Message Notes

AM BETHANY 13 July 2019
Text: Genesis 17

THE GIVING OF THE COVENANT TO ABRAHAM

1. First mention of the Covenant (Genesis 15:18)

2. Promises given

a) Promise of the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:18)

b) Tribes living in Canaan mentioned

3. No elaboration of the Covenant

MORE ABOUT THE COVENANT

1. God’s revelation

I am Almighty God (El Shaddai) (Genesis 17:1a)

2. Command

a) Walk before Me

b) Be blameless (Genesis 17:1b)

c) The command was to walk worthy of the Lord’s covenant given to him

3. Why was this Command given?

a) Genesis 16 suggests the answer

b) Poor treatment of Hagar

c) Abraham had done nothing to protect Hagar

d) He had allowed his wife to ill-treat Hagar

ELABORATION ABOUT THE COVENANT I

1. Covenant confirmed

Two aspects highlighted:

a) I will make My covenant with you (Genesis 17:2a)

b) I will multiply you exceedingly (Genesis 17:2b)

2. Abraham’s response as God spoke to him

a) He fell on his face (Genesis 17:3)

b) Good and appropriate response:

i) Humility

ii) Consciousness of sinfulness

iii) Great understanding of the Person of God

iv) Greater awareness of the need to be more responsible and accountable