Genesis 15 – Faith, Questions and God’s Covenant

Genesis 15 – Faith, Questions and God’s Covenant

Theme: Faith, Questions and God’s Covenant

Introduction

Genesis 15 comes after Abram’s victory in Genesis 14. Although God had already promised Abram descendants and land, years had passed and Abram still had no child.

God therefore begins the chapter with reassurance:

“Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” — Genesis 15:1

Yet Abram responds with questions.

This chapter teaches us something important: faith does not mean that we will never have questions. Abram believed God, but he also wanted to understand how God’s promise would be fulfilled.

Genesis 15 brings together faith, questions, promise, waiting and covenant.

Key Lessons from Genesis 15

1. God understands our fears – God begins by telling Abram: “Fear not.”
2. Faith can ask questions – Abram asks God direct questions while still believing Him.
3. Questions should lead us toward God, not away from Him – Abram brings his uncertainty directly to God.
4. Faith does not require complete understanding – Abram believed before he saw the fulfilment.
5. Promises can never be realised until you take steps to walk in the guidance already given – God’s instructions are precept upon precept. Isaiah 28:9-11
6. God’s promises may involve waiting – Some promises will unfold across long periods and even generations. Hebrews 11:13
7. God’s timing includes things we cannot see – Abram did not know everything God was doing behind the scenes.
8. God’s covenant rests upon His faithfulness – God Himself passes between the divided pieces.

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Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think God began Genesis 15 by saying “Fear not, Abram”?
2. What was Abram really asking God in verses 2–3?
3. What does Abram’s behaviour teach us about asking God questions?
4. What is the difference between asking God for understanding and questioning God in unbelief?
5. How can Genesis 15:6 say Abram believed God when Abram was still asking questions?
6. Why did God show Abram the stars?
7. What significance does the covenant ceremony have?
8. Why do you think God told Abram about events that would not happen for generations?
9. What can Genesis 15 teach us when God’s promises seem delayed?
10. What does it mean for us that God’s promises ultimately depend upon His faithfulness?

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Practical Application

1. When we face situations that appear contrary to God’s promises, we should not pretend that we have no questions.
2. We can bring those questions to God.
3. But our questions should be accompanied by a willingness to continue trusting Him.
4. Abram taught us to say:
5. “Lord, I do not fully understand what You are doing, but I still believe You.”
6. Faith does not mean knowing every detail of tomorrow.
7. Faith means knowing Who has spoken and never departing to an alternative ‘solution’

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Prayer Points

1. Thanksgiving
   Father, thank You because You are always faithful to Your word and Your promises.
2. Faith
   Lord, please strengthen my faith to trust You even when I cannot see how Your promise will be fulfilled.
3. Understanding
   Father, give me understanding concerning Your purpose and Your word.
4. Waiting
   Lord, give me grace to wait patiently without abandoning what You have spoken.
5. Fear
   Father, help me to remember that You are my shield when fear and uncertainty arise.
6. Assurance
   Lord, help me to rest in Your faithfulness rather than depending only upon what I can presently see.

Closing Thought

Faith is not the absence of questions. Faith brings its questions to God and continues to trust Him while waiting for understanding and fulfilment.