Bible Narrative Part 2 40 Days in the Word

Genesis Introduces the Reader to: Good – choosing the other  Choosing God and neighbor before self Evil – choosing self  Choosing self before God and neighbor

In the Beginning Former Days Creation Noah’s Covenant Flood Covenant Covenant Timeline

From Part 1 A loving God is watching His creation choose evil The Hope of Creation (relationship) is failing God needs a new plan to save His creation

The Question “Why is There Evil?” Is Answered in Genesis 1-11 The Larger Question Becomes “Why is There Good?”

Genesis 12:1 (NIV) The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV) “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

To Abram (Abraham) He will start great nation He will be blessed by God His name will be great

Beyond Abram (Abraham) He would be a blessing to others Others will find favor/disfavor based on their view of Abraham(’s people) All the earth will be blessed through Abraham

Sarai (Sarah) is barren Problem #1 with the Plan

It is a nation building plan Problem #2 with the Plan

It is dependent on people who have chosen evil over good Problem #3 with the Plan

Genesis 12:6b-7a (NIV) At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land."

Genesis 12:11-13 (NIV) As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.”

Genesis 15:1 (NIV) The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Genesis 15:3 (NIV) Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

Genesis 15:4-5 (NIV) Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars — if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Genesis 15:6 (NIV) Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

The people in the plan will need to believe God’s promises and live by them Problem #4 with the Plan

Genesis 15:18 (NIV) On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram

Genesis 17:1-2 (NIV) “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”

Abrahamic Covenant It is unconditional It is everlasting

Covenant of Circumcision It is conditional It is not everlasting Sign = Abrahamic Covenant

Abrahamic Covenant It is unconditional It is everlasting Sign is Conditional = Circumcision

Genesis 17:19-20 (NIV) Then God said, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.

Final Thoughts God has introduced a rescue plan to overcome evil with good through Abraham The Plan has survived four generations It has a long way to go to change the world

Bible Narrative Part 2 40 Days in the Word