INTRODUCTION: The Bible is a progressive revelation. The further we proceed in it the more light we are given on God's purposes and plan. Genesis 15, is a big step forward in this revelation.Many new concepts are introduced here:
A. Concept of faith - verse 6.B. The first of God's "I AM" titles - verse 1.
C. The first example of salvation by faith - verse 6.
D. The first example of imputed righteousness - verse 6.
E. The first mention of the "word of the Lord."
I. ABRAHAM'S DESPONDENCY - verse 1.
In the battle of chapter 14, Abraham had made some powerful enemies. What was to stop them from returning to smash his little army? What chance would Abraham have had apart from the element of surprise he had formerly used? There is no doubt all these thoughts ran through Abraham's mind. We usually find ourselves vulnerable to doubts and fears after a mountain-top experience.Graciously God comforted Abraham. God is Jehovah which means the "I AM." In using this title God is pledging: "I am whatever my people need."
God promised here to be two things for Abraham:
A. "Thy Shield" - Abraham did not need to fear his enemies and neither do we [Psalms 4:8].B. "Thy Exceeding Great Reward" - Abraham had refused to be enriched by the king of Sodom. Those who give up anything for God never lose by it. The Lord's grace and presence more than compensates and He always provides for and rewards His people.
Notice that in verses 1 and 4, the "word of the Lord" came to Abraham in a vision and spoke to him. The manner in which the "word of the Lord" is personified has caused some to believe that this is a reference to Jesus Christ rather than the mere spoken word [John 1:1 and 14; I John 1:1; Revelation 19:13].
II. ABRAHAM'S COMPLAINT - verses 2-4.
God had promised to make of Abraham a great nation [Genesis 12:2]. As Abraham became older this seemed more and more impossible. His only heir was a household steward. Abraham did not doubt God, he just did not understand what God was doing. We find it hard to remember that God waits till all hope in the flesh is gone before He performs His wonders. That way God alone is glorified and our faith is exercised. God did reassure Abraham.III. ABRAHAM'S CONVERSION - verses 5-6.
Here we have the first example of salvation by faith recorded in the Scripture. Abraham thus became the "Father of the faithful," because all who are saved by faith are following this pattern [Galatians 3:6-7]. Genesis 15:6 is such an important verse that it is recorded three times in the New Testament [Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23]. God took Abraham outside for a look at the stars. There He promised to make Abraham's seed as numerous as the stars. With a divinely wrought faith, Abraham believed in the Lord.Note here several important points:
A. Abraham's faith was in the coming Savior. He not only believed that he would have a numerous progeny, but that one of them would be the Savior of sinners [Galatians 3:16]. Abraham trusted in this coming Savior [John 8:56].B. Abraham's faith caused him to be accounted as righteous in God's sight. Those who believe in Christ have the "righteousness of God" imputed to their account [Romans 4:22- 25; 3:21-22]. We, like Abraham, are not accepted by God because of our goodness, but through this imputed righteousness of Christ by which we are justified in God's sight [II Corinthians 5:21].
C. Abraham as the "Father of the faithful" is the pattern of all the redeemed. Every professing Christian should ask: "Have I been saved according to the pattern given in Abraham or am I trusting in something else"?
Let us notice how Paul uses Abraham's example to expose false hopes:
1. It was not by works [Romans 4:1-8].
2. It was not by circumcision [Romans 4:9-12].
3. It was not by the law [Romans 4:13-16]. See also Galatians 3.
CONCLUSION: Are you trusting in Christ alone for salvation? Are you a child of Abraham? [Galatians 3:7].=================