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Big Idea: God makes a covenant promise to bless the whole world through one family—and the fulfillment ultimately rests on God’s faithfulness, not human performance—while God’s people respond by faith and live as “sojourners” shaped by that promise.
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Key Passages: Genesis 12, 15, 17
- Before You Read
- Read & Observe
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Narrative: Sojourners in the Promised Land
Genesis 12 is a new beginning. Tell the stories of the sojourners, and think about what the covenant is established upon.
- Abraham: the father of faith, who left his homeland (Genesis 12)
- Isaac: the obedient son, a faithful participant in the sacrifice (Genesis 22)
- Jacob: the God-wrestler, who shows the character of “chutzpah” (Genesis 32)
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the significance of God's presence, symbolized by a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch, passing through the cut pieces of the animals during the covenant ratification ceremony (Gen. 15)?
2. The Abrahamic Covenant is renewed with Isaac (Gen. 26) and Jacob (Gen. 28; 35). Is it still one united covenant? What are the common covenantal elements?
Discovery: Abrahamic Covenant: Descendants, Land, and Blessing (Genesis 12; 15; 17)
- Context of Covenant-making:
- Parties of the Covenant:
- Agreements (Commands or Conditions):
- Covenantal Sign:
- Blessings and Curses:
- Breaking or Fulfilling of the Covenant:
- Uniqueness of the Covenant: