Coachlight Bible Study – Genesis Lesson XXVIIb
Passing The Test – Genesis 13:2-18 – Intro To Abraham II
Colossians 3:1 If ye
then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:2 Set your
affection on things above, not on things on the earth. {affection:
or, mind, Remember the word is phroneo}
Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:4 When
Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in
glory.
Hebrews 11: 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to
go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed;
and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Hebrews 11: 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of
promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob,
the heirs with him of the same promise:
Hebrews 11: 10 For he looked
for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
This study is about another trial in
Abraham’s life, separation. Another word for separation is sanctification. God
teaches His children who believe His Word new lessons at every footstep. The
Bible teaches us that
II Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed
with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
II Peter 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and
hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
II Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver
the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Now we can gain a deeper insight into the reality of Abram's life, as well as more revelation of God's will concerning him. The study of two different righteous men can help us today to choose the correct mindset and have a more personal relationship with God, and be able to see ahead to the full promise of God..
A. A Serious
Problem – (Verse 2-6) - Abram and
Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Genesis 13:3 And he went on his journeys from
the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the
beginning, between
Genesis 13:4 Unto the place of the altar,
which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the
LORD.
Genesis 13:5 And Lot also, which went with
Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear
them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that
they could not dwell together.
Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between
the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of
Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there
be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we
be brethren. Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before
thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou
wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the
right hand, then I will go to the left.
1. Scripture teaches that there is no sin in being wealthy, provided:
a. The riches have been honorably obtained
b. Are regarded as belonging to God
c. Are constantly used as in the sight of God.
2. Wealth seriously increases the responsibility of the believer
a. His riches can lead to a sinful lifestyle
b. If they are looked upon with a sense of ownership
c. They need to be looked upon with a sense of stewardship
3. Definitely here is the danger of believers striving over money
B. A Terrible Strife – (Verses 6-7) - The argument originated with the servants
1. Each probably looking for the best pasture.
2. The Canaanites probably heard the strife.
C. A Generous Proposal – (Verses 8-9) Abram takes the initiative.
1. Begs there be no strife
2. Even though
Abram is the senior, he gives
3. Abram recovered beautifully from his fall in
II Timothy
D. A Selfish Choice
- (Verses 10-13) -
1. Material gain
was all that
2. The Consequence - He got richer, but as he pitched toward
Sodom, he suffered morally.
3. Some examples of the same thing today:
a. Christian people today often choose their home for monetary purposes, with no regard for ministry, Christian education, etc. - many times the kids suffer spiritually.
b. Children are often sent to school because of its prestige, reputation, sports capabilities, regardless of the spiritual atmosphere.
4.
Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand,
and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD
being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the
city.
Genesis 19:17 And it came to pass, when they
had brought them forth abroad, that he said,
Escape for thy life;......
Genesis 13:14 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:
Genesis 13:15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
Genesis 13:16 And I will make thy seed as the
dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then
shall thy seed also be numbered.
Genesis 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in
the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
E. A Divine
Revelation - (Verses 14-17) - "After that
1. Abram probably began to wonder if he had made the
right decision, or if his offer to
2. Often there is temptation like this after a great moral decision has been made
3. Just at the right time, God came to Abram with a fuller revelation of His divine purpose. It consisted of three aspects:
a. Command to
Look -
b. Promise given - (Verses 15-16) - This is the first time God gave the land to Abram - before it had only been promised to his seed.
This has many implications - It is already having its primary
fulfillment in the
Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same
are the children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing
that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel
unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith
are blessed with faithful Abraham.....
Galatians
There will be a literal fulfillment in the future Millennium to the Jewish Nation. - (Abraham's Seed)
Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There
shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn
away ungodliness from Jacob:
Romans
Romans
Romans
c. Possess the Promise - (Verse. 17) - Abram was to walk through the land - The Promises of God are to be taken by faith - This is the way a person realizes the purpose of God in his personal experience.
F. A Quick Response - (Verse 18) - Immediately Abram responded to God.
1. Abram moved to Mamre
which is in
2. Abram built there an altar - Abram's tent and altar indicate the pilgrim and devout life of the true child of God. – (Romans 12:1-2 for the application)
G. Differences in
Believers - Except for II Peter 2:7-8, we would hardly credit
|
|
Abram - Type of the Believer with a Heavenly Mindset |
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Endeavoring to be in good standing with God, while
pushing his own earthly interests to the limit - letting part of his life
suffer |
A thankful spirit – Sacrifices to God |
|
Although 'righteous' he is yet living by sight. -
seeking his own advantage. |
Simple acceptance of God's promises by faith. |
|
Worldliness is his dominant mindset - seeking
pleasure - Shortsighted |
Whole-hearted mindset to God's will – Able to realize
the full scope of God’s Word |
|
No Testimony either to his family, friends, or to
others. |
Testimony in the altar of worship to unbelievers all
around. |
|
Results Each Obtained |
|
|
|
Abraham |
|
Obtained earthly prosperity for a time, but was he
ever happy after making that choice? |
God became a friend to him. |
|
No Testimony, no blessing on his house. |
A glory and power in his life, and it is a known
fact that he never regretted putting God first - ever. |
|
In the end came a moral and social disaster |
Obtained God's divine favor and blessing |
We must remember God's admonition in the book of I Corinthians:
I Corinthians
I Corinthians