Lesson 1: Abraham – Call and Covenant
Module 2. The Period of the Patriarchs } Timeline: Year 1948 - 2048 BC } Genesis 1 - 26
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
With Abraham, God begins a new chapter in salvation history. Out of a world of idolatry, God calls one man to walk by faith, promising that through him all nations will be blessed (Gen 12:3). Abraham’s obedience and God’s covenant with him establish the foundation of Israel’s identity and mission.
This lesson highlights Abraham’s nine key encounters with God — a “School of Faith” where Abraham learned to trust, intercede, and obey. His story is not just ancient history but a living model of faith that the New Testament declares as the standard for all who believe (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6–9).
2. 🕰 Timeline
Biblical History
1948 AM – Call of Abraham |---- 1996 AM – Covenant with Abraham ----| 2048 AM – Birth of Isaac
World History
2000 BC – Babylon rises |---- 1900 BC – Middle Bronze Age ----| 1800 BC – Egyptian Middle Kingdom
3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
-
Understand the significance of Abraham’s call as the foundation of God’s redemptive plan.
-
Explore the meaning of the covenant promises: land, descendants, and blessing.
-
Reflect on Abraham’s faith as a model for believers today.
-
Trace how Abraham’s obedience impacts both Israel’s history and the gospel.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
-
The Call as Separation, Not Migration: Abraham was not simply moving to a new land; God’s call was to leave idolatry behind (Joshua 24:2) and embrace a covenant relationship.
-
The Covenant as Unconditional: Unlike human agreements, God “cut” the covenant (karat berit) Himself (Gen 15), passing through the divided animals to guarantee the promise. This underscores divine initiative, not human merit.
-
Faith Counted as Righteousness: Abraham’s faith (emunah) in God’s word was credited as righteousness (Gen 15:6). Paul later points to this as the foundation of justification by faith (Romans 4).
✅ Correct interpretation: Abraham’s life shows that God’s promises are received by faith, not works, and that His covenant is everlasting and sovereign.
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew Words)
-
Abram – “Exalted father”: Abraham’s original name before God changed it.
-
Berit – “Covenant” (Gen 15:18; 17:7): solemn, binding agreement initiated by God.
-
Tze’etsa’im – “Descendants”: God’s promise of innumerable offspring.
-
Emunah – “Faith”: Abraham’s belief in God’s word credited as righteousness.
-
Karat Berit – “To cut a covenant”: ancient ritual of sealing an oath with blood.
-
El Shaddai – “God Almighty” (Gen 17:1): emphasizes God’s power in fulfilling promises.
-
Tzaddik – “Righteous”: Abraham declared righteous through faith.
6. 📖 Bible References
-
Genesis 12:1–3 – God’s call to Abraham and the promise of blessing.
-
Genesis 15:5–6 – Abraham believes God, and it is credited as righteousness.
-
Genesis 17:7 – God establishes an everlasting covenant with Abraham’s descendants.
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Part A – Visuals
-
Map Abraham’s journey: Ur → Haran → Canaan → Egypt → Canaan.
-
Draw a diagram of the covenant ritual (Genesis 15).
-
Chart the nine encounters as Abraham’s “School of Faith.”
Part B – Quiz (5 Questions)
-
What did Abraham’s call in Genesis 12 require him to leave behind, and what was promised in return?
-
Explain the meaning of karat berit (“to cut a covenant”) in the context of Genesis 15.
-
Why is Abraham’s faith in Genesis 15:6 so important for biblical theology?
-
How does the covenant with Abraham point forward to the gospel and the nations?
-
In what ways can Abraham’s journey of faith serve as a model for believers today?
Lesson Toolbox
Lesson 2: Isaac, Jacob, & the Promise
Module 2. The Period of the Patriarchs } Timeline: Year 2048 - 2255 BC } Genesis 1 - 38
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
The promise God gave to Abraham did not end with him — it was passed on to Isaac and Jacob, continuing the covenant line that would eventually bring forth the nation of Israel. Isaac’s life shows God’s faithfulness, even in times of famine and trial. Jacob’s journey, filled with struggle and transformation, demonstrates how God refines His chosen servants and brings them into deeper covenant relationship.
This lesson highlights how God’s promise moves forward through generations, despite human weakness. Isaac and Jacob serve as key witnesses of God’s ongoing faithfulness, pointing us toward the unbroken line of covenant blessing that culminates in Christ.
2. 🕰 Timeline
Biblical History
2158 AM – Birth of Isaac |---- 2255 AM – Jacob in Haran ----| 2000 BC – Abraham’s Covenant Fulfilled
World History
2000 BC – Rise of Babylon |---- 1900 BC – Middle Bronze Age ----| 1800 BC – Expansion of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom
3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
-
Explore how God’s covenant promise was reaffirmed through Isaac and Jacob.
-
Understand the divine encounters that shaped their lives and spiritual identity.
-
Reflect on God’s faithfulness across generations despite human struggles and failures.
-
Recognize Jacob’s transformation into Israel as a model of God’s grace at work.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
-
God’s Covenant is Not Limited to Abraham Alone: Genesis 26 shows God speaking directly to Isaac, affirming the same land and blessing promises. The covenant is generational, not individual.
-
Bethel as a Divine Encounter, Not Just a Dream: Jacob’s vision of the ladder (sullam) is not symbolic mythology but a revelation of God’s active presence and the heavenly connection to earth.
-
Jacob’s Wrestling (Gen 32:24–30): This was not a mythic tale but a historical theophany. God both wounded and blessed Jacob, changing his name to Israel (Yisrael, “he struggles with God”), signifying a new identity and mission.
-
God’s Faithfulness Despite Weakness: Isaac repeated some of Abraham’s failings, and Jacob lived by deception for much of his life. Yet God reaffirmed His promise — proof that covenant fulfillment rests on divine faithfulness, not human perfection.
✅ Proper interpretation: The stories of Isaac and Jacob are historical, covenantal, and theological — revealing God’s unchanging faithfulness in the unfolding history of redemption.
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew Words)
-
Ya‘akov – “Jacob”: means “heel-grabber, supplanter,” pointing to his early character.
-
Berit – “Covenant”: God’s solemn promise reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob.
-
Massah – “Test/Trial”: describes the challenges through which God shaped their faith.
-
Sullam – “Ladder/Stairway”: Jacob’s vision at Bethel connecting heaven and earth.
-
El Shaddai – “God Almighty”: title used in reaffirming covenant blessings (Gen 35:11).
-
Yisrael – “Israel”: Jacob’s new name, meaning “he struggles with God,” marking transformation.
-
Bethel – “House of God”: name given by Jacob after his vision (Gen 28:19).
6. 📖 Bible References
-
Genesis 26:2–4 – God confirms His covenant with Isaac.
-
Genesis 28:13–15 – God reveals Himself to Jacob in the vision at Bethel.
-
Genesis 35:11–12 – God reaffirms the covenant, changing Jacob’s name to Israel.
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Part A – Visuals
-
Complete the timeline by marking Isaac’s birth, Jacob in Haran, and Abraham’s covenant line.
-
Draw Jacob’s vision at Bethel (ladder connecting heaven and earth).
-
Create a chart: Isaac’s encounters vs. Jacob’s encounters with God.
Part B – Quiz (5 Questions)
-
How does God reaffirm His covenant with Isaac, and why is this significant?
-
What does Jacob’s vision of the sullam (ladder) at Bethel teach us about God’s presence?
-
What spiritual transformation occurred when Jacob’s name was changed to Israel?
-
How do the trials of Isaac and Jacob (massah) reveal God’s faithfulness across generations?
-
What lessons can modern believers learn from Jacob’s journey from deception to covenant blessing?
Lesson Toolbox
Lesson 3: Joseph – From Slavery to Palace
Module 2. The Period of the Patriarchs } Timeline: Year 2255 - 2309 BC } Genesis 36 - 50
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
Joseph’s life is one of the clearest biblical examples of God’s providence at work. Betrayed by his brothers, sold as a slave, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph seemed forgotten — yet God was guiding every step. In Egypt, God raised him to the highest position under Pharaoh, making him the instrument to preserve Jacob’s family during famine.
This lesson teaches us how God transforms human evil into divine good (Gen 50:20). Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace shows that trials are never wasted in God’s hands, and forgiveness and reconciliation are essential in His redemptive plan.
2. 🕰 Timeline
Biblical History
2259 AM – Joseph sold into slavery |---- 2309 AM – Jacob descends to Egypt
World History
2000 BC – Rise of Babylon |---- 1900 BC – Middle Bronze Age ----| 1800 BC – Egyptian Middle Kingdom
3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
-
Explore how God’s providence guided Joseph from slavery to leadership in Egypt.
-
Understand Joseph’s role in preserving Jacob’s family during famine.
-
Reflect on Joseph’s character: integrity, faithfulness, and forgiveness.
-
Apply the lesson of providence — how God works through adversity to accomplish His purposes.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
Not Just Luck, But Providence: Joseph’s rise in Egypt is not a story of human resilience alone but divine sovereignty. “The LORD was with Joseph” (Gen 39:2) is the central theme.
Dreams as Divine Revelation, Not Human Intuition: Joseph did not interpret Pharaoh’s dreams by skill or chance. He declared: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Gen 41:16).
Forgiveness, Not Revenge: Humanly, Joseph could have destroyed his brothers. Instead, he forgave them, affirming that God turned their evil into good (Gen 50:20). This foreshadows Christ’s forgiveness at the cross.
✅ Proper interpretation: Joseph’s life is a testimony to God’s providence, showing that human sin cannot frustrate God’s redemptive purposes.
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew Words)
-
Yadot – “Hands” (Gen 39:3): the blessing of God evident in everything Joseph put his hands to.
-
Mishneh – “Second in rank” (Gen 41:40): Joseph’s role as Pharaoh’s deputy, ruler over Egypt.
-
Chalom – “Dream” (Gen 41:25–32): divine revelations given for guidance in crisis.
-
Tzafnat-Pa‘neach – “Zaphenath-Paneah” (Gen 41:45): Egyptian name given to Joseph, meaning “revealer of secrets.”
-
Pitom – “Pit” (Gen 37:24): symbol of Joseph’s descent into suffering.
-
Mikrah – “Sale/Transaction” (Gen 37:28): the betrayal by his brothers that set God’s plan in motion.
-
Shalem – “Reconciliation” (Gen 45:1–15): Joseph’s reunion with his brothers, a picture of divine forgiveness.
6. 📖 Bible References
-
Genesis 37:28 – Joseph sold by his brothers into slavery.
-
Genesis 39:2–3 – “The LORD was with Joseph and made him prosper.”
-
Genesis 50:20 – “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Part A – Visuals
-
Map Joseph’s journey: from Dothan (Canaan) → Egypt → prison → palace.
-
Diagram Pharaoh’s dreams and Joseph’s interpretation.
-
Create a chart: Joseph’s trials vs. God’s purposes accomplished through them.
Part B – Quiz (5 Questions)
-
How do Joseph’s experiences in slavery and prison reveal the providence of God?
-
Why are Pharaoh’s dreams central to Joseph’s rise, and what do they reveal about God’s sovereignty?
-
How does Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers demonstrate the heart of God’s redemptive plan?
-
What does the Hebrew word shalem teach us about reconciliation in Joseph’s story?
-
How can Joseph’s life encourage us to trust God’s purposes in times of hardship?
Lesson Toolbox
Lesson 4: The Patriarchs – Spiritual Lessons
Module 2. The Period of the Patriarchs } Timeline: Year 2000 - 2309 BC } Genesis 1 - 50
“Vision & Teaching of Fernando Jiménez”
1. 📖 Introduction & Context
The Patriarchs — Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph — are not just historical figures but living testimonies of God’s faithfulness, covenant, and providence. Their lives reveal how God builds faith across generations, shaping His people through promises, trials, and victories. Jesus Himself spoke of the patriarchs as sitting at the banquet table of the Kingdom (Matt 8:11), affirming their enduring relevance.
This lesson reflects on the spiritual lessons we draw from their faith, obedience, failures, and God’s mercy, showing how their journey speaks to our walk with God today.
2. 🕰 Timeline
Biblical History
1948 AM – Call of Abraham |---- 2158 AM – Isaac |---- 2255 AM – Jacob |---- 2309 AM – Joseph in Egypt
World History
2000 BC – Rise of Babylon |---- 1900 BC – Middle Bronze Age ----| 1800 BC – Egyptian Middle Kingdom
3. 🎯 Learning Objectives
-
Explore the spiritual lessons of faith, obedience, and trust in God from the lives of the patriarchs.
-
Understand how God used trials and human weaknesses to advance His covenant purposes.
-
Reflect on God’s unchanging faithfulness, whose promises given to the patriarchs extend to all believers today.
4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct
-
Faith in the Unseen: Abraham believed God’s promise even when he saw no fulfillment (Gen 15:6). True faith is trust beyond circumstances.
-
God’s Covenant Is Unilateral: The covenant was not built on human perfection but on God’s unbreakable word (Gen 17:7).
-
Transformation of Identity: Jacob became “Israel” after wrestling with God (Gen 32:28). True spiritual growth requires surrender, not manipulation.
-
Providence Over Evil: Joseph declared, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20). Human betrayal cannot block God’s redemptive plan.
✅ Correct teaching: The patriarchs are examples of God’s faithfulness through flawed men — proof that the covenant rests on God’s grace, not human merit.
5. 📜 Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew Words)
-
Emunah – “Faith”: Steadfast trust in God’s promises.
-
Berit – “Covenant”: The divine alliance with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
-
Nisayon – “Test/Trial”: The refining of faith through obedience (Gen 22, sacrifice of Isaac).
-
Chesed – “Mercy/Loyalty”: God’s covenantal love, even when patriarchs faltered.
-
Tzedek – “Righteousness”: Credited to Abraham for believing God (Gen 15:6).
-
Tikvah – “Hope”: The forward-looking expectation of fulfillment of God’s word.
-
Shalom – “Peace”: God’s assurance of presence, protection, and covenant blessing.
6. 📖 Bible References
-
Matthew 8:11 – Many will sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom.
-
Genesis 22:12 – Abraham’s test of faith with Isaac.
-
Genesis 32:28 – Jacob renamed Israel after wrestling with God.
-
Genesis 50:20 – Joseph’s declaration of providence and forgiveness.
7. 📝 Homework / Revision
Part A – Visuals
-
Map of Patriarchal Lands (Ur → Canaan → Egypt).
-
Diagram of God’s covenant promises across generations (Abraham → Isaac → Jacob → Joseph).
Part B – Quiz (5 Questions)
-
What spiritual lesson do we learn from Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac?
-
How does Isaac’s quiet obedience and God’s confirmation of the covenant encourage our faith?
-
What does Jacob’s name change to Israel teach us about spiritual transformation?
-
How does Joseph’s forgiveness reflect God’s redemptive purposes in human suffering?
-
How do the promises given to the patriarchs point forward to Christ and include believers today?
Lesson Toolbox