01/29/2019
LIFE LESSONS
Where is your faith focused right now?
Genesis 13:5-18 NLT
[5] Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents. [6] But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together. [7] So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. (At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land.) [8] Finally Abram said to Lot, "Let's not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! [9] The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I'll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I'll go to the left." [10] Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed S***m and Gomorrah.) [11] Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. [12] So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near S***m and settled among the cities of the plain. [13] But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the LORD. [14] After Lot had gone, the LORD said to Abram, "Look as far as you can see in every direction-north and south, east and west. [15] I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. [16] And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! [17] Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you." [18] So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the LORD …
Issue 1: Peacemakers vs Troublemakers
Money is not the root of all evil, it’s a matter of the heart.
Canaanites and Perizzites are the unsaved. v.7
Christianity is both fruitful and fragrant.
Lot was a taker— Abram was a giver
Lot was at war with Abram because he was at war with himself. He was at war with himself because he was at war with God. Lot’s heart was out of place. v.10
3 types of people
Natural—w/o Christ
Carnal—confused.. saved but living for self
Spiritual—devoted to God
Issue 2: Living for others vs living for self
Abram had abandoned living his own way—Lot was caught up in living for self.
Spirit minded Christian doesn’t insist on their own way, because they God is going to take care of them.
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Phil 2:4
Issue 3: Living by faith vs living by sight.
When God has first place in your life, it makes no difference who or what is in any other position. If He is first, you will be who God wants you to be.
1 John 2:16-17 NLT
[16] For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. [17] And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. …
Your outlook helps determine your outcome.
Lot eventually lost everything because he was focused on the temporal.
It’s your faith in God that determines how much blessing you can handle and enjoy.
Issue4: Giving thanks vs satisfied with your stuff.
Seek the Kingdom of God e above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
