Abram demonstrates living by faith, Lot and Sodom a lifestyle of disaster (Gen 13-14)

Gen 13-14

Main Truth: Living with God brings true blessing, freedom, and friendship

A) Abram stays with God while Lot separates to Sodom (Gen 13)

13:1-4) wealthy Abram, moves from Egypt to Negev

3-4) between Bethel and Ai, the altar (Gen 12:7) he called on the name of Lord.

 - Calling on the name of the Lord is central to our faith (Gen 4:26, Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21)

 - Wisdom is understanding the will of the Lord and sacrifice (altar) are linked (Eph 5:15-17, Romans 12:1-2) leading us to honest humility (Romans 12:3)

5-7) wealthy Lot's herdsmen quarrel - land can't support them w/ Canaanites and Perizzites

8-9) Abram to Lot, don't quarrel, separate you choose

 - Wisdom and grace from calling on the name of the Lord (James 1:5, 3:17; Proverbs 3:13-18)

10-13) Abram Canann, Lot well-watered land east of Jordan, near Sodom - wicked, sinning people

14-17) Lord said Abram everything seen for your offspring, uncountable, so walk the land

18) Abram near great trees of Mamre, Hebron built altar to Lord

• What do Abram’s and Lot’s actions tell you about what they loved most?

• In what situation could you set aside selfish demands and respond with God’s grace?

Principle: God’s grace in us blesses others.

B) Abram rescues Lot defeating vast armies with few men (Genesis 14:1-16)

14:1-4) four kings war with Bera of Sodom, Birsha of Gomorrah + three others, 12 years subjects of Elam - 13th year rebelled. 

5-7) 14th year Elam's king defeated them conquered whole territory Amalekites, Amorites

8-12) In the battle King's of Sodom, Gomorrah fled, winners carried away food, possessions including Lot (who lived in Sodom). 

13-16) Escaped man told Abram the Hebrew, took 318 men pursued, attacked at night recovered everything and brought Lot back

C) Melchizedek and Abram give glory to God for victory (Gen 17-24) 

17-21) King of Sodom offers good in exchange for people and Melchizedek king of Salem bread, wine, blessing, and praise to God

 - Abram gives Melchizedek 1/10 of everything (Heb 7:4)

 - Tithe, what God gives return 1/10 (Gen 28:22) All from the land is God's (Lev 27:30-32), annual tithe (Deut 14:22) but every third year give it the Levite, foreigner, fatherless, widow (Deut 26:12)

 - Justice and love of  God must be first, yet don't neglect the tithe (Luke 11:42; Malachi 3:10)

22-24) to King of Sodom, I've sworn oath to LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, I won't accept anything belonging to you. You can never say I made Abram rich, let others have share.

• How do you see God’s grace at work through Abram to do good for many?

• How is God equipping you for spiritual battle in your life and others’ lives?

Principle: God’s grace equips us for spiritual victory.

Read Genesis 14:17-24.

Abram meets with Melchizedek and Sodom’s king.

• In what ways does the Bible say Melchizedek anticipates the person of Jesus Christ?

• How have you seen God’s grace (undeserved favor) in your life this week?

Principle: By God’s grace, Jesus is our priest and King.

Review Genesis 13-14.

• What from this week’s lesson is most impactful to you?

Main truth: The right response to God’s grace is thanksgiving and worship.

Scripture Memory Verse

“Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.” – Genesis 13:17