Faith

Introduction:  This weekend we are going to take a look at Abraham and Lot. What made one go in one direction and the other into another direction? Turn to Gen. 13:1-18

I.       Abraham had and used Faith

A.    Abraham was first to offer some help by splitting.

B.    Abraham dwelled in the country,

1.     in the open, not never sinners who would influence him.

C.    God turn around and gives all the land to Abraham which he can see. Verses 14,15.

D.    In Verse 16 God promises that Abraham’s descendants will be like the dust of the earth.

E.     Remember, Abraham was human and did make mistakes.

1.     He lied about his wife and said she was his sister.

2.     But Abraham always comes back to God.

II.     Lot care for himself.

A.    Lot look with what was best for him.

1.     Lot did not make this decision over night

2.     He had been thinking about it a lot over time.

a)     Always looking at what he wanted and not praising God for what he had.

b)     In verse 12 Lot pitch his tent pointed towards the valley and every time he look out he saw how good it was.

B.    It was all about himself.

C.    Lot dwelled in the cities where the worst sinners were.

1.     Verse 13 tell us how wicked they where.

D.    Lot had nothing put trouble in his life.

1.     Armies came and took his city and his family and their goods.

2.     God came to destroy the city he lived in.

3.     Lot lost his family and his wife.

4.     All because he did not put God first in his life.

III.    Conclusion:

A.    Abraham trusted God against all adds.

1.     Faith is believing what God says.

a)     God over Abraham’s life time came back to him to remind him of His promise.

(1)   Genesis 13:14-15,14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

b)     God will keep reminding us through His word and sermons what we are promised if we follow Him.

2.     Simply trusting in God's word is righteousness.

a)     Romans 4:3, For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

3.     Abraham and Sarah was old and passed child bearing age.

a)     Abraham still believed God would give him a son.

4.     Abraham was still living in a tent.

a)     Abraham still believed God would give him all the land that He promised.

b)     Romans 4:20-21,20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

B.    Abraham learns the greatest lesson, simply “letting go”.

1.     Waiting on God to open doors and watch when he closes doors.

2.     Pray to God for wisdom to know the differents.

a)     James 1:5, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

C.    I have spend 2 days talking about Abraham and Lot and the differents between them.

1.     Which one will you pick to live by?

2.     Joshua 24:15, And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Weekend Retreat July 30-31 2006 at Bob Milllers