God Fulfills His Promises
Abraham trusted God so much as to go without knowing where His path
would lead. Also, he trusted God to do what seemed the impossible: make
Abraham’s descendants into a great nation. God fulfilled this promise in the
birth of Isaac and then later Jacob, through whom the twelve tribes of Israel
were born. Abraham’s descendants did indeed become great nations. More
importantly, however, God promised Abraham that “in you all the families of
the earth shall be blessed.” Through the birth of Christ—direct descendant of
Abraham through Isaac, Jacob, and Judah—God fulfilled this promise as well.
In this way Abraham’s “seed” has indeed blessed all the nations of the earth!2
I.
Reading: Genesis 15
A. Since God is faithful to meet all out needs, we can discern true needs by what God provides.
Read God's comforting words to Abram in v. I (Do you hear Him speak this to you also?) and
state what Abram's need might be. What is your need?
B.
1. The scope of God's promise is gradually being revealed to Abram. He still sees only in
part, but what is his response to the "light" given to him? (vs. 6a)
2. What does the great basic truth in v. 6 and also in Rom. 4:1-8 mean to you?
C. God is now preparing Abram to receive and keep some very important information and to know
that He will do all that He has promised.
1. List each part of the prophecy given in vs. 13-16.
2. Define "covenant."
3. How did God seal His covenant with Abram?
2
Most of this lesson is taken from “The Shepherd’s Love, Lesson #5” available at Kjos Ministries www.crossroads.to
What About God? God’s Promises
5
II.
Reading: Genesis 16
A.
1. Describe Sarah’s faith in and understanding of God's promise of an heir.
2. How did Abram respond to her plan of action, and what were the consequences?
3. As you relate this incidence to your own life, what insight and warning do you gain
concerning your relationships and your power to influence others?
B.
1. God lovingly comes to Hagar in her need. How do you know that He Himself is with her and
speaking to her?
2. (Challenge) Which Person of the Triune God is visibly present with her -the Father, the Son,
or the Holy Spirit.7 (See John 1:18; Col. 1;15; I John 4:12, 14)
III.
Reading: Genesis 17:1-14.
Again God’s promise is enlarged and His covenant revealed more fully.
A. What does Abraham's new name signify? (Read Rev. 2:17 concerning your new name.)
B. Describe the terms of the "everlasting covenant. (See also II Cor. 6:16-18)
C. (Challenge) Read Col 2:9-13 and explain how the covenant of circumcision applies to us who
are Abraham's "children of the promise."
What About God? God’s Promises
6
IV.
Reading: Genesis 17:15-27
A. In vs. 17-18, what is Abraham's attitude toward God's promise of a son?
B. What attribute of God (His character) do you see in His answer to Abraham?
C. How did Abraham then show his obedience and love for God?
V.
Reading: Genesis 18:1-19
A.
Write the beautiful affirmation of God's omnipotence in v. 14a. What does this mean to you, as
you consider the “impossible situations" in your life? How do the words, "at the appointed
time" show you God's perfect way?
B.
What does the awesome statement by our God in v. 17 tell you about the relationship He
desires to have with us? (See also I. Cor. 1:9)
VI.
Reading: Genesis 20.
A.
Here we see a recurring area of weakness in Abraham. What "mistake” does he make?
B.
(Personal) Try to identify with Sarah in her circumstance. Is there a weakness in a person you
love which might in any way jeopardize your comfort and security? Can you trust God in that
situation as Sarah did? (See I Pet. 2:1-23 and 3:1-6)
What About God? God’s Promises
7
C.
Take time now to reflect (meditate) on God's character as seen here. How do you see His
love, His mercy... ?
D.
(Personal) Remember that the same God who was a Shepherd to Abraham and Sarah is your
Father and Lord. Give Him thanks as you write down the peace and comfort you receive from
this wonderful fact.
VII.
Reading: Galatians 3:5-9
A. With your understanding of God’s promise to Abraham, who are the descendents of Abraham
referred to here?
B. Read Psalm 105: 1-11
What About God? God’s Promises
8