Lesson 3: Choosing By Faith

A. INTRODUCTION: MATTHEW 13: 5-18

1. Nephew. "And Haran (Abram’s older brother) begat Lot" (Gen. 11:27).

2. Dependent on Abram. After Lot’s father died, Abram took the position of spiritual head over Lot.

3. Wealthy. Lot got the family inheritance after his father Haran died. Apparently a good manager of his money. "Lot also . . . had flocks, and herds, and tents" (13:5).

4. Obedient to family. "Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran . . . they went forth from Ur of the Chaldees, to go to the land of Canaan" (11:31).

5. Saved but compromised with sin. "God delivered righteous Lot" (II Peter 2:7,8 ELT). "Lot pitched his tents in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom" (Gen. 13:12).

6. Saved but bothered by sin. "God delivered righteous Lot . . . who was troubled by the wicked things he saw and heard" (II Peter 2:7:8 ELT).

B. WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM

1. Effects of the famine. They went to Egypt because of a famine (12:10). Perhaps the famine was not over. "The land was not able to bear them" (13:6).

2. Enemy. The enemy expanded. "The Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled there in the land" (13:7).

3. Increased wealth. The Pharaoh gave Abram bribes because of Sarai, "Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold" (13:2).

4. Greed. "Their substance was great" (13:6). "There was a strife between the herdsman of Abram’s cattle and the herdsman of Lot’s cattle" (13:7). God allows the evil desire of people to further His plan on earth.

C. PRINCIPLES TO TAKE AWAY

1. Believers must be careful what they get outside the will of God. When backslidden, Abram and Lot got riches, but Lot didn’t just possess money. His riches possessed him. "Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan" (13:11).

2. In times of difficulty and growth, believers will work together for a common goal, but in times of prosperity and ease, people will divide and fight over minor issues. "Their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together" (Gen. 13:6).

3. Two believers probably look at controversy differently. The word used of Lot "strife" riyb, (v.7) means physically fighting. The word used by Abram "strife" meriybak (v.8) means the result of ill will or bitterness.

4. Be careful of your testimony when fighting in front of the unsaved. "The Canaanites and the Perizzites dwelled in the land" (v.7).

5. We should settle arguments on two bases (1) family and (2) humanity. "Let there be no strife . . . for we are men, brethren" (13:8 ELT). Abram used the generic term anashim for humanity, and a different word for family. Abram said, "Let’s not act like animals."

6. Abram’s willingness to give Lot first choice, revealed his character and his trust in God. "If thou will take the left hand, then I will go to the right" (13:9).

7. We usually make choices by inner character, not by a better understanding of the problem. Abram should have chosen first because of his age, his leadership and God’s call on his life. "Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan" (13:11).

8. Lot’s selfish choice opened the door of opportunity to compromise. "Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceeding" (13:12,13).

9. Our choices in the past determine our future life style after the decision is over. Lot dwelt in the cities, "Abram dwelt in the plain of Mamre (fatness), which is in the presence of the Lord" (13:18 ELT).

10. We receive spiritual blessings after making the right choice. There is no mention of God speaking to Lot or Abram during their controversy. But after Abram’s right choice, "The Lord said to Abram after that Lot was separated from him" (13:14).

11. Full obedience to the known will of God always results in a deeper relationship with the Lord.

a. Abram removed his tent (13:18). Separation from the world.

b. Built an altar (13:18). Sacrifice for sins.

12. What you see in life reflects your inner character. "Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere" (13:10). God said to Abram "Lift up now thine eyes, and look . . . northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward, for all the land that thou seest, to thee will I give it" (13:14,15).

13. By faith we must claim the things God promises to us. "Arise, walk through the land in the length of it, and in the breath of it, for I will give it unto thee" (13:17).

*****

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart: