Genesis 14-15 COUNT THE STARS

Don’t look down, look up! …and count the stars… …so shall your descendants be!

Count the Stars Genesis 14:1-15:21 (+Genesis 13) Key Verse 15:5: “He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’”

“Abraham Had a Lot to Lose” Genesis 13 Abraham settled land disputes with Lot, and humbly gave him the first choice. Lot chose based on appearance, but not by faith. He ended up living near Sodom, and soon fell into sin. Abram lived to honor God. He lived near Hebron.

“Abraham Had a Lot to Gain” Genesis 14:1-24 Abram set out with 318 trained men so that he could rescue Lot, but that was not much compared with the other armies. God certainly helped them.

Melchizedek Blesses Abram Abram and Melchizedek give all the glory to God who grants victory by faith. Melchizedek: “King of Righteousness,” “King of Peace,” “Priest of God Most High” Melchizedek resembles Jesus. Read Hebrews 7:1-4 Bread and wine: Like Communion Abram gave a tenth of everything: A tithe

Abram Resists Temptation The king of Sodom resembles Satan, who is looking to take souls to himself and to tempt others to love worthless things. Abram refuses to take any gift from the king of Sodom, because Abram trusts that God is his Provider for every need.

God, Our Shield and Reward Genesis 15 15:1: “After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’” God is all-powerful and can meet us in any need we have. Pray for discernment about how to help sheep who are struggling.

Count the Stars Genesis 15:5, “He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” Believe that God can bring about a mighty vision even from the most discouraging starting point. You’re not too old or young… God can do miracles at any time!

Faith Credited as Righteousness Genesis 15:6, “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” We have a debt of sin, but faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection is credit to our account. Study the word of God and take it to heart, because it destroys doubt. Be faithful to God; he will be faithful to you.

God’s Covenant with Abram The Lord promised Abram to give him and his descendants the whole land, far beyond what Abram would have ever imagined. Genesis 15:18, “On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.’” Trust that God is able to bring about his vision.

Conclusion Pray to have a shepherd heart to rescue those who fall into the hands of Satan. Believe in the promises of God, because God never lies, and God never fails. When struggling in doubt or despair, remember God’s word, especially: 1. Who God is 2. His great promises