FAITH > SIGHT

INTRO

TRANSITION

BACKGROUND / CONTEXT

EXEGESIS

Aftermath of Egypt

Genesis 13:1–4 “1 Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev—he, his wife, and all he had, and Lot with him. 2 Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. 3 He went by stages from the Negev to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been, 4 to the site where he had built the altar. And Abram called on the name of the Lord there.”

A Potential Problem with a Plethora of Possessions

Genesis 13:5–7 “5 Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks, herds, and tents. 6 But the land was unable to support them as long as they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they could not stay together, 7 and there was quarreling between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. (At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were living in the land.)”

Abram’s Humble Response

Genesis 13:8–9 “8 So Abram said to Lot, “Please, let’s not have quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, since we are relatives. 9 Isn’t the whole land before you? Separate from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.””

Lot’s Rapacious Reaction

Genesis 13:10–13 “10 Lot looked out and saw that the entire plain of the Jordan as far as Zoar was well watered everywhere like the Lord’s garden and the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose the entire plain of the Jordan for himself. Then Lot journeyed eastward, and they separated from each other. 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived in the cities on the plain and set up his tent near Sodom. 13 (Now the men of Sodom were evil, sinning immensely against the Lord.)”

God’s Promise Preserved

Genesis 13:14–17 “14 After Lot had separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “Look from the place where you are. Look north and south, east and west, 15 for I will give you and your offspring forever all the land that you see. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Get up and walk around the land, through its length and width, for I will give it to you.””

Abram’s Gratitude

Genesis 13:18 “18 So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.”

PRACTICE

Every decision, every choice we make creates a ripple effect in our lives and in the lives of those closest to us. Ultimately every decision we make should honor and glorify Jesus Christ. If we are thinking only of ourselves, if we are thinking only of our careers, if we are thinking only of our financial gain, even if we are thinking first about our family and friends and not first about our savior Jesus Christ, then, my friends, I hate to say it but its a sinful choice. Im stepping on my own toes here. How many times have I made that choice because it was easy and God wanted me to make a choice that would strengthen me. How many times have I made a choice for financial gain or stability when God wanted me to make a choice that grow my faith and trust in him. How many times have I made a decision that would make things easy on my family rather than helping them to become spiritually, emotionally, or even physically healthy. How many times have I made a choice with the thought, “God, I can handle this from here” or “God, I think I’ll do this my way or in my timing instead.” Way more times that I would care to mention. You see, when we live our lives seeking comfort, pleasure, financial or social prosperity, or even just happiness, then our choices will reflect that lifestyle and will only end in pain, in suffering, in broken relationships, and you will find yourself in a never ending cycle of grasping for meaningless things that will never bring your life fulfillment.

But… when we live our lives rooted in faith, grounded in God’s Word, with our thoughts and actions directed by the Holy Spirit our choices become this outpouring of obedience & trust.

This should sound a little familiar to you. And if it doesn’t, I’m sure it will when I read from the book of Galatians CH 5

Galatians 5:19–26 CSB

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

CONCLUSION