Making Choices

Making Choices

Genesis 13

Reading: Galatians 3:6-11

Intro: Genesis 12:1-3

Everyday we make choices.

-Some are easy and simple – breakfast, what to wear,

etc.

-Some are more difficult – major purchase, spouse,

-They all involve discerning the will of God.

It’s important that we make the right choices because we do not always choose the consequence of our choice.

Abram had already chosen to follow the Lord. Vs 4

Abram also had other choices to make along the way.

Genesis 13

I. The Problem Vs. 1-7

A. God had greatly blessed Abram – vs 2

B. He and his family were coming out of Egypt.

-His nephew Lot was also with him.

-They came to Beth-el (house of God) in the southern

part of Israel. (just north of Jerusalem)

C. Lot also had been greatly blessed – vs 5

D. Together they had so much that the land could not

support both of them. Vs 6

-Their herdsmen began to fight over the land. Vs 7

-The had to separate

II. The procedure. Vs. 8-10

A. Abraham’s Choice.

-He chose by faith…

-He let Lot choose first.

-Whatever Lot chose…He would go the other way.

-Abraham was not trusting in Lot’s decision. He was trusting that whatever God had for him it would be OK.

-His choice was made by what he could not see.

B. Lot’s Choice.

-Lot had to take a look around. Vs 10

-To him it looked good – well watered.

-There was a promise of prosperity here. Vs 10

-He weighed his options.

-His choice was made by what he could see.

III. The Plain Choice. (A play on words)

A. Lot chose the “plain of Jordan” vs 11

B.Abram chose the “plain of Mam-re” vs 18

-Let’s look at their choices.

C.Lot’s Choice was based on what he could see.

-It was based on the prospects of a good future.

-Not a good way to make choices. James 4:13-16

-He pitched his tent toward Sodom and Gomorrah.

-A very wicked place – Sin city.

-He settled for sin and pleasure

D. Abrams choice was based on the will of God. Vs 14-18

-Now he says…take a look around. Vs 14

-It was based on the promises of God. (Gen. 12)

-It was God-given. Vs 17

-Not based on worldly standards and practices.

-It was God’s blessing and provision.

-There he pitched his tent and built an altar…

-It would be a place of worship

IV. The result of God’s promises.

A.Lot

-Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also

reap.

-Lot’s choice resulted in bondage. Vs. 8-12

-It eventually led to death…

-Sin always results in death.

James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth

forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

B. Abram – Genesis 12:1-3 (12:16)

-God blessed Abrams faithfulness

-And even through Abrams faithfulness we are also

blessed.

-Abram was the family line of the Messiah.

Conclusion:

-Follow God’s will by trusting in Him.

-Following your own way will lead to trouble…

-Make choices based on God’s promises.