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I. THE NATURE OF ABRAM'S WORSHIP.

1. Divine in its appointment.

2. Simple in its ritual.

3. Sacrificial in its character.

4. Believing in its spirit.

5. Patient in its continuance.

6. Expectant in its attitude.

II. THE INTERRUPTIONS OF ABRAM'S WORSHIP.

1. What they were. The descent of the fowls may be regarded as emblematic of those obstructions to communion with God which arise from -

(1) The principalities and powers of the air.

(2) The persecutions and oppressions (or, where these are absent, the pleasures and engagements) of the world.

(3) The disturbances and distractions of vain thoughts and sinful motions in the heart.

2. How they were removed.

(1) By watchfulness.

(2) By opposition.

(3) By perseverance.

(4) By Divine help - the breath of Abram's mouth being probably accompanied by a wind from God.

III. THE ACCEPTANCE OF ABRAM'S WORSHIP. This was proved -

1. By the approach of God at night-fall towards the scene.

2. By the supernatural revelation accorded to the patriarch.

3. By the passage of the symbol of Jehovah's presence between the divided victims.

4. By the announcement that God had taken him into covenant with himself.

5. By the vision of the land which was granted to him. Learn -

1. The sinfulness and worthlessness of all forms of worship except that which God has appointed.

2. The need for self-examination and Divine assistance when engaged in serving God.

3. The certain acceptance and spiritual enrichment of those who worship God in spirit and in truth. - W.

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KJV: And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away.

WEB: The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.