Week 8: February 16–22 - Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2

Week Overview

Feel the weight when Abraham, from a family that abandoned true worship and even sought his sacrifice to false gods, yearns “to be a greater follower of righteousness” (Abraham 1:2). This quiet, powerful desire transforms his future, showing that no matter family history, hope fills those who seek God.

Key Scripture Moments

Notice what happens next in Abraham 1:1–19: Abraham desires righteousness amid idolatry; God delivers him dramatically. Here's the remarkable moment when God calls, “Get thee out of thy country … unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1), promising blessings through posterity.

Observe the stars-and-sand vow in Genesis 15:1–6; Abraham believes despite childless years. Then witness the covenant renewal: “I will make my covenant between me and thee” (Genesis 17:1–8, 15–22), sealing eternal promises.

Hidden Connections

These covenant promises link directly to today: “as many as receive this Gospel shall be … accounted thy seed” (Abraham 2:10–11; see also Galatians 3:26–29; Doctrine and Covenants 132:30–32). Abraham's deliverance (Abraham 1:18; 2:8) echoes in Hagar's wilderness comfort (Genesis 16:7–11), where “Ishmael” means “God hears,” revealing God's attentiveness across generations.

Melchizedek's faith ties ancient to restored order (Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25–40; Alma 13:13–19; Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–4), while Abraham's tithing refusal of wealth (Genesis 14:23) models detachment.

Pattern Discovery

Notice this pattern across prophets: Inner desires shape actions, as in Abraham's pursuit amid family opposition (Abraham 1:1–19). This repeats in faithful waiting, like Abraham and Sarah facing unfulfilled promises afar off (Hebrews 11:8–13; Genesis 15:1–6). God supports through covenants (Genesis 12:1–3; 13:15–16; Abraham 2:6–11), turning peacemaking (Genesis 13:5–12) and hearing pleas (Genesis 16) into blessings for seed.

Simple Questions

1. What did Abraham desire, and how were his desires evident in actions (Abraham 1:1–19)?
2. How does God support righteous desires today?
3. What message comes for those with unrighteous family members?
4. How did Abraham and Sarah embrace distant promises (Genesis 15:1–6; Hebrews 11:8–13)?
5. What does God promise in covenants, and how do they apply personally (Abraham 2:6–11)?
6. How can one be “a blessing” like Abraham (Genesis 12:2; Abraham 2:11)?

One Big Idea

God honors desires “to be a greater follower of righteousness” (Abraham 1:2) by offering an eternal covenant of blessings, posterity, and priesthood, extending to all who receive the gospel as Abraham's seed (Abraham 2:10–11). This transforms troubled origins into divine inheritance.

Living It

Act as peacemakers like Abraham with family or friends (Genesis 13:5–12), role-playing solutions. List personal desires and actions, trusting God leads “by the hand” (Abraham 1:18; 2:8). Pay tithing with Abraham's attitude, viewing wealth as God's (Genesis 14:18–24).

Faith Builder

“We are all influenced by our families [and] our culture,” Elder Neil L. Andersen taught, “and yet I believe there is a place inside of us that we uniquely and individually control and create. … Eventually, our inner desires are given life and they are seen in our choices and in our actions” (see Abraham 1:1–19; “Educate Your Desires, Elder Andersen Counsels,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

These covenant promises invite all to claim Abraham's blessings through gospel obedience and faith in the Savior.