Genesis 15:1-18

Introduction:

1. Up to now we have seen God’s benevolent intentions, humanity’s rebellion, God reconciling us to Himself, and His love, mercy, and grace as the catalysts.

2. Today we look at one key aspect of how He went about this work, covenants.

Discussion:

I. What It Means

A. Technical meaning:

1. Hebrew: Berit: to bind or fetter, originally carrying the idea of “to cut” (Ferguson; Genesis 15:1-18; Jeremiah 34:17-20)

2. Greek: Diatheke: a unilateral disposition or arrangement that can be either accepted or rejected but not altered (Ibid.); will, testament.

B. Practical meaning: agreements of a binding nature (Ibid.)

II. Elements of God’s Covenants

A. Some elements of God’s covenants are unconditional: the rainbow (Genesis 9:13-17), blessings on all through Abraham (Genesis 12:3), et. al.

B. The Noahic covenant shows the elements on which salvation depends:

1. Grace: God’s flood warning (Genesis 6:7-8).

2. Law: the command and specs to build the ark (Genesis 6:13-21).

3. Faith: Hebrews 11:7 shows his faith moved him to keep the law.

4. Works: Noah did all God commanded him (Genesis 6:22).

C. These elements had to be combined for Noah to be saved.

III. What This Teaches Us About God and Humanity

A. God’s goodness is extended to humanity through covenants.

B. He will never violate His covenant promises (Hebrews 6:13-18).

C. He alone sets the stipulations for receiving His promises.

D. We must accept or reject His covenants, but we cannot alter them.

IV. How These Truths Should Shape Our Lives

A. His faithfulness gives us confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16; 6:19-20).

B. It should likewise produce faithfulness to Him (Hebrews 10:19-25).

C. All that He did to extend His covenant blessings to us should generate love for and thankfulness to Him (Colossians 3:15-17; 1 John 4:19).

Conclusion:

1. An entire series could be given to the study of God’s covenants in Scripture.

2. Hopefully this will nudge us all to study this more closely, so that we can grow closer to our great God in faith and faithfulness to His will.