INTRODUCTION: Abraham's life was a series of ups and downs. He was a man of true faith, yet as with all saints, he went through periods of spiritual declension. After his fall in chapter 12, he was again shining for God in Genesis 13.I. ABRAHAM RESTORED - verses 1-4.
Although Abraham failed God in Egypt, the Lord did not forsake him [Psalms 37:23-24]. Through chastisement he was brought back to God [Hebrews 12:6-11]. Though it may falter at times, the faith of regenerate people is never overthrown [Hebrews 12:2; Luke 22:32]. Abraham came back to Canaan and to fellowship with God. He was trusting his own wisdom when he went into Egypt. Each step of unbelief had involved him in more difficulty. Chastened and reminded of God's ability to care for His children, he returned to the place where he had left God and began again to commune with Him. Abraham's prayer no doubt included a confession of his sin [I John 1:7-9].II. A PROBLEM - verses 5-7.
Christians never go long without encountering problems. God had so enriched Abraham and Lot that it became difficult for them to live in close proximity. Friction between their herdsmen began to occur and increase. One cannot help but wonder if this was not in part caused by a prior disobedience on Abraham's part by failing to separate from his kinsman [Genesis 12:1].In verse 7, we are told that the original inhabitants of Canaan were present. An important lesson should be noted here. Christians will have their differences and disagreements. Let us, however, remember that the world and the enemies of God are watching. The world loves to see Christians fight and dishonor God. Let us always be careful to behave in all our dealings with other saints in a way pleasing to God [I Corinthians 6:1-7 illustrates this].
III. A SPIRITUAL RESPONSE - verses 8-9.
Abraham truly manifested a godly spirit here. Remembering that he and Lot were "brethren" he wanted no strife. He seemed to treasure his relationship with other people of God. As the older man he could have demanded his way, yet he condescended to Lot [I Peter 5:5,; I Corinthians 6:7]. In all this he behaved as a spiritually-minded man [I Corinthians 3:1-3].Notice that while we should never harbor ill-will toward another saint, yet sometimes separation is the best option. As with Paul and Barnabas, sometimes mortal men cannot come to see eye-to-eye [Acts 15:36-41]. Christian love, however, should remain.
IV. A WORLDLY DECISION - verses 10-13.
Lot was a true child of God [II Peter 2:6-9]. Sadly, however, he illustrated the truth that saints can make carnal decisions and suffer great loss.Notice several of his errors:
A. He married a woman who did not fear God. This had far-reaching consequences in his life.B. He made decisions with no thought of prayer [Proverbs 3:5-6]. Unlike Abraham, there is no mention of his having much communion with God.
C. His decisions were based solely on worldly factors [verse 10], with no thought of the spiritual implications [verse 13]. As we watch his life unfold, he seems to have become increasingly tied up in worldly affairs.
Notice now what Lot lost through his spiritual carelessness:
1. He lost his joy and peace of mind [II Peter 2:7-8].2. He lost his family. His wife and some of his children were overtaken in the judgment on Sodom. His other two daughters gave every evidence of being strangers to God.
3. He lost his influence. It seems that he never made one convert in Sodom. Even his family would not take his spiritual warnings seriously [Genesis 19:14].
4. His descendents became a curse to God's people [Genesis 19:36-38].
5. He fell into open sin [Genesis 19:30-38].
6. He seems to have been chastened by God [Genesis 14], yet did not profit from it. This led to the more serious chastening of Genesis 19.
7. In general it may be said, that while Lot's soul was saved, his life was lost. May we often consider the importance of following in close obedience to our Savior.
V. WALKING WITH GOD - verse 14-18.
While Lot was learning that this world cannot satisfy, Abraham was enjoying fellowship with God. Meditate seriously on the contrast here. Did not Abraham choose the better part.Once again God made promises to Abraham. These promises are referred to as the Palestinian Covenant. The land of Palestine was given as a perpetual grant to Abraham and his seed. It is fascinating for us to see Israel back in the land today.
Some have wondered how God's promise of an earthly inheritance can agree with the words of Hebrews 11:8-10. Remember that Abraham will be resurrected to reign with Christ here on this earth [Matthew 8:11]. One day the kingdom of Heaven will be visibly manifested on the new and renovated earth. Abraham died without owning an acre of Canaan [Acts 7:2-5], yet he will enjoy this inheritance throughout eternity.
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