Session 12

Established

Genesis 17:1-10,15-19

ENGAGE

Prepare:

On the board, write:
Covenant:
An agreement of binding promises between two parties
with each party being responsible to hold up their end of the agreement.

Introduce:

identify things in culture today that could be defined as a covenant
(such as a contract to buy a house).

Ask:

• When have you tried to break a contract (or lease)?
• What happened?

Read:

read aloud the first paragraph on page 101.
Define how marriage is also an example of a covenant between two people.
share why marriages can be considered covenants
and how that should affect the way we think about marriage.
God is in the business of making and keeping covenants with His people.

Ask:

• What does God making covenants with His people reveal about Him? (p. 101)

Transition:

This session focuses on the fact that God graciously makes covenants with His people
and keeps His promises.

EXPLORE THE TEXT

Overview:

Summarize the information from Understand the Context (p. 101)
to establish the context for Abram’s life.

refer to Pack Item 6 (Poster: The Life of Abram/Abraham).

Use Pack Item 10 (Handout: Covenants in Genesis)
to remind the group about the Abrahamic covenant.
Emphasize the unique nature of this covenant.