Lesson 6: Renewed Promise

A. INTRODUCTION (Genesis 17:1-27)

1. Rebellion. What does the number 13 imply? "Abraham was eighty-six-years-old when Ishmael was born" (16:16 ELT). "When Abraham was ninety-nine-years-old, the Lord the Almighty appeared to him" (17:1).

2. Outside God’s will. What was God’s plan for Ishmael? "As for Sarai . . . I will give you a son by her . . . she shall be a mother of nations" (17:15-17 ELT).

3. Playing with the fruit of flesh. What was Abram doing? "O that Ishmael might live" (17:18).

4. To renew the covenant. What message did God have for Abram when He appeared to him. "I will make (renew) my covenant between Me and you, and will multiply your children exceedingly" (17:2).

5. To include her in the promise. What message did God have about Sarai when He appeared?" "Abraham fell on his face and laughed . . . shall a child be born to him that is an hundred years old? And shall Sarah that is ninety-years-old, bare?" (17:17).

6. El Shaddai. What new revelation about Himself did God give Abram? "I am the Almighty God" (17:1). Almighty means nourisher and comforter, or strong and tender.

7. Father of Many Nations. Why did God change his name from Abram (He Loves His Father) to Abraham?

8. Princess/royalty. Why did God change her name from Sarai to Sarah?

B. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS

1. God’s initiative. When we backslide out of God’s will, He takes the initiative to restore fellowship. God came to Abram.

2. God’s presence leads to fruitfulness. God appeared to reveal Himself to Abraham, then promised fruitfulness. "I will multiply thee exceedingly" (17:2).

3. God’s presence leads to worship. When God appeared to Abraham, "He fell on his face" (17:2).

4. Knowing God will change our life. God gives us knowledge about Himself that will change our worship and the way we live.

5. Our name reflects our life. God changed Abram’s name to reflect his new role and potential in life.

6. God loves symbols. God relates to His people by outward reflections of inner meaning, i.e., circumcision (also see Tabernacle, baptism, etc.).

7. The laugh of faith. "And Abraham fell on his face and laughed" (17:17).

8. The laugh of unbelief. "Sarah laughed within herself, saying ’Shall I bear a child when I am old?’" (18:18 ELT).

9. Hang onto the flesh. Why did Abraham keep pushing the fruit of his flesh onto God? "O that Ishmael might live before thee" (17:18).

10. The power of memory. God told Abraham to name his son Isaac, which means laugher. Abraham would recall his faith every time he called his son’s name, while Sarah would remember her unbelief.

11. You’re never too old. "Abraham was ninety-years-old and nine when he was circumcised" (17:24).

12. Instant obedience. How should we obey God? "God left off talking with him . . . and Abraham took Ishmael, and all . . . and circumcised them in the selfsame day" (17:22,23).

13. Revelation demands a response. God appeared to Abraham and reaffirmed His promise. But Abraham had a responsibility "Thou shalt keep my covenant . . . and thy seed after thee" (17:9).

14. Long range circumstances for acts outside God’s will. The children of Ishmael ("wild horse") still fight with the children of Isaac and Jacob.

*****

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at etowns@elmertowns.com and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.

For Dr. Towns’ home page for books, go to www.elmertowns.com.