Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
I. The Covenant of Grace Revealed (v.1-8)
A. God's Self-Revelation (Verse 1)
B. The Renewal of the Covenant (v.2-4)
C. The Promises of the Covenant (v.5-8)
II. The Covenant Sign of Circumcision (v.9-14)
A. Circumcision as the Covenant Sign (v.9-11)
B. The Covenant Community (v.12-13)
C. The Seriousness of Covenant Faithfulness(v.14)
Genesis 17
Genesis 17:1–14 “1 When 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.”
99 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.””
Sermon Discussion questions
TAh Schmucks, A Covenant Cut: Genesis 17:1-14
Ice Breaker: Have you ever been a "sojourner" (traveler in a foreign place)? Share a funny or memorable moment from that experience.
This Week Specific
How does understanding the covenant as a deeply relational bond, rather than just a contract, impact the way you view your relationship with God? What steps can you take to strengthen this covenant relationship in your daily life?
Abraham waited many years for God's promise to be fulfilled. Can you share a time in your life when you had to wait on God? How did that waiting period affect your faith? What can we learn from Abraham's response during his long wait?
God calls Abraham to "walk before me, and be blameless." What does it mean to live with integrity in our modern context? What areas of your life might need realignment to reflect a wholehearted commitment to God?
Circumcision was a sign of the covenant for Abraham and his descendants. Today, baptism serves as a sign of the New Covenant. How do you view the role of baptism in your spiritual life, and how can it serve as a reminder of your covenant with God?
The sermon emphasizes that being part of the covenant community means we have a bond with others in the church. How can you actively live out this covenantal relationship within your church community? What practical steps can you take to support and care for others in your small group or congregation?
God’s covenant was not just with Abraham, but with his descendants. How can you apply this idea to your own family or spiritual influence? In what ways can you encourage the next generation to grow in their faith and understanding of God’s covenant?
Reflecting on the statement "I will be your God," how does this promise resonate with you personally? In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your life, and how can this assurance shape your actions and decisions moving forward?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?