Genesis 17:1-10

Basic Proposition: 

God wants us to separate ourselves from worldly living and its sin.  We are called to be separate from the world.  God has given us a sign for our new covenant, a circumcised heart.

The Revelation of the Promise -

This promise that was made to Abraham is quite revealing in its message.  It tells us some significant spiritual truths. 

1. The Seed – We who are in Christ are the descendents of Abraham. (Genesis 17:4; Romans 4:16-17)
2. The Surety – The promise made to Abraham and his descendents is a sure thing.
3. The Securing – The promises of God come free of charge, but still require our actions.

The Requirements of the Promise –

This promise requires action on the part of the recipients.  God wants our dedication to the promise He makes to us.

1. Confidence – We cannot receive any promise without faith in the promise.  Children of Abraham are people of all nations who put their hope in Christ and, like Abraham on Mount Moriah, therefore don't let their most precious earthly possession stop their obedience. (John 8:39)
2. Communion – We must walk before God and commune with Him so that we do not miss the promise.         
3. Circumcision – We must circumcise our heart as the symbol of giving ourselves to God and His promises. To be circumcised of heart means to be cleansed from this world of sin.  It is the mark of separation. (Romans 2:25-29; Col. 2:10-15)
• It is Purposeful – We are forgetful people.
• It is Painful – We tend to remember painful experiences. 
• It is Permanent – It does not ever go away.

The Rewards of the Promise –

The ultimate finale to this story is the rewards of this promise.     

1. Their Caliber – They are the most Spectacular Rewards possible. (1 Corinthians 3:21-23; Jeremiah 32:38-41; Romans 4:13)
2. Their Cut Above – They are infinitely greater than any pleasures we can receive in this lifetime. 
3. Their Culmination – They are worth every sacrifice we must make in order to receive them.

Personal Application

Do you bear the marks of the circumcision on your heart?  Has God had His cut upon your heart?  If we are willing then God wants us to know that if we are His children nothing will be kept back from us.  Do you believe the promises of God are true for you?