Theme: When The Pressure Is On, What?
Text: Genesis 13: 5-13
Introduction
A. Last Sunday we learned that Abraham went up out of Egypt to Canaan. He went back to the place where he built an altar for God. So Abraham did not stay in his failure; he went back to the place of consecration.
In that event, we learned that there are certain requirements for the believer to be in the center of God’s will, or to be in the place of God’s blessings, victory, and rest. First is total separation of his life from the world. And second is total consecration of his life to the Lord. If we want God’s blessings in our life, then we must live our lives as constant offering to God, pleasing to Him.
B. This morning we’ll talk something very common to each one of us: troubles and conflicts. Abraham, who was called the friend of God, was not exempted to conflicts and troubles, so we are. After his return to Canaan, there arises a conflict between himself and his nephew Lot. It was a conflict that had serious consequences and had to be resolved.
And just like Abraham, there are times in our life that conflicts and troubles arise. And how we deal with those conflicts and troubles reveals more about our characters than we want to admit. What we are when the pressure is on is what we really are.
Since this is true, let us see how Abraham and Lot individually reacted to the conflict that had arisen between them.
I. (First let’s briefly see) THE REASON OF THE PROBLEM (v.5-7).
1. The problem arises when both Abraham and Lot increased immensely in their wealth and possession. Abraham had many flocks and servants, so was Lot. Well, we are not saying here that it is wrong to increase in material things. Wealth and power are not inherently wrong or evil as long as they are controlled by the right spirit. It is when we allow things to control us, that we are headed for trouble.
2. At first, there was no definite resolution or system to resolve their problem, so it had eventually developed into a bone of contention, especially between their servants (v.7). Evidently, each wanted the best grazing ground for their flocks and herds.
Trouble is always certain when the focus of life is on the self, on individual right, and to the things of the world. Selfishness and materialism always breed troubles and conflicts.
It’s sad that it is happening in many christian families. Even in many churches, there is conflict and trouble among church members because of selfishness and materialism. Problems of relational conflicts would have been solved right away before they broke out if we listen to the author of Hebrews who admonished all believers to “fix your eyes unto Jesus.” Trouble is always a certainty when we remove our focus on the Savior.
II. (Second let’s see) THE REACTION OF ABRAHAM (v.8-9).
1. Who is Abraham or Lot is seen in their individual response to the crisis between them. As I said a while ago, how we respond to conflicts will say a lot about our true character. If you want to know the true character of any person, see how they respond in a time of crisis or conflict.
2. Verses 8 and 9 tell us what Abraham did to face the crisis. He made a tender proposal with his nephew Lot. Of course, being the elder of the family, Abraham could have chosen first, but he yielded to Lot. You see, Abraham was a man with a loving and a gracious spirit. That was his true character. But aside from that, there are three reasons why Abraham had willingly and so easily given up the best of the land to Lot:
a) His relationship with Lot. Abraham said in verse 8: “We are brothers.” Abraham gave importance on his relationship with his nephew Lot over any material gain or advancement. He was willing to give up his own right to protect and preserve his relationship with Lot.
Look at that! What an example of loving people over any material thing! Abraham sets an example that every believer ought to be, that is, being a builder and protector of relationship! Do not allow anything, no matter how important, to tear down family or church relationship. Remember this: you are accountable to God as to how you handle your relationships, to your family and to your church.
b) Their safety and testimony. The heathen were watching them. Verse 7 says, “The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.”
First, Abraham would have thought that maybe these people were keenly interested about his God. So they would be evaluating his faith and religion by the impact it had in his life. The same is true with us. The unbelieving people are watching us. They look at us and evaluate our faith, our religion, by the impact it has in our life. They watch how we respond to problems and circumstances. The question is: What are they seeing in us?
Second, these people would like to see an opportunity to attack Abraham. If the conflict between Abraham and Lot would not be resolved and eventually be known to these people, they would have the opportunity to attack Abraham and his household. Satan knows that the best time to attack a church is when there is conflict among the believers. When the testimony of the church or any christian is marred, it will become the target of public ridicule by the unbelieving world.
Abraham, having his testimony ruined once in Egypt, did not want his testimony marred again.
Believers are vessels of something very special and glorious; we are vessels of God’s honor. We have that honor, that glory, that image of God in us. Protect that. Live your life as a constant emblem of God’s power, grace, and glory.
c) His faith in God’s promise to him. Abraham knew that his cause is safe with the Lord. God had already promised to give him “all the land,” so he had no reason to worry. Even things did not go his way, he’s not mad, he’s not worried, because he knew that it is God who look after his interests. The same is true with the believer whose trust truly rests in the Lord.
III. (Third let’s see) THE REACTION OF LOT (v.10-13).
Unlike his uncle Abraham, Lot made a tragic decision.
1. Lot lived by sight. He made his decision based upon what his eyes told him. We can see that he claimed the land that appeared best for raising flocks and herds. And it seems practical, and a wise decision. But behind the lust of his eyes was a tragic end. In the passing of time, Lot came to Sodom and lived there. He prospered there and became prominent. But when God destroyed the evil city of Sodom, Lot was saved without anything left except his two daughters who led him to incestuous relationship. What a tragedy! Be careful, what your eyes can see is not always true and right.
Paul says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” Yes, and I should add: “we must.” To walk by sight is to fulfill the desires of the flesh, to go your own way, and to follow your own principles in life. That is dangerous, as Pastor Lapiz says, “The surest way to destruction is to follow your own principles.” The path of the flesh is the way to death.
To “walk by faith” means two things: First, to live according to the promises of God. Second, to live in obedience to the will of God. Lot did not do that. He did not submit himself to Abraham who received the promise of God. Then he lived in Sodom where the people are corrupt.
2. Lot lived for self.
Lot’s choice shows that he had no regard for the need of his uncle Abraham. He lustfully chose what he saw to be the best part of the land. Evidently, he did not respect Abraham at all. Lot lived to please one person only, and that person is himself.
There are many children, nephews, who are just like this man, who please nothing but themselves. They want things to go their way, regardless what their parents or other people feel. They disregard the need of others just to get what they want.
But this is not the way of life that is pleasing to God. God created us to live for God’s glory and for other human beings. That’s why we’re here to love, to share, AND to give something.
C. CONCLUSION:
It is when we face troubles or conflicts will our true character is revealed. What can other people see in you when the pressure is on?
Like Abraham, to find strength to face conflicts and troubles in life, let’s always remember these three things:
-Relationship is more important than material gains
-We have a testimony to protect: We are vessels of God’s honor
-Our cause is safe with God
