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 - 22 October 2015

Secret Doing And Prayers That Please God

All English Service

Do we look for affirmation from man, compliments and validation from bosses when we do our jobs well? In this face-paced society we're living in, we often hear the need to "affirm people for what they have done". While there is nothing wrong in seeking affirmation, little do we realize that our hearts have started to yearn for man's validation more than what God thinks of us as we are faithful to the things, big or small, assigned to us. In doing and prayers, the Pharisees committed one deadly mistake - they did it before many audiences, and they seek validation from these audiences. But the doing and prayer that please God is this - you do and you pray because you have only ONE audience, ie God. Because He is the only audience, you do because you care about Him more than anyone else; you pray because you just want to continuously seek the inputs and voices from this audience.

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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
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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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