Session 3: Abrahamic Covenant Part 2

Genesis 15:1-21; 17:1-14

Fear Not

Fear is often our first response when trusting God feels risky. Abram’s fear is justified by the absence of an heir to receive the promises God had given him.

The evidence behind our fears are overcome by faith in God’s promises and by clinging to God’s word.

In what other circumstances in Scripture does God tell us to “fear not”? When is fear actually appropriate?

Hebrews 10:31 — Our fears are valid when they are outside the promises of God. “I fear that I will spend an eternity separate from God because I will not repent of my sin.” — Valid fear.

Like Abram, many of us face uncertainty about careers, relationships, or our future. Hebrews 11:8 reminds us Abram “went out, not knowing where he was going.” That’s our story too.

Saved by faith is not intellectual assent. It’s saying I’ll trust God more than what He can give me. True success is not attaining what God promises — it’s attaining God Himself.

Anchor your identity in God’s promises, not in unstable careers, relationships, or culture. God isn’t calling you to “nowhere” — He’s calling you to Himself, your very great reward.

Genesis 15:6 — Credited as Righteousness

15:6 happens before what physical thing happens to Abram? Why is this order of events important? READ Romans 4:9-13

The Covenant-Sealing Ritual

Then Abram asks: “Give me a sign.” God tells him to prep a heifer…

What does this foreshadow for the future of the Israelites? God uses the evil done to Joseph for His good — exodus from Egypt.

READ Jeremiah 34:18 — In ancient covenants, both parties would walk between the pieces, symbolizing, “Let me be like these animals if I break this covenant.”

Which party does the fire and smoke represent? Only God passes between the pieces of the sacrifice, not Abram.

Genesis 15:17 shows that God takes full responsibility for keeping His covenant promises. It reveals God’s unilateral grace — He is willing to bear the cost if the covenant is broken.

READ Galatians 3:13-14 — When we fail to keep covenant, Christ bears the curse for us. God’s promises rest not on our performance but on His faithfulness.

Where do you see hints of the Davidic covenant?

Genesis 17:6

Connections to the New Covenant / Gospel?

Genesis 15:6, 17

Discussion Questions

• What’s the difference between “healthy fear” and “sinful fear”?
• What current fear or uncertainty in your life might God be inviting you to meet with faith in His promises?
• What does Abraham’s example teach us about trusting God when the future is unclear?
• Abraham trusted before seeing any evidence — what’s one area of your life where God is asking you to trust Him before you see results?
• If God Himself is your “very great reward” (Gen. 15:1), what would it look like for you to live this week as if that were fully true?