Abraham: A Man of Faith and A Man's Man

Read Genesis 14:13-16

Tell the story of chapters 14-15

After twelve years of serving king Chedorlaomer, several kings rebelled in the 13th year. In year 14, Chedorlaomer and the kings still with him go through the land of those who rebelled. They wage war and conquer the kings who went against Chedorlaomer. They take the spoils with them, which include material things and people. Lot is one of those people. 5 kings had allied together to fight against Chedorlaomer and the 3 other kings with him. The 5 kings lost. Someone who escaped the battle came and told Abram that Lot was taken. Abram gathers 318 of his men and goes after them. He catches up with them and at night he divides his forces and attacks while they are not expecting it. He defeats the 5 king alliance and rescues Lot and all those who had been taken. When Abram returns he is greeted by the king of Sodom and the king of Salem. The king of Salem is also a priest of God Most High, Whom Abram serves. Melchizedek brought out bread and wine and offered a blessing to Abram. Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe of all the spoils. Sodom offered for Abram to keep all the material wealth that he recovered of Sodom’s. Abram refused because he did not want Sodom to be able to say that he made him rich. He wanted God to get all the glory for that. After Abram returns home, God comes to Abram and reassures him. God promises to fulfill his previous promises to Abram. God performs a covenant ritual to confirm His commitment to Abram and his descendants.

Men of Faith benefit others

Abraham’s family benefited - Lot

Abraham’s friends benefited - allies

Abraham’s neighbors benefited - surrounding kingdoms

Men of Faith are Strong Men

Abraham was a peaceful man - not a weak man

Abraham lived different than the world - was not weaker than the world

Abraham loved his family - not a weak characteristic

Abraham loved God - not a weak trait

Men of Faith are Covenant Men

Abraham honored his commitment to his neighbors - probably a written commitment

Abraham honored his commitment to his family - an unwritten commitment

Abraham honored his commitment to God - a commitment wrote on Abraham’s heart