Genesis 12:1 to 12:9; 15:1 to 15:21 God graciously initiates a covenant of promise, calling his servants to walk by faith and counting their trusting faith as righteousness. Trace God's call to Abraham and the threefold covenant promise of land, seed, and blessing. Analyze Genesis 15:6 as the foundational Old Testament passage for justification by faith. Understand the ancient covenant cutting ceremony where God alone passed through the pieces. Living in the prosperous Mesopotamian city of Ur of the Chaldees, Abram worshipped other gods before the living Creator called him to leave everything behind. The Radical Call to Leave In Genesis 12, God spoke to seventy-five-year-old [Abraham](/bible/explorer/person/abraham): "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." God attached staggering promises to this call: "I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great... and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." Without knowing his final destination, Abraham packed his tents, took his wife [Sarah](/bible/explorer/person/sarah), and obeyed. Counting the Stars: Righteousness by Faith Years passed, and Abraham remained childless. In Genesis 15, Abraham expressed his perplexity to God. The Lord took Abraham outside into the dark desert night and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. So shall your offspring be." Abraham had no visible evidence, yet he believed the Lord, and Scripture records the immortal verdict: "And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness." The Smoking Fire Pot and the Unilateral Covenant To confirm his oath, God instructed Abraham to divide sacrificed animals. In ancient Near Eastern treaties, both parties walked between the bloody animal halves, swearing, "May I be torn apart like these animals if I break this covenant." But when deep darkness fell, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch representing God passed between the pieces alone. God unilaterally bound himself to fulfill the covenant, guaranteeing that his promise would never fail. And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 What three major promises did God give to Abraham in Genesis 12? A promised land, numerous descendants, and blessing to all nations Unlimited gold, a stone palace, and giant chariots Immortality on earth, personal armies, and worldly fame Exemption from all troubles, sickness, and aging A promised land, numerous descendants, and blessing to all nations God promised land, seed (a great nation), and universal blessing to all families of the earth. According to Genesis 15:6, why did God count Abraham as righteous? Because he believed the Lord Because he followed all 613 laws perfectly Because he offered thousands of sheep Because he was naturally sinless Because he believed the Lord Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 in Romans 4 to demonstrate that justification has always been by faith, not works. What passed between the animal halves in Genesis 15 to seal the covenant? A smoking fire pot and a flaming torch representing God Abraham and Sarah walking hand in hand A choir of angels with golden trumpets A river of water A smoking fire pot and a flaming torch representing God God alone passed between the pieces, taking full covenant responsibility upon himself. Identify one area where you are worrying about the future, and write down Genesis 15:6 on a card, choosing to trust God's promises instead of fear. Gracious God, you called Abraham out of darkness and promised to bless the whole world through his seed, Jesus Christ. Thank you that we are declared righteous not by our own good works, but through trusting faith in you. Strengthen our faith when circumstances look impossible. In Jesus' name, Amen. Why is it harder to trust God's promises when you have been waiting a very long time without seeing any results? How did God's promise that "in you all families shall be blessed" come true through Jesus Christ? Students trace Abraham's journey of faith, discover justification by faith in Genesis 15:6, and marvel at God's self-binding covenant oath. Show a legal contract or signed promissory note. Explain how contracts work between two people, and contrast that with God's unilateral covenant where God pledged his own life to keep his promise! Was Abraham saved the same way Christians are saved today? Yes! Abraham was justified by faith looking forward to God's ultimate promise (Christ), just as we are saved by faith looking back at Christ. 5 min Hook, 15 min Scripture Journey, 10 min Memory Verse Drill, 10 min Group Dialogue, 5 min Closing Prayer