Coachlight Bible Study - Ratification Of The Covenant – Abraham 3 of 5

We have studied the life of Abraham, and learned how God called him out of a thriving, cushy life in Ur and called him His friend.

We also learned that God brought him close to a mount above the land God had promised to Abraham and his seed, to pitch his tent and to be an example. He was to be an example to the very Canaanites who lived in the land of promise. Abraham was an example and witness to them by sacrificing to the One God.

We saw how Abraham was tested to see if he truly believed God’s Word when there was a famine in the promised land! Abraham failed this test, but returned to the altar, being a great example for us today. In the next test, he was a shining example to his nephew Lot, giving us our first glimpse at the idea of sanctification.

God renews and adds to His covenant with Abraham, and each time Abraham is tested. We must keep in mind that Abraham is a type of the consecrated believer, making him an example to us today.

In this lesson, we will not only take a look into more testing of Abraham, reading of him winning World War I, and also have a great lesson about justification, and actually how a person is saved. God’s plan of salvation has not changed since the days of Abraham.

I. World War I – (Genesis Chapter 14)

A. The Kings of the World are at war against the king of Sodom – Genesis 14:1-14

B. They captured Abraham’s nephew Lot

Genesis 14:12 And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

C. Abraham is told of the incident - Genesis 14:13

D. Abraham Delivers Lot – “Divide and Conquer” – Genesis 14:14-16

II. An Interview with Two Kings- The hour of success is sometimes a good test of character. - How a man acts at a time of victory often gives a revelation of his character and spiritual power.

A. Recognition By Royalty- Another new experience for Abraham to be met by two kings and to be acknowledged as savior of their countries.

1. Gratitude alone was enough for the king of Sodom to meet Abraham - Abraham had killed the king’s enemies.

2. The king of Salem however, being the Priest of the Most High God, brought bread and wine to greet the conqueror of the enemies of his land.

Genesis 14:17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale.

B. Priest of the Most High God - Melchizedek was Priest of the Most High God. (Hebrew: El Elyon - God Most High). - This word is used very few times, but used four times in these verses! Meaning - “God is the Supreme Being above all local deities.”

1. Root idea of priesthood is access to God’s presence.

2. Melchizedek

a. Blessed Abraham and prayed the blessing of El Elyon upon him.

b. Blessed God for the deliverance of Abraham.

3. Demonstrates that God always has true believers, (a remnant), even outside of Abraham’s family. – Genesis 14:18-20

C. The Acknowledgment- Willingness to receive blessing is testimony to knowing the spiritual position and power of Melchizedek.

1. Blessing received before his confrontation with the king of Sodom, undoubtedly playing a part.

2. Abraham further acknowledged the position of Melchizedek by paying tithes.

a. Shows the practice of tithing before Moses.

b. No reason to deny the importance of it today.

D. The Worldly Proposal - Naturally the king of Sodom should acknowledge his indebtedness.

1. The king wanted his people

2. Abraham to keep everything else.

Genesis 14: 21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. {persons: Heb. souls}

E. Abraham’s refusal – Genesis 14:22-24

1. Abraham did not go to war for his own advantage.

2. Abraham anticipated, sought God, took proper action

Contrast of Abraham’s Attitude
To The King of Salem	To The King of Sodom
He Acknowledged Submission	He Asserted Independence
He Admitted Inferiority	He Had An Attitude of Equality
He Had A Spirit of Humility	He Had A Spirit of Dignity

F. Application: It is the process of sanctification, or to be “separated unto God”, and seeking the Holy Spirit to guide in discerning problems first, and to separate the worldly proposals, and put out trust in God.
“Lest thou shouldest say, ‘I have made Abraham rich.’” Help from the king of Sodom would have put Abraham indebted to a worldly king. Abraham shows discernment by only allowing food for the Canaanite men that were not driven by the same principles as Abraham, and paying tithes to the type of Christ.
Melchisedek A Type of Christ – Hebrews 7:3,15
Melchisedek	Christ
Without Descent in the Bible – Hebrews 7:3	Born of a virgin, no earthly father – Isaiah 7:14
Have neither beginning of days, nor end of life like the Son of God – Hebrews 7:3	He is the First and the Last – Revelation 1:11
King of Salem, King of peace (the Jewish affirm that Salem is Jerusalem, so called in Psalms 76:2) - Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1	He is the King, The Alpha & Omega, Who will sit on the throne of New Jerusalem –Revelation 22:2-7
Abideth a priest continually – Hebrews 7:3	He is a Priest for ever - Hebrews 7:16-17; Psalms 110:4
Priest of The Most High God – Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1	Priest forever of The Most High God – Hebrews 7:21;
Superior to Levitical priesthood – Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:8-10	High Priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood - Hebrews 4:14-7:28
Was not of the order of Levitical Priesthood – Hebrews 7:11	Is a priest of the order of Melchisedek – Hebrews 7:7:21; Psalms 110:4
Brought forth the bread and wine – Genesis 14:18	Brought forth the bread and wine – Matthew 26:26-30
He blessed Abram of the Most High God – Genesis 14:19	He is able to save those to the utmost who come to God by Him – Hebrews 7:25
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 7:14-16
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: Hebrews 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. {provided: or, foreseen} Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. {author: or, beginner}….. Hebrews 12:5 …. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth… Hebrews 12:28 ….Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: {let…: or, let us hold fast}
Explanation of Abraham’s attitude: FAITH of course
Faith is able to recognize spiritual position. Melchizedek was God’s representative and Abraham’s faith was quick to see this and act.
Faith is able to recognize danger. A believer must be able to see that success often means temptation and victory the possibility of danger. Abraham knew this and this of course influenced his attitude.
Faith is able to resist strong pressure. It takes a real faithful man to withstand honor paid by a king. Abraham endured by faith seeing the King of Kings.
Faith is able to accept God’s provision. The offer of the spoil was nothing to Abraham compared to God’s promise. By faith Abraham took God at His Word, even though it did not look possible in the natural.

III. The Great Encouragement- (Genesis 15:1-6)

There were nine successive manifestations of God to Abraham, this being the fifth. This revelation seems to have been in the form of a vision, not by a dream. A. The Revelation

1. When did it come? - “After these things…”- obviously referring to directly after the events of chapter 14.

a. After the saving of Lot.

b. God’s revelations are always connected with His people’s needs.

2. Why did it come? – “Fear not, Abram…” Then Abraham must have had some

fear. This could have been caused by recent events. A maxim: “Fear before

battle is the mark of a coward, but fear after battle is the characteristic of a hero.”

First mention of “fear not.”

3. What was it? – “I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.” God’s

revelation was what was needed.

a. God as a shield against all foes.

b. God as a reward after victory. Abraham had refused the spoils of Sodom and

Gomorrah; but God would not let him be a loser. God Himself, would be his

exceeding great reward.

B. Abram’s Response (verses. 2&3)

1. He is despondent – “What wilt thou give me?” – After his long waiting, Abraham is almost complaining.

2. He is disappointed – “Seeing I go childless…” – Ten years had gone by

since his entrance into Canaan. Although there had been the promise, there

was no sign of fulfillment.

3. His discouraging prospect – “One born in my house is min heir.” – Abraham

seems to have almost lost hope and was taking on conviction that his servant

would be his heir.

C. God’s Assurance – (verses 4&5) – Now we are going to see how God dealt

faithfully with His tried and troubled servant.

1. His faith was corrected. – “This shalt not be thine heir.” God of course,

had not forgotten to be gracious. God remembers His promises.

2. His faith was instructed. “He that shall come… shall be thine heir.” – God

instructed in a way that He had not dome before. God taught His servant by

giving him new ground for trust.

3. His faith was encouraged. – “Tell the stars, if thou be able to number them… so

shall thy seed be.

D. The Acceptance – (verse 6) – Quick response – “Abraham believed.”

1. Abraham had faith before, but now it was a stronger, fuller, clearer and more prominent trust in God.

a. Hebrew word for “believed” comes from a root where we derive our “Amen.”

b. So we could paraphrase it something like, “And Abraham said ‘Amen’ to the

Lord.” (Amen never means a petition, but always refers to ‘May it be so’ or ‘So

be it.’ A strong assertion of faith.)

c. Faith is the only response to god’s revelations.

2. God’s Rejoinder – “And He counted it to him for righteousness. This means

the state or condition of being right with God. This is the first mention of the

word righteousness that is such an important doctrine in both the Old and New

Testaments. Abraham was originally destitute of righteousness and is now

reckoned as righteous, through faith in God.

Three parts to this righteousness:

a. God is the Object of our faith.

b. The Word of God is the base of our faith.

c. Righteousness is the result.

IV. The Confirmation Of Faith – (Genesis 15:7-21) – In response to Abraham’s faith

(verse 6), God entered into a solemn covenant with him, assuring him of the certainty

while revealing still more of the meaning of the divine promises concerning him and

his seed. Covenant is the key word.

A. The Foundation Of The Covenant – (verse 7) – The basis of the covenant was God’s character and revelation to Abraham. On this foundation everything else rested.

1. How was it introduced? – By the announcement of the divine name: “I

am Jehovah.” – This is the all of all. God’s unchanging presence and

character.

2. Then came the reminder of what God had already done for Abraham – “That

brought thee out of the Caldees.”

3. Then came the renewal of the divine purpose. “To give this land, to

inherit it.” God again reminds Abraham of His divine purpose.

B. The Desire For The Covenant – (verse 8) – Abraham met this new assurance of

God with an earnest desire for a proof.

1. Abraham sought for knowledge and assurance. “Whereby shall I know?” He

desired an outward guarantee.

2. But he did not require an outward sign in order to believe,

a. Because he believed, he had a desire for confirmation.

b. He believed God’s Word, but wondered how and when it could be fulfilled.

c. To illustrate this, we can go to the New Testament and see two accounts of revelation, both with almost the same words, but a contrast in faith.

1. First of all, let’s go to the account of Zacharias, as the angel was revealed to Zacharias that his wife, Elizabeth would have a child:

Luke 1:18 “And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.”

2. Notice the words are almost identical to the words of Abraham. Now, let’s look at the account of the virgin Mary.

Luke 1:34 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

3. Now let’s notice the attitudes behind these similar words:

a. Mary: “Be it unto me according to Thy Word.” (Luke 1:38)

b. Zacharias: “And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak…

because thou believest not My Words… “ (Luke 1:20)

c. Abraham: “And He counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

Seeking God For A Sign
Person	Revelation	Statement	God’s Answer
Mary	And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (Luke 1:31)	“…How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34) “…be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)	And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35)
Zacharias	“…and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (Luke 1:12-17)	“…Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1:12) “…Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. (Luke 1:18)	“And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak… because thou believest not My Words… “ (Luke 1:20)
Abraham	Abrahamic Covenant	Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. (Genesis 15:2-3)	“And he believed in the LORD; And He counted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6)

C. The Preparation Of The Blood Covenant – (verses. 9&10) – Divine instructions

are given, “Take for Me an heifer…” Abraham then proceeded to fulfill the

requirements of a covenant. “Took… divided.” – (Leviticus 1:6). Having divided

the animals, he places the pieces opposite each other, and one bird opposite to the other, leaving a passage between.

1. This was the customary form of agreement or contract. Two parties

walking in procession, signifying their agreement. (Jeremiah 34:18).

2. Underlying idea – covenant by means of sacrifice.

3. The blood covenant was a well known method in Abraham’s time for

making an agreement.

D. The Readiness Of The Covenant – (verses 11&12) - Faithfulness – Abraham did all that he was instructed. (The attitude to receive from God).

1. Kept watch.

2. Kept away the birds of prey.

E. The Message Of The Covenant – (verses13-16) – A revelation of four parts

now is given to Abraham telling him of events to come – things his seed

will experience.

1. His seed to experience persecution – (verse 13) – Three elements in this

was: 1. Exile, 2. Bondage, 3. Affliction. Remember Abraham is a type of

the consecrated believer.

2. His seed to witness great power. God was going to show all of those in

Egypt many miracles. (verse 14).

3. Abraham himself is to experience great peace – (verse 15).

Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”

4. He is called to exercise patience. (vs. 16).

Romans 8:24, 25 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

F. The Making Of The Covenant – (verses 17-21) – After the revelation of God’s

will comes the divine assurance in the form of a covenant.

1. Symbolic actions – (verse 17) –

a. A cylindrical firepot and a fiery torch to symbolize the presence of God. (Exodus 19). (Smoking Mt. Sinai).

b. The symbol of God passing between the animals ratifying the covenant.

2. Divine Assurance. (verse. 18-20) – God now reveals the precise limits of the land promised to Abraham.

a. It seems pretty clear that the two rivers referred to are the Nile and

the Euphrates, thus giving boundaries to the Holy Land that have

never yet been realized.

b. God’s promises still await their fulfillment will be realized during the Millennium

IV. Applications – The study of the Divine covenants of the Bible is very profound, and truly holds the student’s interest. Of the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Israel, and the New Covenant; each has its own characteristic features and parts, and only one is conditional - The Mosaic. The Mosaic is a covenant of works, whereas the others are covenants of grace. Let’s consider the meaning and message of this covenant.

1. The Divine Action – God only, passed through the pieces and not Abraham. This points out that a divine covenant is not a mutual agreement on equal terms between parties, but a divine promise assured and ratified by means of a visible pledge of its fulfillment. This of course, takes the divine covenant out of the category of all similar human agreements.

2. The Human Attitude – What then is man’s part in the covenant? - a recipient. God gives – Abraham takes. The believer, which is the antitype of Abraham should,

a. Like Abraham, respond to the covenant by believing God’s Word, weather it makes sense or not. We believe it because it was God Who said it;

b. Like Abraham, seek God’s guidance through testing, believing Him through the sanctifying stage, So that we are justified, and bear fruit

Eternal Covenants of God with Israel and The Gentiles
Abrahamic Covenant	Expansion Covenants
Promise of A National Land – (Land) Genesis 12:1; 13:14-15 & 17	Palestinian Covenant – gave Israel assurance of final, permanent restoration to the land forever Deuteronomy 30:3-5; Ezekiel 20:33-37, 42-44
Promise of Redemption – National and Universal – (Blessing) Genesis 12:3; 22:18 & 3:16	New Covenant – Israel’s Spiritual Blessing and Redemption forever Jeremiah 31:31-40; Hebrews 8:6-13
Promise of Numerous Descendants – A Great Nation (Seed) Genesis 12:3; 13:16;17:2-6	Davidic Covenant – Dynasty, Nation, Throne forever II Samuel 7:11, 13, 16 Jeremiah 33:20 & 21; 31:35-37
Christ and the Gentiles – Based not on birth but rather rebirth Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. {accounted: or, imputed} Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.