The Friendly Fire Room Presents
The Blessings of the Lord: Abraham
Master Answer Sheet
See Questions and Draft Answers Handout Friday, May 13, 2022
The Blessings of the Lord: Abraham
April 29, 2022 Lesson by Dr. Mary Craig
Answers compiled by Wanda B. largely based on the previous lesion by Dr. Mary Craig. Hear
complete teaching at www.mcmtffr.org.
1.Question:
What do we mean when we say that the Bible is a book of redemptive history?
Student Answer
The Bible tells of how God the Creator is also the Redeemer of those chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world to be
redeemed by the coming Messiah, the Anointed One.
Genesis describes the world devolving into a pattern; what is that pattern?
Student Answer
In the first eleven chapters of Genesis we find the world devolving into a pattern of sin, judgment, and God supplying
deliverance or a token of grace. First, we have the Fall of humankind through Adam and Eve and as we read on, we see this pattern in the narratives of Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babel.
What did God promise in Genesis 3:15?
Student Answer
God promised redemptive grace through the Seed of the Woman, the Messiah, who would gain victory over the seed of the serpent for those chosen in Christ from before the foundation of the world.
What is the context of that promise?
Student Answer
Represented by Adam, humankind sinned by disobeying God’s covenant of creation by eating of the forbidden fruit of the tree
of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden after being tempted by the serpent. Humankind plunged humankind into an estate of sin and misery, being spiritually dead by separation from God and destined to physical death. They were judged by the LORD and expelled from the Garden and the tree of life.
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
2.Question. God begins the Covenant of Abraham a/k/a, the Covenant of Promise in Genesis 12
.
For what purpose was Abram/Abraham chosen?
Student Answer
God makes “I will” promises to Abram and blesses him. Abram, whose name is changed to Abraham, will be the instrument to
bring blessings to all. Abram is blessed to be a blessing. The power of God will make it so.
God solemnly charged Abram what in Genesis 12:1-3?
Student Answer
"Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you.”
How did Abram respond?
Student Answer
Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him. He left Haran to go to the land of Canaan. He passed through unto the place
of Shechem, a 400-mile journey.
The Call of Abram
Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family and from your father';s house, To a land that I will show you.
Gen 12:2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
Gen 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Gen 12:4a So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him.
3.Question. Look up Galatians 3:16-18.
Discuss the significance of the use of the singular when God made promises to Abraham and his seed.
Student Answer
At Shechem the LORD appeared to Abraham again and said,“Unto your seed will I give this land.” This refers to actual physical
descendants, but when we look at Galatians 3:16, Paul notes seed as singular. God set all promises by our being in One seed, Christ, to come to fulfillment in Christ. In Christ all the promises are Yes, and through Christ we say our Amen to God for His glory.
Gen 12:7 Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is
through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. ESV
Class Discussion
Paul Explained to the Galatian church, that included Gentiles, that the promises of God to AbrHm wew fulfilled in Christ, the One seed of Abraham, not in doing the works of the law given through Moses.
Gal 3:24 Therefore the law was out tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
The Law and the Promise
Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say,"And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "AND TO YOUR SEED," who is Christ.
Gal 3:17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
4.Question: God bound Himself in the cutting of the covenant by a solemn blood-oath to assure the fulfillment of the promises given Abram.
How are these promises sealed?
Student Answer
The promises are sealed with God’s self-maledictory blood- oath (a pledge of death) that the promises would not be broken.
What is the ultimate end of the covenant-breaker?
Student Answer
His body would be slain and devoured by the wild birds of the heavens.
Gen 15:11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away
Deu 28:26 Your carcasses shall be food for all the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and no one shall frighten them away.
Jer 34:20 And I will give them into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who seek their lives. Their dead bodies shall be food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.
Read the curses found in Deuteronomy 28 and Psalm 79:2, 3.
Curses for Disobedience
(Read Deuteronomy 28:15 to 68).
Psa 79:2 The dead bodies of Your servants— They have given as food for the birds of the heavens, The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.
Psa 79:3 Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem, And there was no one to bury them.
5.Question: In Genesis 15 we find the formal inauguration of the Abrahamic covenant. Summarize
what God promises and the way God gave assurance by formal ratification.
Student Answer
God promises Abram the land of Canaan, a son from his own body and the multiplying of his seed (descendants) as the stars of
heaven, to inherit the promises. Abram believes and is counted righteous (justified), but wants strong assurance.
God gives assurance by a formal ratification of a covenant bond in blood. Abram is to present certain animals before Him (Gen 15:9). He halves the animals and sets the pieces over against each other. He slays the birds, but doesn’t divide them. Birds of prey come, but Abram frightens them away. Abram passes into a visionary state. He receives an overview of history and is encouraged to wait patiently. For 400 years descendants will endure oppression in a strange land and they come out with great possessions. Finally, they will enter the land as promised (Gen 15:13, 14) after the iniquity of the Amorite is full (v. 16).
A smoking oven and a flaming torch pass between the pieces (v17). God cut the covenant. If the covenant commitment is broken their own bodies were to be torn in pieces just as the animals had been divided ceremonially. God bound Himself in a solemn blood-oath to the fulfillment of the promises given to Abram. Abram did not pass between the divided pieces. God assumed to Himself the full responsibility for seeing that every promise of the covenant would be realized. The promises are sealed with a self-maledictory oath of God. This is the strong assurance given by the LORD.
Gen 15:9 So He said to him,";Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three- year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."
Gen 15:13 Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.
Gen 15:14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.
Gen 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete."
Gen 15:17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.
6.Question: Throughout Israel’s history we have this covenantal self- consciousness of the ultimate judgment of devastation.
Is there any relief from the curse?
Student Answer
Yes. We find our answers in Hebrews 9:15-20 and in the inauguration of the new covenant (Matthew 36:28; Luke 22:20).
Redemption is through the blood of Christ. What happens at Saini reflects the covenantal form employed by God as He bound Himself to Abram. The ceremony of the Mosaic covenant embodied the substance of the commitment to Abram, although the form changes from passing between the pieces to the sprinkling of the nation with blood.
Discuss the vital relationship between death and covenant relative to God, the Covenant-Maker, and death and the covenant-breaker.
Student Answer
We have first, the death of the covenant-maker at the time of the inauguration of the covenant with Abram (It is a pledge to death). Secondly, we have the death of the covenant-violator. Once a transgression of the covenantal commitment occurs, death is inevitable. Death activates a testament. Death inaugurates and vindicates a covenant.
The death of Christ, the maker of the new covenant provides redemption from the curses incurred due to the violation of the old
covenant. This same death, His “blood of the covenant” inaugurates the new covenant.
Redemption Through the Blood of Christ
Heb 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Heb 9:16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Heb 9:17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.
Heb 9:18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.
Heb 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,
Heb 9:20 saying, "THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD HAS COMMANDED YOU"
Mat 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Luk 22:20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying,"This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
7.Question: Death inaugurates and vindicates a covenant.
What did Christ’s death accomplish as He inaugurated a new covenant?
Student Answer
Christ did not die in order to activate a “will” for Israel. He instituted a covenantal relationship. In Hebrews 9:15 Christ mediates
the new covenant in order that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. By the grace of God, Jesus Christ substituted Himself in the place of covenant-breakers. He died in their stead. He took on Himself the curses of the covenant. There is no remission without the shedding of blood. To dishonor the Blood, to deny it, to demean it, to be ashamed of it is to dishonor and demean the New Covenant.
Look up Hebrews 9:15.
For what purpose did Christ mediate the new covenant?
Student Answer
For the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the
eternal inheritance given to Abram.
Discuss the dual role of the Blood of Christ; how does this dual role echo the dual role of God’s words to Adam in Genesis 3:15?
Student Answer
The pronouncement of blessings in the covenant of redemption followed on the heel of the infliction of the curses of the
covenant with humankind represented by Adam. Curse for sin, yes, but redemption for humankind comes through the promise of blessing in Christ.
Redemption Through the Blood of Christ
Heb 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the firstcovenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."
8.Question:There were stipulations, obligations, and requirements in the covenant with Abraham, but God assumed to Himself the full responsibility for seeing that every promise of the covenant would be realized.
Look up Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3; Romans 4:20-22; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23.
What do you glean from these verses regarding the promise and commandment empowering the faith and obedience required?
Student Answer.
God promised to bless Abraham and make him a blessing to all nations. Power on earth is in blessings of the LORD. When God
speaks His words are not empty of power. The force of His command is even blessing. Abram will have to obey. By the grace of God, he did obey, he believed God, and God counted it to him as righteousness. Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform.
Abraham Justified by Faith
Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Rom 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Rom 4:20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,
Rom 4:21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
Rom 4:22 And therefore "IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Gal 3:6 just as Abraham "BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Jas 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR
RIGHTEOUSNESS."And he was called the friend of God.
9.Question: In Genesis 17 God establishes the sign of the Abrahamic covenant. It is to be circumcision. This seal carries forward to believers
today with the covenant-sealing Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 14).
Identify three things from the lesson regarding how this impacts the new covenant.
Student Answer
(1). In this act the promise concerning the seed, the land, and the blessing are all sealed in a single sign.
(2). Circumcision indicates the status of a man in relation to God and in relation to the covenant
community of God.
( 3).It is an outward sign, but God is after the heart.
Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision
Gen 17:10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;
Gen 17:11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
10.Question: Circumcision seals the reality of righteousness, a righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. Romans 2:25-29.
What is the true cleansing necessary and sufficient to make one acceptable to God? Philippians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 1:22.
Student Answer
In the New Covenant Gentiles need not become Jews before becoming Christians. Both become new creatures through oneness with Christ by means of faith alone. To fulfill all righteousness, Jesus underwent the prescribed rites of cleansing (Matthew 3:15). Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple; Jesus was passive. Later Jesus submitted Himself to the baptism of John. (Luke 2:21). Jesus’ cleansing is for the sake of the sinful people whom He is saving.
Luk 2:21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb
Mat 3:15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it [the baptism of John] to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him.
What replaces circumcision? Colossians 2:11, 12.
Student Answer
Baptism replaces circumcism, i.e., one cleansing rite replaces the other. The cutting off represents the violent removal of the
inherently sinful nature of humanity. Baptism signifies the seal of the Holy Spirit in the heart, not the work of the person. It is grace.
God’s Judgment and the Law
Rom 2:25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become
uncircumcision.
Rom 2:26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as
circumcision?
Rom 2:27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
Rom 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
2Co 1:22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Alive in Christ
Col 2:11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the
circumcision of Christ,
Col 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
11.Question. The blessing of Abraham equals Jesus. Look up John 8:58; Genesis 18:18.
For what can you thank the Living God after finishing this lesson?
Student Answer
For the blessings of Abraham that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Savior of true believers from every tribe, tongue and
nation.
Rev 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation”.
Also read the blessings in Duet 28:1-14.
Joh 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
Gen 18:18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Gen 22:18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
© 2022 Mary Craig Ministries, Inc.
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