Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

29 Oct Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Posted at 12:03h in English Service by

Preacher Huijun - 7 May 2015

The Path Of Happiness

All English Service

Many people desire to be happy, yet they often find themselves having all but still unhappy. The very first chapter of Psalm has already given us the key to happiness. Blessed are you who avoid the slippery path of the wicked through relying on the Holy Spirit inside you, always delighting and meditating on God's laws for you know it's His protection to you against the Evil one. Yet the key to knowing and to be able to live in the reality of the path of happiness depends on our prayers with God. Prayers are simple yet fundamentally important to translate what we know about the truth to heartfelt conviction; it is easily done yet often overlooked as we withdraw ourselves from meditating on His word when we've fallen short of His holiness. We can be weak, but in your weaknesses, you can still meditate and delight in the Lord - that's truly a blessed (and happy) person, for he surely sees the intercession of Jesus in every turn!

Related Topics: Gospel Discernment, Regeneration & Sanctification | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

From Series: "All English Service"

Download Video     View Notes

More From "All English Service"

Powered by Series Engine

Abram to Abraham:
The Covenant of Circumcision


In the midst of worldly busyness and distractions, it is not easy to keep remembering and trusting God’s promises. Thus, God often uses His word and our life events to remind us and help us confirm His promises. The best part of God’s covenant is a special relationship with Him, where He assures us, saying, “I will be your God.” While it is wonderful to have God on our side, such covenantal relationship with God also implies certain obligations we have toward Him. This change of identity should also change our perspective such that we live in a way which is fitting with His grace of salvation. 
 Verses to read:
<Genesis 17:1-23>

1. Change of name (identity)

  • v5: Abram (“exalted father”) >>> Abraham: (“father of many”)
  • v15: Sarai >>> Sarah
  • Name affects a person
  • Name shapes perspective and behaviour
  • Changed names so can remember and dispel unbelief
  • After name change: God’s perspective >>> our fixed perspective
  • Forget old name, register new name, and live in a fitting way

2. God’s covenant also involves man’s obedience

1) “Walk before me faithfully and be blameless” <v1>

  • Walk before God, not man, nor self
  • Man sins due to very low view of God
  • Remember that God is Almighty <v1> >>> Trust and fear Him

2) Sign of covenant: Circumcision

  • Outward sign of inward faith
  • Reminder of obligations to God
  • Similar to New Testament baptism
  • Put away old self
  • Be set apart
  • Circumcision of the heart more important:
    <Deut 10:16> “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”
  • Irreversible: Permanent bond between God and His people

3) Obey promptly

  • <Genesis 17:26> Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day.

4) Do not let doubts hinder obedience

  • Don’t trust our doubts more than we trust God!

5) God demands total commitment

Print page
Avatar
Preacher Hui Jun
[email protected]

Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

No Comments