presence of God in your life? Why or why not? What are the things that God promised to Abram as part of this covenant? How long will the covenant last, and to whom will it apply? How does this covenant apply to us (see Galatians 3:7-9)? Why does this matter?

3. Read verses 9-14. Beyond walking before God and living a blameless life (vs. 1), what did God require of Abram, his household and his descendants as part of the Abrahamic Covenant? What was the purpose of this action (vs. 17:11)? Does God require us as spiritual children of Abraham to get circumcised now as Christ-followers (see Romans 2:28-19, 1 Corinthians 7:19, Colossians 2:11-12)? How are we now “circumcised” as Christians? Do you live a life of “circumcision” (Deut. 30:5)?

4. So what. What have you been reminded about God from these verses? How will your life, your attitude, your trust, your actions, your thoughts change this week because of what you have reminded about God? How can you grow in how you live set-apart to God in holiness and purity.