Abraham
Genesis 12, 15
Genesis 12 and 15 shift the story from the beginning of the world to the beginning of a people. After sin spreads through humanity in Genesis 3–11, God chooses one man, Abram, to start something new.
In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his home, his country, and everything familiar. God makes a promise: Abram will become a great nation, his name will be made great, and through him all the families of the earth will be blessed. This promise isn’t based on Abram’s strength or achievements. It begins with God’s initiative and grace.
Abram responds with obedience. He goes, even though he doesn’t know exactly where he is going. His journey is built on trust in what God has said.
In Genesis 15, God deepens the promise. Abram is worried because he still has no child. God takes him outside and tells him to look at the stars. That is how numerous his descendants will be. Abram believes the Lord, and it is counted to him as righteousness. This moment is crucial. Abram is declared righteous not because he is perfect, but because he trusts God.
God then confirms His covenant with Abram in a formal and serious way. The promise of land, descendants, and blessing is not temporary. It is a binding covenant rooted in God’s faithfulness.
These chapters show us a God who makes promises and keeps them. They show that faith means trusting God’s word even when you cannot yet see the outcome. And they begin a story that ultimately points forward to Jesus, through whom the promised blessing to all nations is fulfilled.
Before Israel exists, before the law is given, we see this: God relates to people by grace, and righteousness comes through faith.
Bible Study Questions
God’s Call and Promise
God does not abandon humanity after the spread of sin in Genesis 3–11. Instead, He chooses one man and begins a plan to bring blessing back into the world.
Scripture:
Genesis 12:1–3
What does God ask Abram to leave behind, and why is that significant
What promises does God make, and which parts depend on Abram versus God?
What does it mean that “all nations” will be blessed through Abram?
Wrestling with Waiting
Time passes, and God’s promise still hasn’t happened. Abram struggles with doubt.
Scripture:
Genesis 15:1–5
What fear or concern does Abram bring to God?
What does this show about Abram’s honesty in his relationship with God?
Why do you think God uses the image of the stars to describe the promise?
Righteousness by Faith
One verse in Genesis 15 becomes foundational for the whole Bible.
Scripture:
Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3
What does it mean that Abram “believed the Lord”?
Why is it important that righteousness is counted because of faith, not performance?
How does this challenge the idea that we earn God’s approval?
God’s Covenant Commitment
God confirms His promise through a covenant. This is not a casual agreement. It is a binding commitment.
Scripture:
Genesis 15:7–18
What is a covenant, and how is it different from a simple promise?
Why does it matter that God takes the initiative in making this covenant
What does this reveal about God’s faithfulness, even when people are imperfect?
The Bigger Story
The promise to Abram is not just about one family. It shapes the rest of Scripture.
Scripture:
Galatians 3:8–9
How does Abram’s story connect to Jesus?
What does this teach us about God’s long-term plan for the world?
How can Abram’s faith shape the way you trust God in your own life?
Genesis 12 and 15 show us that God responds to human brokenness with a promise, not abandonment. He calls, He commits, and He remains faithful. Abram is not chosen because he is perfect. He is chosen by grace, and he is counted righteous because he believes.
This part of the story teaches us that faith is not about having everything figured out. It is trusting the character and word of God, even while you are still waiting for the promise to unfold.
WORSHIP CORNER
Ephesians 3:14–21 (ESV)
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.