Faith Lessons from Abram and Lot's Journey
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into Genesis 13:5-18, focusing on the story of Abram and Lot. We explored how God chose Abram from a pagan society to make him the head of a great nation, demonstrating God's holiness and power. This story was likely written by Moses during the Israelites' time in the wilderness, serving as a reminder of faith during their trials. We examined three types of faith: peacemaking faith, misguided or misplaced faith, and reassuring faith.
Abram and Lot's growing wealth led to conflicts among their herdsmen, prompting Abram to propose a peaceful separation. Despite having the right to choose the best land, Abram let Lot decide, demonstrating his faith in God's promises. This act of peacemaking faith is a powerful lesson for us, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, especially with family, and trusting God's plan.
Lot, on the other hand, chose the lush plains of Jordan, focusing on immediate physical benefits and disregarding the spiritual implications. This misplaced faith led him to settle near the wicked city of Sodom, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing worldly gains over spiritual growth. We often make similar mistakes, focusing on material comforts and conveniences while neglecting our spiritual needs.
Finally, we discussed reassuring faith, as God reassured Abram of His promises despite the apparent setbacks. Abram's faith was not in the land but in God's faithfulness. This is a reminder that God's promises are steadfast, and His faithfulness is our ultimate reassurance. We should build "altars" in our lives to remember God's faithfulness, whether through physical reminders or spiritual practices.
### Key Takeaways
1. Peacemaking Faith: Abram's decision to let Lot choose the land demonstrates a faith that prioritizes peace over personal gain. This act of humility and trust in God's promises teaches us the importance of maintaining peace, especially within our families. We should strive to be peacemakers, as Jesus taught, and trust that God will fulfill His promises regardless of our circumstances. [53:27]
2. Misguided Faith: Lot's choice to settle near Sodom, driven by the allure of immediate physical benefits, serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that focusing solely on material gains can lead us away from God's path. We must prioritize our spiritual growth and be mindful of the influences around us, ensuring they draw us closer to God rather than away from Him. [58:12]
3. Reassuring Faith: Despite the apparent setbacks, God reassured Abram of His promises, emphasizing that His faithfulness is unwavering. This teaches us that our faith should be rooted in God's promises, not in our circumstances. God's faithfulness is our ultimate reassurance, and we should build reminders in our lives to remember His steadfast love and promises. [01:08:50]
4. God's Promises Amidst Trials: The Bible assures us that we will face tribulations, but it also promises God's presence and support through these trials. This dual promise encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God will either deliver us from our troubles or be with us through them. This perspective transforms our trials into opportunities to experience God's faithfulness. [01:10:23]
5. Living in Light of God's Promises: We are called to live our lives in the light of God's promises, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us according to His will. This requires a shift from relying on worldly assurances to placing our faith entirely in God. By doing so, we align our lives with His eternal purposes and experience the fullness of His faithfulness. [01:15:14]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[47:23] - Introduction to Genesis 13:5-18
[48:17] - Context of Abram's Story
[49:11] - Conflict Between Abram and Lot
[50:05] - Growing Wealth and Tensions
[51:05] - Need for Separation
[52:09] - Abram's Peacemaking Faith
[53:27] - Importance of Peace
[54:35] - Jesus as a Peacemaker
[55:26] - Maintaining Peace in Our Lives
[56:24] - Standing on Truth
[57:23] - Abram's Faith and Lot's Choice
[58:12] - Misguided Faith of Lot
[59:45] - Lot's Focus on Physical Needs
[01:00:40] - Consequences of Lot's Choice
[01:01:27] - Society's Misplaced Priorities
[01:02:19] - Evaluating Our Choices
[01:03:35] - Spiritual Needs on the Back Burner
[01:04:16] - Importance of Surrounding Ourselves with Believers
[01:05:51] - Romans 12:2 and Transformation
[01:06:34] - Contrast Between Abram and Lot
[01:07:19] - Reassuring Faith in God's Promises
[01:08:50] - God's Reassurance to Abram
[01:09:37] - God's Faithfulness Despite Our Failures
[01:10:23] - Promises of Trials and God's Presence
[01:11:43] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[01:12:24] - God's Presence in Our Trials
[01:13:04] - Promises of God's Love and Forgiveness
[01:13:51] - Promises of Purpose and Provision
[01:14:35] - Promises of Rest and Peace
[01:15:14] - Living in Light of God's Promises
[01:16:02] - Building Altars of Remembrance
[01:17:26] - Celebrating Spiritual Milestones
[01:18:11] - Biblical Examples of Remembrance
[01:18:43] - Personal Story of God's Faithfulness
[01:21:56] - Creating Reminders of God's Faithfulness
[01:22:50] - Keeping a Journal of God's Faithfulness
[01:23:36] - Importance of Reminders in Our Lives
[01:24:12] - Reflecting on Our Faith
[01:25:00] - Choosing Faith in God Over the World
[01:25:44] - Encouragement to Trust in God's Faithfulness
[01:32:06] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 13:5-18
2. Romans 12:18
3. Matthew 5:9
#### Observation Questions
1. What prompted Abram to propose a peaceful separation from Lot? ([49:11])
2. How did Lot decide which land to choose, and what were his considerations? ([58:12])
3. What was God's reassurance to Abram after Lot chose the better land? ([01:08:50])
4. How does the story of Abram and Lot illustrate the concept of peacemaking faith? ([53:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Abram allow Lot to choose the land first, and what does this reveal about his faith in God's promises? ([53:27])
2. How does Lot's choice reflect a misguided or misplaced faith, and what were the consequences of his decision? ([01:00:40])
3. What does God's reassurance to Abram teach us about the nature of God's promises and faithfulness? ([01:08:50])
4. How can the story of Abram and Lot help us understand the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth over material gains? ([01:02:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Abram prioritized peace over personal gain by letting Lot choose the land first. Is there a situation in your life where you need to prioritize peace over winning an argument or getting your way? How can you apply Abram's example? ([53:27])
2. Lot chose the lush plains of Jordan for immediate physical benefits, disregarding the spiritual implications. Are there areas in your life where you are prioritizing material comfort over spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus? ([01:00:40])
3. God reassured Abram of His promises despite apparent setbacks. How can you build "altars" in your life to remember God's faithfulness? What physical or spiritual reminders can you create? ([01:08:50])
4. Romans 12:18 encourages us to live at peace with everyone. What steps can you take to foster peace in your family or community, especially in challenging situations? ([54:35])
5. Matthew 5:9 calls us to be peacemakers. How can you actively pursue peacemaking in your daily interactions? Is there a specific relationship where you need to work on being a peacemaker? ([54:35])
6. Reflect on a time when you faced a trial and experienced God's faithfulness. How can you use that experience to encourage others who are going through difficult times? ([01:10:23])
7. Are there specific influences or relationships in your life that are drawing you away from God? How can you surround yourself with people who will encourage your spiritual growth? ([01:04:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Peacemaking Faith
Abram's decision to let Lot choose the land demonstrates a faith that prioritizes peace over personal gain. This act of humility and trust in God's promises teaches us the importance of maintaining peace, especially within our families. We should strive to be peacemakers, as Jesus taught, and trust that God will fulfill His promises regardless of our circumstances. Abram's willingness to let Lot choose first, despite having the right to the best land, shows a profound trust in God's provision and a commitment to peace. This is a powerful reminder that true faith often involves putting others' needs before our own and trusting God to take care of the rest. [53:27]
Romans 12:18 (ESV): "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
Reflection: Think of a current conflict in your life. How can you take a step towards peace, even if it means sacrificing your own desires or rights?
Day 2: Misguided Faith
Lot's choice to settle near Sodom, driven by the allure of immediate physical benefits, serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds us that focusing solely on material gains can lead us away from God's path. Lot's decision to prioritize the lush plains of Jordan over spiritual considerations led him to settle near the wicked city of Sodom. This choice had dire consequences, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing worldly gains over spiritual growth. We must prioritize our spiritual growth and be mindful of the influences around us, ensuring they draw us closer to God rather than away from Him. [58:12]
1 John 2:15-16 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Was it driven by spiritual growth or material gain? How can you realign your priorities to focus more on your spiritual well-being?
Day 3: Reassuring Faith
Despite the apparent setbacks, God reassured Abram of His promises, emphasizing that His faithfulness is unwavering. This teaches us that our faith should be rooted in God's promises, not in our circumstances. God's faithfulness is our ultimate reassurance, and we should build reminders in our lives to remember His steadfast love and promises. Abram's faith was not in the land but in God's faithfulness, and this is a powerful reminder that God's promises are steadfast. We should build "altars" in our lives to remember God's faithfulness, whether through physical reminders or spiritual practices. [01:08:50]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: What are some ways you can create reminders of God's faithfulness in your daily life? Consider setting up a physical or spiritual "altar" to help you remember His promises.
Day 4: God's Promises Amidst Trials
The Bible assures us that we will face tribulations, but it also promises God's presence and support through these trials. This dual promise encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God will either deliver us from our troubles or be with us through them. This perspective transforms our trials into opportunities to experience God's faithfulness. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful example of God's presence in the midst of trials, reminding us that we are never alone. [01:10:23]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Think about a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity to experience God's faithfulness and presence?
Day 5: Living in Light of God's Promises
We are called to live our lives in the light of God's promises, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us according to His will. This requires a shift from relying on worldly assurances to placing our faith entirely in God. By doing so, we align our lives with His eternal purposes and experience the fullness of His faithfulness. Living in light of God's promises means trusting Him in every aspect of our lives, from our daily needs to our long-term goals. This trust transforms our lives and aligns us with His eternal purposes. [01:15:14]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's promises. What steps can you take today to place your faith entirely in Him in that area?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "We as Christians are supposed to have a peace that is beyond understanding. I mean, I think about how Jesus sometimes kept the peace. We all know the stories where he calmed the storms. I think about the woman that was being stoned for adultery. I don't think this is the main focus of that, but he sees a large crowd there. This crowd's getting ready to stone this woman. And he bends down and writes something in the ground. And then he states that famous question. He was without sin, throw the first stone. And the crowd left one by one." [54:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Are we living our lives in the light of these promises? Are we willing to give up everything and follow by faith what God wants us to do? Because, we either believe in these words and they're affecting our lives like Abraham or we don't and we're putting our faith in this world and what it can provide for us. You see, that's the choice we have to make. It's a faith in God or a faith in this world." [01:15:14] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible tells that if we have the faith the size of a mustard seed, that we can move mountains. I don't think you're going to go out and see mountains flying around in the sky anytime soon, but I do believe that you put a little bit of faith in God, He will allow you to do things you never thought possible. I promise you that the more faith you put into God, the more He will prove His faithfulness to you. And He will do it time and time again." [01:25:44] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "You see, Abraham had faith in God and he didn't worry about having the best land. He was able to trust God and be content with what God had given him. He was able to keep the peace even though it meant giving up something of his welfare. He had faith in God. That God would keep his word. Make him a great nation still. So he was able to give that best land to Lot without any concern. While Lot believed that the world was going to satisfy his needs. That he was going to get everything he needed from the world around him." [01:06:34] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, God comes at this time and speaks with him. God says, Look, Abraham. Look around to the north, the south, the east, and the west. I'm going to give you this land. And he promises this man with no offspring right now that he's going to have so many offspring it's like counting dust. Have you ever been to my wood shop? That's a lot of offspring. I mean, even though things aren't going Abraham's way, he's not getting the best land. Even though right now Lot's got the better deal, it seems like. You see, God comes and reassures him of his faith." [01:08:50] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to be very careful on who our inner circle of friends are. We need to be aware of who we're spending most of our time with. Because we cannot help but be influenced by the people we're spending our time with. I mean, we've all heard that saying, don't be surprised if you lay down with dogs, if you wake up with fleas in the morning. It's difficult to be reminded of God's faith when you're surrounded by people that don't even believe in God." [01:05:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to approach disputes and focus on trying to bring the peace and not stir the pot. We all know there's people that they seem to thrive, they thrive on getting people agitated and stirring the pot up. I know a number of them where I work that, boy, they're just happy when they got somebody so upset that they don't even know how to think. And that's not what we're called to do. We're called to be peacemakers. You see, that's what Abram's doing in this situation. He's willing to give up his choice, a choice that's rightfully his, in order to keep peace with his family, with Lot, his nephew." [57:23] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have the promise of God's love. I think you could all say this with me if you want. John 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. We're promised that love. That love where God sacrificed his own Son to save us. That's our love that's promised to us. We have the promise of his forgiveness. 1 John 1.9 states, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We can be forgiven." [01:13:04] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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