The Other Son

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 36:1-43

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The Other Son — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 36:1-43
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 1, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does Moses include this genealogy in Genesis, and why does he put it in this place? What stands out most to you as you read it?
2.   What picture has emerged regarding Esau’s character and mindset in the lead up to our passage? How do the first eight verses of this genealogy correspond to that picture?
3.   How does the writer of Hebrews want Christians to apply the character of Esau to their lives?
4.   In what ways does Esau’s genealogy demonstrate God’s faithfulness to Abraham? How does this encourage us to trust in God today?
5.   Discuss the significance of the words in v. 31, “before any king reigned over the Israelites.” What does this teach us about the Christian life?
6.   How does Genesis 36 anticipate Christ as both Savior and King?

References: Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 25:32-34; 26:34-35; 27:38; Hebrews 12:16; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Chronicles 25:20; Genesis 12:1, 7; 25:1-18; 17:4, 6; Deuteronomy 2:12; Joshua 24:4; Acts 17:26; Numbers 24:17-19..

Back to Bethel

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 35:1-29

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Back to Bethel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 35:1-29
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 25, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Jacob’s story show us the benefit of trials in our lives?
2.   What does this passage teach us about God’s holiness and power?
3.   How does this narrative instruct us in worship?
4.   How are God’s words to Jacob in vv. 10-12 packed with gospel anticipation?
5.   Why does this section serve as a transition within Genesis?
6.   In what ways are we left marveling at God’s faithfulness and grace?

References:Genesis 28:10-22; James 1:2; Genesis 17:1-8; 1:28.

The God of Jacob

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 28:1-22

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The God of Jacob — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 28:1-22
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 9, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are some names of God in the Bible that have most impacted you?  Why do you think God chooses to be known as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
2.  How would you describe Isaac’s mindset at the beginning of chapter 28? How should this affect our attitude towards the past?
3.  What does the image of the ladder communicate to Jacob? How does Christ appropriate this imagery in John 1:51?
4.  How does this passage increase our understanding of the role of angels in our lives?
5.  What are the major elements of God’s promise to Jacob? How have we seen these promises play out in the lives of Abraham and Isaac?
6.  Discuss Jacob’s response. Would you characterize it as one of faith?

References: Genesis 16:13; 17:1; 22:14; 26:24; Exodus 3:15; Acts 3:13; Psalm 46:7; 75:9; 81:1; Isaiah 2:3; 2 Samuel 23:1; Genesis 27:33; 17:1; 12:2; 1:28; 24:7; Hebrews 1:14; Jude 24; John 1:51.

The Next Recipient Of The Blessing

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 26:34-27:46

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The Next Recipient of the Blessing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:34 - 27:46
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 2, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Discuss how Rebekah and Jacob carried out their deception. How would you characterize the sins of each, and how have you seen these same sins play out in your life?
2.  In what sense did the actions of Rebekah and Jacob derive from faith?
3.  What does this passage suggest about Isaac’s mindset? How have you experienced the blinding effect of your own passions and preferences?
4.  How does this passage fill out our view of Esau as an earthly-minded man? What clues are there that he cares little for God’s promises to Abraham?
5.  What consequences do Rebekah and Jacob have to face as a result of their deceitful act? What does this teach us about our choices?
6.  How does this story remind us that there is only one Hero and there will be no “greats” in heaven?

References: Genesis 25:23, 34; Numbers 24:9; Hebrews 12:16-17; Genesis 4:19; Psalm 51.

Like Father, Like Son, Part 2

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 26:12-33

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Like Father, Like Son, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:12-33
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 26, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.      What does it look like to live as though God is actively involved in our everyday lives?
2.      Discuss the extent of Isaac’s prosperity in this passage. How should Christians think about prosperity with respect to this life and the life to come?
3.      What negative effect can earthly blessings have on our lives? How does God protect us from this?
4.      How have you seen God remove your fears by means of his Word?
5.      What does Isaac’s response both to the conflict and to the provisions teach us about the life of faith?
6.      What does it mean to say that making peace is the way of the Lord? How should this effect the way we relate to others?

References: Genesis 12:2-3, 10-20; Exodus 1:7, 9; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; Romans 8:18, 32; Genesis 21:25; Isaiah 26:3; James 1:17; Genesis 21:22-34.

Like Father, Like Son, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 26:1-11

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Like Father, Like Son, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:1-11
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 19, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are the priceless treasures of friendship with God that were discussed in the sermon? How do we experience these in the Christian life?
2.  Where do we see Isaac’s faith, and how does it reflect that of his father? What does this brief description teach us about the nature of faith?
3.  Where do we see “generational folly” in this passage? How should this affect our parenting?
4.  How would you describe the various facets of Isaac’s sin in this passage?
5.  How does Isaac’s frailty point us to God’s grace in and through Christ?

References: Isaiah 41:8; 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23; Galatians 3:29; John 15:14-15; Hebrews 1:2; 1 John 1:1; Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Peter 1:4; James 2:21-22; Deuteronomy 11:1; Genesis 12; 20.

The Next Generation, Part 2

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 25:19-34

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The Next Generation, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:19-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 12, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How does the description of Jacob in v. 27 align him with Abraham and Isaac? What does the description of Esau tell us? 
2.  How would you characterize Isaac’s favoritism? Why is this so destructive in a family?
3.  How can you fight against favoritism in your relationship with your kids?
4.  What does the conversation between Jacob and Esau reveal about the character of each man? In light of v. 34, how does the author want us to contrast Jacob and Esau?
5.  Discuss Esau’s sin. Why does the writer of Hebrews point to Esau to reinforce his charge not to be “sexually immoral or unholy”?
6.  How are we tempted to trade the eternal for the momentary? Why is Christ the only answer?

References: Genesis 4:20; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 11; 12:16-17.

The Next Generation, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 25:19-34

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The Next Generation, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:19-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 5, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do Old Testament narratives help us build our view of God? What would it look like for you to devote more time to meditating on God’s attributes?
2.   How does Rebekah’s barrenness point us backwards and forwards in the story of Genesis? What does it highlight about God’s character?
3.   What does it mean to say that the life of faith is one of relinquishing control and overturning pride?
4.   Where do you tend to turn when problems arise in your life? How does this narrative direct us to a life of prayer?
5.   How does this passage illustrate the doctrine of election? What has been your understanding of election, and how does this passage help?
6.   How do the battle in the womb and the circumstances of the birth anticipate later developments in the story of Jacob and Esau?

References: Genesis 35:29; Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 8:1; Exodus 2:24; Genesis 20:17-18; Romans 9:10-13, 16; Malachi 1:2-3; Ephesians 1:4-5; Acts 13:48; Genesis 27:36.

A Finale of Faithfulness

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 25:1-18

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A Finale Of Faith — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:1-18
Sermon Series: Genesis
April 28, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Discuss the many ways we’ve seen God’s faithfulness demonstrated in the story of Abraham. What has stood out the most to you?
2.  How do the many earthly nations that came from Abraham point to us?
3.  How is Isaac contrasted with the other sons of Abraham in this passage? What does that tell us about God’s plan?
4.  How has the theme of the Seed, as it has played out so far, deepened your faith in Christ?
5.  How does Abraham’s burial show God’s faithfulness to the land promises? What does it say about Abraham’s faith?
6.  What does it mean to say that Abraham’s inheritance is our inheritance, that his story is our story?

References: Genesis 12:4; 24:27; 17:4-6, 20; Romans 4:20-21; Revelation 7:9-10; Genesis 3:15; 21:12; 22:17-18; 35:28-29; 15:15; 23:17; 12:1, 7; 13:14-15; Luke 16:22; Matthew 22:32; 5:5; 8:11; Hebrews 11:13; Revelation 21:1-4.

Isaac's Bride

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 24:1-67

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Isaac’s Bride — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 24:1-67
Sermon Series: Genesis
April 7, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are some of the benefits of studying the lives of the patriarchs?
2.  How would you summarize Abraham’s wishes for his son? What are his reasons?
3.  What does the success of Abraham’s servant teach us about God’s character? How does the servant draw attention to these attributes in his prayer and speech?
4.  Why is this servant such a helpful illustration of how we are to serve Christ?
5.  How would you describe the relationship between prayer, providence, and praise in this narrative?
6.  How does this story demonstrate God’s sovereignty over human history and human hearts?
7.  How is Rebekah’s character and role portrayed? How do these things move the reader forward in Genesis?

References: Genesis 12:2; Acts 7:8; Romans 4:11; 9:5; Genesis 15:15; 9:25.

The Climactic Test, Part 2

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 22:1-24

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The Climactic Test, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 22:1-24
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 24, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What have we learned about God’s character from this story before we even get his response to Abraham’s obedience?
2.  Why is this the only fitting test for Abraham? What is the relationship here between faith and obedience, and why is it so important that we get this right in the Christian life?
3.  How does God affirm Abraham? In what ways have you seen God give affirmation and assurance in your life?
4.  How does this story picture Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God?
5.  Why does God make an oath? How does this text show his trustworthiness?
6.  How does the genealogy at the end of the chapter point us both forward and backwards in the book of Genesis?

References: Genesis 21:12; Hebrews 11:19; Proverbs 8:13; 9:10; Job 1:1; 1 Peter 1:7; Matthew 3:17; John 3:16; Romans 8:32; Isaiah 53:7, 10; John 1:29; 18:12; 19:17-18; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6, 9; Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 6:13-20; Genesis 11:26-32; 21:33.

The Climactic Test, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 22:1-24

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The Climactic Test, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 22:1-24
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 17, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Why does this weighty test come at this particular time in Abraham’s life? What does this imply about how God tests us?
2.  What do the opening verses suggest about the relationship between God and Abraham? Why is this so important for understanding Abraham’s response?
3.  What does it mean to say that Isaac represents Abraham’s heart and hope?
4.  In what ways do we see Abraham’s obedience? How do his words show what is going on in his heart?
5.  How does this narrative help us to trust God during times of much confusion?
6.  What does it mean to say that Abraham valued the Giver over the gift and that the Word was supreme over his will? What does this look like in our lives?
7.  How do we explain the incredible strength of Abraham’s character depicted in this passage, and what does that suggest about our own lives? How does it show the glory of God’s grace through the work of Christ?

References: Genesis 12:1; 2 Chronicles 3:1; Deuteronomy 8:2, 16; Genesis 21:12; Hebrews 11:19; James 2:18-24.

The Two Sons, Part 2

Genesis 21:8-21

8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

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The Two Sons, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Series: Genesis
24 February 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Discuss how God meets his people, keeps his promises, accomplishes his purposes, and establishes his praise in and through Jesus Christ.
2.  How do we see Sarah’s sin and God’s sovereignty in this passage?
3.  Where do we see God’s grace in how he relates to Abraham in particular?
4.  How are faith and obedience linked together in Abraham’s response to God?
5.  Why did God separate Ishmael from Isaac?  What does this have to do with our salvation?
6.  Discuss Paul’s use of this passage in Galatians 4.  What is he trying to teach his readers?
7.  What does God’s care for Ishmael teach us about his character?

References:Matthew 1:23; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Galatians 4:4; Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:12; Genesis 16; Galatians 4:21-31.

The Two Sons, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 21:1-21

1 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” 7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

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The Two Sons, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 21:1-21
17 February 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How does the birth of Isaac mark both the beginning and the continuation of the line to Christ?
2.  In what ways has God clarified and confirmed his promises to Abraham between chapters 12 and 21?
3.  How do these verses encourage us to put theology at the center of the church? Why might some be uncomfortable with saying that the church is about theology?
4.  How do vv. 1-2 teach us that God meets his people, keeps his promises, and accomplishes his purposes? In what ways are these truths foundational throughout the Bible and in the Christian life?
5.  How does this passage show us that God does everything for his glory? How does he establish his praise in our lives?

References: Genesis 12:1-3, 7; 15:2, 4; 16:1-2; 17:16-21; Titus 1:1-2; Exodus 4:31; Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 14:27; 46:9-10.

Abraham's Three Visitors, Part 1

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 18:1-15

1And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

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Abraham’s Three Visitors, Part 1
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 18:1-15
13 January 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do we see the outworking of the Christian life in the life of Abraham?
2.  How do the appearances of God in the Old Testament prepare his people for the Incarnation?
3.  Why is it significant that the Lord had a meal with Abraham? How does this enhance the way we think about Communion?
4.  What do the Lord’s words concerning Sarah teach us about his nature and character?
5.  In what ways have you been tempted to doubt that nothing is “too hard for the LORD”?
6.  Discuss God’s grace in meeting Sarah where she is. How have you seen him do this in your life?

References: Genesis 12:7; 17:1; 19:1; John 14:9; Hebrews 13:2; Revelation 3:20; James 2:23; Genesis 11:30; 17:15-16; Psalm 9:1; Luke 1:37; Romans 8:30; John 6:39-40; Hebrews 11:11.

The Covenant Confirmed and Sealed

FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Genesis 17:1-27

1When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”
9 And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, 13 both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”
22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. 27 And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

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The Covenant Confirmed and Sealed
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 17:1-27
6 January 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What is a covenant, and how is this passage a continuation of what we saw in chapter 15?
2.  Why does God begin his speech to Abram by naming himself? What is the significance of this particular name?
3.  Which elements of God’s promise are repeated in chapter 17 and which are new?
4.  How does this passage reassure us that as Christians God will never leave us?
5.  What does circumcision symbolize? What does it mean that Christians have a circumcised heart?
6.  What does it mean to say that Isaac is the son of human impossibility and divine power? What does this teach us about the Christian life?
7.  How do promise and awe fuel obedience?

References: Genesis 12:3; 15:1; Revelation 5:5; 19:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Deuteronomy 10:16; Colossians 2:11-13; Romans 4:11-12; Galatians 5:6; 6:15.