Abraham and the Covenant - Part 3

I. The Physical Covenant Further Revealed 17:1-8

“Covenant” is used 13 times in this chapter.

Promises that have already been made become more specific.

Some are new – notice Sarah herself must be the one to bear the promised child – which means Ishmael will not be the son of promise – something that Abraham – and probably everyone else simply assumed.

God promises land, protection, many descendants (and not just through Isaac). Abraham will be a father of many nations.

And God promises a SPECIAL SEED (which is revealed to be Isaac) – but in reality is JESUS CHRIST – and here we see the COVENANT OF GRACE – in the midst of all these physical promises given to Israel.

Christ fulfills the promises made in the Abrahamic covenant – and today – there are no promises to anyone who is outside of Christ.

“I will be their God.” see Jeremiah 31:31-35 and Hebrews chapters 8 and 10

II. Circumcision becomes “the Sign” of the National Covenant 17:9-14

III. Sarah and this Covenant 17:15-21

IV. Abraham’s Obedience to this Covenant 17:22-27

V. The Afternoon “Visitors” 18:1-8

VI. Is Anything too Hard for God 18:9-15

VII. The Outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah 18:16-21