Gaining wisdom from our successes in life

Realize that stepping out in faith is the first step to success Gen 14:14-16

Explanation: Abram is at peace and walking in the favor of the LORD when he receives the news about Lot’s captivity. Abram could have reasoned that Lot was simply reaping the results of his own worldly choices. After all, Lot knew the reputation of Sodom and he chose to dwell there anyway. [Note: Lot has progressed into becoming a citizen of Sodom (v.12) instead of dwelling in the vicinity]. Abram, however, takes action to help Lot instead of talking about how Lot was simply getting what he deserved.

Illustrate: Luke deciding to move to LA without securing a job prior to his arrival. “I’m one of the most employable people I know”

Argument: People have the freedom to make choices, even poor ones, but they are not free from receiving the consequences of their choices. And, yes, there are times when the best thing is to allow a person to actually realize their consequences instead of continually bailing them out.

The quality of mercy, however, is something to strive for. Jesus said, “blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt 5:7) Everyone of us has made a bad decision from time to time and we have been grateful when we received help even when we did not deserve it. We should be mindful that not one of us deserve God’s mercy, but He is gracious to us in spite of the foolishness of our sin.

Abram stepped out in faith and mounted a rescue mission for his nephew Lot and the other captives. He and his allies (the 3 brothers) made a strategic night attack and were victorious. Prior to the effort, victory was hoped for, but not ensured. Abram moved forward in faith.

Application: It is easy to come up with reasons why we should not get involved in helping others who are suffering as the result of their own foolishness. It is more Christ like to help them anyway. Proverbs 3:27

Proverbs 3:27 KJV 1900

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

While success can often lead to pride, we can guard our hearts by hearing (and heeding) the truth about our success (Gen 14:18-20a)

Explanation: Abram must have been riding high as he returned victoriously in bringing the captives back to their homeland. After all, Abram and his allies went up against an army of 4 kings and they were successful. Word of the accomplishment must have spread as a delegation is prepared to meet Abram and company as they arrive in the Valley of Kings outside of Jerusalem (v. 17). Abram may have even been rehearsing his speech as they rode toward the reception!

Argument: We are often more vulnerable to spiritual and moral failure following a great victory. Pride of accomplishment can feed our egos and we are more prone to take personal credit for what God has allowed us to do and / or empowered us to do.

The King of Sodom is coming out to get his people back and to work out who gets the spoils. Before the King of Sodom speaks, Abram and company hear from God’s representative, Melchizedek the King of Salem. Melchizedek is a priest of the God Most High and that was a shocker to Abram! Abram had been thinking he was the sole follower of the One True God in the entire land of Canaan and now he not only meets another believer, but one who is serving as a priest!

[We are never alone as we sometimes feel like we are! Beware of the Elijah complex: “ I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD” (1 Kings 18:22). Be encouraged knowing that God has His people in the most unexpected places!]

For Abram, Melchizedek’s declaration brings his recent accomplishments back into the proper focus. Melchizedek addresses Abram as one who was blessed of God. This is a category of status, just like in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit … blessed are those who mourn” - Jesus is acknowledging their category of having the Lord’s favor because of their existing relationship with God.

Melchizedek is reminding Abram that he belongs to God and is therefore in a Blessed and favored position. Melchizedek also adds the designation “Possessor of heaven and earth.” In the presence of those assembled, this is a powerful declaration. In that time period, the understanding was of local gods - a specific little g god only had power or authority in his region. Melchizedek is declaring the truth about YHWH - The One True God is the owner of everything; He has no limits

True success is seen in giving freely to the Lord’s work while refusing resources from worldly sources (Gen 14:20b - 24)

Explanation: Melchizedek is a type of Christ in this passage. He appears suddenly in the narrative and then disappears. He only appears one other time in the OT (Psalm 110:4

Psalm 110:4 KJV 1900

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

but the writer of Hebrews gives information concerning his typology of Jesus. Turn to Hebrews chapter 7 and let’s look at verses 1-3 together. (Read Hebrews 7:1-3)

Based on these Scriptures we can see that Melchizedek represents the Kingdom of Righteousness while King Bera of Sodom represents the Kingdom of worldly wickedness. There is a definite contrast in these two kingdoms in the Genesis passage, and by his actions, Abram reveals his allegiances; He gives to the Kingdom of Righteousness while he refuses to accept anything from the Kingdom of wickedness.

NOTE: Abram took from the King of Egypt, but he refused anything from the King of Sodom. What’s the difference? The need for wisdom is presented. We are called to live in the world, but not be of the world (John 14:14-16). Example: We were OK with sponsors for baseball teams like Johnson’s Grading or Smith’s Optical, but our teams refused to be sponsored by Mitchell Gold.

Argument: Abram realized his allegiance mattered. He chose to offer up a tithe as an act of worship to one whom he recognized as greater than himself. At the same type he clearly rejected being entangled in the King of Sodom and his wicked reputation. We are judged by the company we keep. (indebted to Kevin DeYoung for the essence of this section)

Conclusion: Abram learned from his successes. He learned to set pride aside and confess his dependence upon the One True God. He also made clear his separation from the wicked world system.

What about you? How are you responding to the blessings and prosperity that God brings into your life? Are you misguided in your thinking in that you consider yourself better or smarter or more powerful than others?