Choosing Faith: Lessons from Abram and Lot
Summary
This morning, we embarked on a journey through Genesis 13, exploring the story of Abram and Lot, two men who stood on a mountain, each facing a decision that would shape their future. We began by reflecting on the choices we make in life and how they test our faith and priorities. Do we make decisions based on immediate gain, or do we trust in God's better plan, placing Him first even when it requires us to walk a path of faith and sacrifice? This question set the stage for our exploration of Abram and Lot's story.
Abram and Lot had returned from Egypt, where they had acquired great wealth. Their combined possessions were so vast that the land could not support both of them dwelling together, leading to strife between their herdsmen. Abram, demonstrating wisdom and maturity, offered Lot the first choice of land, even though, as the elder and more powerful person, he was entitled to choose first. Lot, driven by what was enticing to his eyes, chose the lush, well-watered Jordan Valley, which resembled the Garden of Eden. This decision, however, led him to settle near the wicked city of Sodom.
In contrast, Abram trusted God for everything. Instead of focusing on his wealth and possessions, he built an altar and worshiped the Lord, making God his top priority. This act of worship demonstrated Abram's growing faith and trust in God. Despite his earlier mistakes in Egypt, where he lied about his relationship with Sarai to protect himself, Abram was learning to place his faith in God rather than in his own schemes.
We then delved into the consequences of Lot's decision. Lot's fixation on wealth and possessions led him to move far away from Abram and settle near Sodom, a city known for its wickedness. This choice had devastating effects on Lot and his family, as they became entangled in the sinful environment of Sodom. In contrast, God blessed Abram, promising him and his descendants the vast land he could see from the mountaintop. This promise was a testament to Abram's faith and God's faithfulness.
We also reflected on our own lives and the choices we make. Do we prioritize God in our decisions, or do we focus on what is most profitable and advantageous to us? Abram's story teaches us the importance of lifting our eyes to the Lord and trusting in His plan, even when it requires sacrifice. We must ask ourselves, "Lord, what is your will for me?" and "Will this decision draw me closer to you or farther away?"
As we concluded, we were reminded of the importance of praising God more than petitioning Him. When we recognize what the Lord does for us at every moment, we will praise Him more than we ask for His help. Abram's worship demonstrated that he made the Lord his top priority, and we are called to do the same in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trust in God's Plan Over Immediate Gain: Abram and Lot's story teaches us the importance of making decisions based on faith and trust in God's plan rather than immediate gain. Lot chose the lush Jordan Valley based on its immediate appeal, but this decision led him near the wicked city of Sodom. In contrast, Abram trusted God and was blessed with a vast territory for his descendants. [25:55]
2. Worship God, Not His Blessings: Abram's act of building an altar and worshiping the Lord upon returning to the promised land demonstrates the importance of prioritizing God over material possessions. Despite his wealth, Abram made God his top priority, showing us that true worship involves placing God first in our lives. [34:43]
3. The Consequences of Fixating on Wealth: Lot's fixation on wealth and possessions led him to settle near Sodom, a decision that had devastating effects on him and his family. This teaches us that when we prioritize material prosperity over our relationship with God, we risk entangling ourselves in environments that can lead us away from Him. [46:56]
4. Praise More Than Petition: We are often quick to ask God for help in our struggles, but Abram's story reminds us to praise God more than we petition Him. Recognizing God's presence and protection in our lives should lead us to praise Him continually, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness. [37:24]
5. Seek God's Will in Every Decision: In our daily lives, we must seek God's will in every decision, asking whether our choices will draw us closer to Him or farther away. Abram's story encourages us to lift our eyes to the Lord and trust in His plan, even when it requires sacrifice. By doing so, we align our hearts and choices with God's will. [53:37]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:11] - Announcements
[25:55] - Choices and Faith
[27:30] - Abram and Lot's Journey
[30:24] - Abram's Deception in Egypt
[32:36] - Personal Reflection on Decision Making
[34:43] - Abram's Worship and Prioritizing God
[37:24] - Praise More Than Petition
[38:28] - Strife Between Abram and Lot
[40:38] - Abram's Generosity
[42:08] - Lot's Choice and Its Consequences
[46:56] - The Dangers of Fixating on Wealth
[50:09] - God's Promise to Abram
[53:37] - Seeking God's Will in Decisions
[54:59] - Personal Testimony and Closing Prayer
[58:54] - Worship and Prioritizing God
[01:12:40] - Psalm 121 and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 13:1-18 - The story of Abram and Lot's choices and their consequences.
2. Psalm 121:1-8 - A reminder to lift our eyes to the Lord for help and guidance.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the primary reason for the strife between Abram and Lot's herdsmen? ([38:28])
2. How did Abram demonstrate his faith and trust in God upon returning to the promised land? ([34:43])
3. What was Lot's main motivation for choosing the Jordan Valley, and what were the consequences of his choice? ([42:08])
4. How did God respond to Abram after Lot separated from him? ([50:09])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Abram's decision to let Lot choose first reveal about his character and faith? ([41:12])
2. How does Lot's choice to settle near Sodom reflect his priorities and values? ([46:56])
3. In what ways does Abram's act of building an altar and worshiping God serve as a model for prioritizing God in our lives? ([34:43])
4. How does the story of Abram and Lot illustrate the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual well-being? ([48:38])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you prioritize immediate gain or trust in God's plan? How did that decision impact your faith? ([25:55])
2. Abram built an altar and worshiped God despite his wealth. How can you make worship and gratitude a daily practice in your life? ([34:43])
3. Lot's fixation on wealth led him to settle near Sodom. Are there areas in your life where you are prioritizing material prosperity over your relationship with God? How can you change that? ([46:56])
4. Abram praised God more than he petitioned Him. How can you incorporate more praise into your prayer life, especially during challenging times? ([36:40])
5. When faced with a significant decision, do you ask God, "What is your will for me?" and "Will this decision draw me closer to you or farther away?" How can you make this a habit in your decision-making process? ([53:37])
6. Think of a time when you were at a crossroads in your life. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome? How can you apply that experience to future decisions? ([54:59])
7. How can you ensure that your possessions do not own you, but rather, you use them to glorify God? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on God rather than material wealth? ([45:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God's Plan Over Immediate Gain
Abram and Lot's story in Genesis 13 highlights the importance of making decisions based on faith and trust in God's plan rather than immediate gain. When faced with the choice of land, Lot chose the lush Jordan Valley based on its immediate appeal, but this decision led him near the wicked city of Sodom. In contrast, Abram trusted God and was blessed with a vast territory for his descendants. This teaches us that our choices should be guided by faith in God's promises rather than the allure of immediate benefits. Trusting in God's plan often requires patience and a willingness to walk a path of faith and sacrifice, but it ultimately leads to greater blessings and fulfillment. [25:55]
Genesis 13:10-11 (ESV): "And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other."
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made based on immediate gain. How might you have approached it differently if you had prioritized faith in God's plan instead?
Day 2: Worship God, Not His Blessings
Abram's act of building an altar and worshiping the Lord upon returning to the promised land demonstrates the importance of prioritizing God over material possessions. Despite his wealth, Abram made God his top priority, showing us that true worship involves placing God first in our lives. This act of worship signifies a heart that values the Giver more than the gifts. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider whether we are more focused on the blessings we receive or on the One who blesses us. By making God our top priority, we align our hearts with His will and experience a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him. [34:43]
Genesis 13:4 (ESV): "To the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. Are there moments where you prioritize material possessions or personal gain over spending time with God? How can you shift your focus to worshiping God more consistently?
Day 3: The Consequences of Fixating on Wealth
Lot's fixation on wealth and possessions led him to settle near Sodom, a decision that had devastating effects on him and his family. This teaches us that when we prioritize material prosperity over our relationship with God, we risk entangling ourselves in environments that can lead us away from Him. Lot's choice serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the pursuit of wealth can blind us to the spiritual dangers around us. It encourages us to evaluate our priorities and ensure that our desire for material success does not compromise our spiritual well-being or lead us into harmful situations. [46:56]
Genesis 13:12-13 (ESV): "Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you may be prioritizing wealth or material success. How can you reorient your focus to ensure that your relationship with God remains your top priority?
Day 4: Praise More Than Petition
We are often quick to ask God for help in our struggles, but Abram's story reminds us to praise God more than we petition Him. Recognizing God's presence and protection in our lives should lead us to praise Him continually, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness. Abram's worship demonstrated that he made the Lord his top priority, and we are called to do the same in our daily lives. By cultivating a heart of praise, we shift our focus from our needs to God's greatness, fostering a deeper sense of gratitude and trust in His provision. [37:24]
Psalm 34:1 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Reflection: Take a moment to list three things you are grateful for today. How can you incorporate more praise into your daily prayers, focusing on God's goodness rather than just your needs?
Day 5: Seek God's Will in Every Decision
In our daily lives, we must seek God's will in every decision, asking whether our choices will draw us closer to Him or farther away. Abram's story encourages us to lift our eyes to the Lord and trust in His plan, even when it requires sacrifice. By doing so, we align our hearts and choices with God's will, ensuring that our decisions are guided by faith and a desire to honor Him. This practice helps us develop a deeper relationship with God and experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from living in accordance with His purpose for our lives. [53:37]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think about a decision you are currently facing. Have you sought God's will in this matter? What steps can you take to ensure that your choice aligns with His plan for your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How often are you faced with choices that test your faith and priorities? And in this, how do you respond? Do you make these choices based on immediate gain, or do you trust in God's better plan, placing him first, even when it requires you to walk a path, a road of faith, and even sacrifice?" [25:55]
2. "There's this misconception that when we come to faith in Christ, we have to immediately begin to live this sinless, and we must live this perfect type of lifestyle, right? Now, I'm not suggesting that believers should continue to live in sin without changing their lifestyles, but I'm saying that we often will make mistakes. Huge mistakes. We'll be very reactionary to things." [31:35]
3. "Because what happens when we pray? Nine times out of ten, we're like, Lord, bail me out. I need your help. Lord, you got, I am in this bind right now. I'm in this financial difficulty. I'm having problems at work or my marriage. My kids are just driving me crazy. Lord, help me. But how many times in the middle of that do we break out with praise to God, knowing that he's right there in the middle of our struggle, right there in the middle of our challenges?" [37:24]
4. "In stark contrast, Lot was consumed by this relentless fixation in coveting his wife, his wealth and possessions. Instead of Lot owning his possessions, his possessions owned him. We could say, yeah, that doesn't apply to everyone. Oh yeah, it does. Have you ever bought a new car? I've had a history. When I bought a new car, I was so careful while I parked that thing. I made sure that thing was clean. I made sure that no one dented it when they opened up the corridors." [46:56]
5. "Do you make decisions based on what is appealing or profitable? Is that your main desire? Do you make decisions based on what is appealing or profitable? See, sometimes we prioritize our decisions on what is most profitable and most advantageous to us. We do that. That's what the world says. The world says, look out. Look what's best for you. What is most enticing, right?" [43:43]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We must choose either fixating on what is enticing to our eyes like Lot, or we can be like Abraham and lift up our eyes to the Lord and relying on him for what he provides, even though it may not be as good. When making decisions, great or small, will you lift up your eyes to the Lord and make him the deciding factor? And in deciding in this, we have to ask God these two questions. One, Lord, what is your will? What is your will for me? And the second thing, Lord, when I decide, will this draw me closer to you or farther away?" [53:37]
2. "Abram's worship demonstrated that he made the Lord his top priority. Abram's worship demonstrated. Abram's worship demonstrated that he made the Lord his top priority. How often do we take the time to thank the Lord daily? And I'm just referring to saying grace before meal. But how many times do we take a moment of silence throughout our day? Not just once, not just twice, but throughout our day to express gratitude and praise for his goodness and faithfulness." [35:30]
3. "One worshiped God, while the other worshiped what God provided. One worshiped God, while the other worshiped what God provided. One, Abram worshiped God. He was blessed by God, but he placed God first. God was his priority. But Lot worshiped what God provided. Abram would worship and choose God, no matter where the Lord led him. He wasn't a perfect man, but he worshiped God." [45:30]
4. "Lot moved far east away from Abram. The reason? Lot felt that he had everything he needed because he acquired all this great wealth. Remember, he had so much that this land was not large enough. In reality, Lot moved so far away from Abram and so far away from God that he settled very close to the wicked city of Sodom where people were exceedingly depraved." [48:38]
5. "Prioritizing God is praising more than petitioning. Let me say that again. Prioritizing God is praising God more than petitioning God." [36:40]
6. "Abram wasn't going to let his power and possessions be his priority. He was going to allow his nephew Lot to decide. He said, Lot, you choose. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right. If you go to the right, I'll go to the left." [41:12]
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