Genesis - Part 29

Genesis 17:1-14

Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision

Meeting Purpose

To discuss key biblical principles from Genesis and their application, focusing on the concept of inclusio and God's relationship with humanity.

Key Takeaways

-             Genesis begins and ends with an inclusio (literary device) that spans to Revelation, emphasizing God's presence and absence of sin

-             The Bible's primary focus is on God as the protagonist, not human characters

-             Vertical relationship with God should be prioritized over horizontal relationships

-             Sin brought consequences that altered human relationships and purpose

Topics

Inclusio in Genesis and Its Significance

-             Spans from Genesis 1-2 to Revelation 21-22

-             Highlights absence of sin when God is present

-             Emphasizes God as progenitor and protagonist of creation

-             Demonstrates God's desire for fellowship with humanity

-             Shows progression from "good" creation to "perfect" new heaven and earth

Man's Original Purpose and the Impact of Sin

-             God commissioned man to tend/cultivate and guard (Gen 2:15-17)

-             Sin disrupted the intended relationship between God, man, and creation

-             Consequences included:

o  Serpent cursed

o  Woman's pain in childbirth and relational struggle with husband

o  Man's toil and struggle with the ground

Abraham's Journey and God's Covenant

-             Timeline of key events in Abraham's life presented (ages 75-175)

-             God reaffirms covenant with Abraham at age 99 (Genesis 17)

-             Name change from Abram to Abraham signifies new identity as "father of multitudes"

-             Covenant includes promises of nations, kings, and land

-             Circumcision introduced as sign of the covenant

Application of Genesis Principles

-             Importance of "calibrating" our understanding to God's perspective

-             Challenges of waiting on God's provision (e.g., Abraham waited 24 years)

-             Need to prioritize vertical relationship with God over cultural/self-fulfilling solutions

Next Steps

1.       Reflect on John 15:1-11 to understand basis for prioritizing relationship with Christ

2.       Consider Isaiah 55:8-9 in relation to understanding Genesis 15-27

3.       Prepare to discuss God's grace, mercy, and sovereignty amid consequences of sin in next meeting

4.       Ponder the significance of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's statement on man's chief end