Genesis 15:1-6

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord Confirms to Abraham that He Would Have a Son

Printed Version

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

God promises the believer His protection and His reward.

God credits the believer with His imputed righteousness.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

It’s OK to question God.

QUESTIONS

What did Abraham fear and how was this fear dispelled?

Who was Eliezer, and how does he fit into this portion of Scripture?

Did Eliezer become the heir of Abraham?

Which biblical doctrine is stated in Genesis 15:6?

What does the word “impute” mean? What does this mean to a believer?

ANSWERS

Abraham feared retaliation by the armies of the kings who had been defeated. The Lord encouraged him. See Genesis 15:1.

Eliezer was Abraham’s servant. Abraham had not seen the promise of a son, so he thought to make his servant his adopted heir.

No. God told Abraham that Eliezer would not be his heir, but that his heir would come from his own body. See Genesis 15:4.

The doctrine of justification by faith. Genesis 15:6 is quoted three times in the New Testament - Romans 4, Galatians 3, and James 2.

It means to credit to your account. The believer’s charge account with God is credited with righteousness - not the believer’s own righteousness. Rather, he is credited with Christ’s righteousness because Christ paid all the charges of the believer’s sin with His perfect sacrifice.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

Refer to Genesis 15:1. This is the first “fear not” in the Bible. Can you recall other “fear nots” in Scripture? Recall some times when God’s “fear nots” were given to you. How is the Lord your shield and reward?

How would you refute the “salvation by works” argument from this portion of Scripture? Refer also to Romans 4:24-25. Is this the basic content of your faith?

CHALLENGE

Are there times when you question God? Abraham questioned God and was not rebuked, but given understanding. The same can be true for you, providing you have the right attitude. What are some of your questions?

KEY VERSES

“The word of the Lord came to Abraham saying, ‘Do not be afraid. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’“ Genesis 15:1

“Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them. So shall your descendants be.” Genesis 15:5

“Abram believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6