Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Pastor Vincent - 21 May 2015

Believing And Forsaking

All English Service

What gives you the ongoing stamina in this Christian race? Everyone wants to feel useful, be recognised and thrive in the world. When Christians do not follow the current of the world, we often feel the pressure of being “different”, or unfitting, so much so that it brews doubt in us about the practicality and worthiness of this Christian race we’re running in. Paradoxically, the world often seems so beautiful, believable and enjoyable before God destroys it. But through the stories between Abraham and Lot, God has a message for His people - don’t be afraid to jeopardize your worldly joy when you choose to set apart for God, because when you hold onto the promise of God by faith alone, your God who chose and gave you the promise will also sanctify and glorify you. We often find ourselves a partial Lot who lives by sight, but desiring to be Abraham who lives by faith. This is because we do not believe that God’s promise is more real and more beautiful than what we’re holding on, or our conditions just inhibit us to believe that God will truly make us the heir of the world, just as He told Abraham. Abraham wanted a son, but God gave him The Son. When he parted ways with Lot who was then the only hope he had, God revealed to him and strengthened him with His promise again when he had no hope in his earthly conditions, God was all he had. When we are encouraged by God’s promise alone, the faith we have will also lead us to infinite possibilities of God’s work in our life. Let’s receive a covenanted reason and direction in this Christian race today, God delights in us witnessing the trueness of His promise 🙂 — “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” - Mark 9:24

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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

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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.

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