Genesis 14—15: Tests of Faith

Warming Up to God

What do you think really makes your faith grow? Write down any specific events in your life that God has used to increase your faith.

• Trials and suffering. And this is what I truly fear. I don't so much like to suffer. I fear growth and increased faith in God because of it.
• I remember how hard it was when I first started teaching. I prayed a lot more, but it was stupid hard. Did I rely on God more. Yes. I prayed more and even sung some praise songs now and again. Granted my prayers were mostly about me, but still.
• I like comfortable, so faith is usually secondary. I know that this is not necessarily the way that God wants it to be, but I don't know when I can get past this. I fear what God will do to me (or allow to happen to me) to help me get past this. Cynical, I know, but this is how I feel.

Discovering the Word

What political and military situation is described in 14:1-4, and how is it similar to today?

• There is always war of some kind. There is hunger for power among leaders. Kings have so much power that many times they don't know when to stop.

Since Abram lived in tents away from the cities, his people were not involved in this military campaign. When he learns of Lot's capture, what strategy does Abram devise (14:13-16)?

• A rescue mission with his ready trained men. He defeats them by night and brings back all their possessions.

Who is Melchizedek, and what does he do (14:18-20)?

• He is a king and a priest. He blessed Abram and praised God.

What is Abram's main problem in chapter 15, and how does he propose to solve it (15:2-3)?

• Abram has no children, no heir. He thinks he will have to give all his possessions to a man in his household.

How would God's message to Abram at this point renew his confidence (15:1, 4, 5)?

• God reminded Abram that he would protect him and that his reward would be great.
• God also reiterated that he would have a son, which was the only thing that Abram craved, and that his offspring would eventually be too great to count.

Genesis 15:6 is the first time we read that Abram believes the Lord. Explain in your own words what it means that his faith is credited to him as righteousness.

• God is righteous (right and just). So, if Abram believes the Lord, then some of that rubs off on him.

Applying the Word

What evidence do you find of Abram's growing confidence in God?

• Even though Abram is not getting exactly what he wants, he keeps coming to God. And God renews his promise each time he does.

If you have ever had to wait a long time for God to fulfill a promise, what did you learn in the process about yourself, the Lord and his way of working with you?

• I suppose I waited a long time for contentment and peace in my current work situation. I prayed and cried out, and kept showing up to work.
• I learned that my struggles were not too great for God, even if they seemed insurmountable for me. The situation got a little better as time went on, and then got a lot better when circumstances changed and I was no longer teaching yearbook...God ordained? I think so!

Responding in Prayer

Thank Jesus for his death, which enables our belief to be credited as righteousness in God's eyes.

• Thank you for your death and resurrection. My beliefs are worth nothing without your act of sacrificial love. Help me remember that when I think to complain or burst out in frustration.