How to Solve Quarrels
1. Aim: To lead the people to know how to follow Isaac’s example of obedience in avoiding quarrels and overcoming the opposition with kindness, hard-work and friendliness.
2. Explanation of the Aim: Even though Isaac has to admit that he sinned, God still uses him because of obedience and faith in the promises given to Abraham. It is encouraging to know that even when we sin the Lord will restore us and bless all who obediently trust Him for Biblical promises. Isaac shows us how to deny ourselves both in our rights and conveniences rather than quarrel.
By giving us an example of one who how a good man would rather go into obscurity than continue to be abused by men of envy, scorn and jealousy. We can find comfort in the fact that when people are false and unkind the Lord’s grace is more than sufficient to restore us to fullness of joy.
3. The Bible Story: Isaac enjoys such great blessings from God that the Philistines harass him out of severe envy. The Bible says, “Who can stand before envy? Since God gave Isaac extraordinary wisdom he knew that out of corrupt sinful natures it is impossible to see any good thing. It is just as Jesus once told the Pharisees, “It is not what is on the outside of person that defiles them, but what comes out of the heart: hate, envy, jealousy, slander…” There comes a time, as Isaac taught us, to resist the temptation to contest with argumentative people and get a fresh start somewhere else. Isaac peaceable departs from the royal city as a foreshadowing of how Christ refused to revile His revilers in return. Oppressors may temporarily think they have won but God’s purposes, power and promises will always be fulfilled wherever godly people reside.
4. The INTRODUCTION helps the people find out their natural reaction to bullies. Ask some of the people how they feel when they are abused by someone who is physically more powerful than they are? Ask the people how Jesus responded to those who sought to do Him harm? How does Isaac give us a foreshadowing of what Christ would do when He would be persecuted?
The BIBLE STORY helps us learn great character qualities from Isaac that are worth emulating. Explore the attitudes and character qualities in Isaac that serve as fine examples for how we should react when we are unfairly abused or oppressed.
The MEANING FOR OUR LIVES gives the people an opportunity to make applications from the life of Isaac to people who try to take advantage of them by sheer intimidation tactics.
(Begin with Prayer)
Introduction
Ask the people how they feel when a bully abuses them? Find out from the people what they know of how Isaac and Jesus responded to their oppressors? Why did both Isaac and Jesus Christ allow the heavenly Father to fight the battles for them? Why is it sometimes true that conditions may get worse before God can turn them into good with His mighty power?
The Bible Story
1. Our lesson teaches us how God blessed Isaac and prospered him by allowing his work to thrive. When people trust and obey the Lord they can expect to enjoy an inner sense of satisfaction that transcends any earthly reward. The Lord facilitated all of Isaac’s farming by multiplying his crops a hundredfold. All of this came at a time when everyone else suffered through a terrible famine. The Lord provided Isaac with many willing servants to assist in his work that he employed and maintained. Godly people can enjoy sweet fulfillment from the bread of the God’s word and the rivers of life from the Holy Spirit who quenches our thirsty soul. Those who fail to grow in Christ deprive themselves of many heavenly blessings.
2. Isaac opened up wells that his father had dug and even called them by the same names as sign of respect to Abraham. Godly people honor their father and mother out of a sense of respect, gratitude and humility. It is always good to make use of the rich wisdom of the past generations. Isaac found a fresh reservoir of water that provided for his family, his animals and also his crops. Great resources encourage us to be thankful for every good gift that comes from above. By utilizing these wells Isaac demonstrated that he was not willing to surrender to adversaries that would deprive him of a rich resource. Do not let abusive oppressors discourage you from drawing on the Holy Spirit’s living waters of life.
3. Isaac also instructed his servants to dig new wells. It is not enough to simply rely on what our forefathers of the faith have done for us. The Lord wants us to press on to accomplish innovations for the benefit of multiplying His kingdom’s sphere of influence. We must also learn to expect opposition from many who will resist change. He even called the first two new wells, Esek and Sitnah meaning contention and hatred.
Application: Whenever good people want to help the kingdom advance in quantitative or qualitative measures they can expect opposition from the world, the carnal nature of people and the devil. It is impossible to live a godly life without persecution. However, we can be assured that Jesus has promised,
“In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer as I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Appropriate the fact that you are more than a conqueror through the one who loves you.
4. Isaac chose to not quarrel with people, but moved on to places of peace and quiet. Resist the temptation to fight, quarrel and argue about things that are non-essentials.
Application: As far as it is possible learn how to be at peace with all people. Isaac was not willing to dwell with people who despised peace, harmony and tranquil co-existence. Isaac’s life is in sharp contrast to the belligerent Ishmael who would fight about everything, even if he knew that he was wrong. Follow the admonishment of Paul who said,
“Put away anger, jealousy, wrath, slander and clamor. Be kind one to another, tender-hearted, compassionate, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you for the glory of God.” (Eph. 4:28-32)
5. Isaac maintained his close communion with God wherever he went. By keeping his prayer and devotional times as a priority, Isaac was able to maintain a sweet fellowship with God regardless of the rancorous circumstances around him. When we abide in Christ and His word abides in us we will always bear much fruit and prove to be His disciples. (John 15:16)
6. Isaac knew that there will come times when men and situations bring bitter disappointment and frustration. However, these are the times when God’s comfort, encouragement and consolation of love re-energize our souls. Never allow yourself to remain out of intimate fellowship with the Lord or you may find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of bitterness, resentment and hurt emotions.
7. Isaac built an altar to God and there he pitched his tent for his dwelling. When we dedicate our life, our home and our activities to the Lord’s purposes we can expect to receive God’s blessings. Even though Isaac’s surrounding were less than hospitable he was able to enjoy calm amidst the storms of life because he openly declared everything as belonging to the Lord. Publicly declare the fact that the Lord is the controller of every aspect of your life, your relationships and your ministries and you will enjoy supernatural benefits.
8. Do not be bothered by the offence that your public declaration may cause non-christians or carnal Christians. Isaac was not deterred by the Philistine’s annoyance with his altar of worship to God. There will always be plenty of skeptics, cynics and scorners who will misunderstand the value of a life consecrated to God. Jesus said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26) Try not to rely on the approvals or the disapprovals of people.
9. Isaac showed how to peacefully make friendships with Abimelech as a sign of reconciliation and peace with his former Philistine oppressors. Isaac use prudence and caution in the way he receives Abimelech’s offers for peaceful co-existence, but manages to cement a healthy bond of friendship. Always act out of love above all other principles when you are relating to all kinds of people. Isaac even prepared a feast for Abimelech and covenanted to a bond of peace and friendship. One of the best ways of overcoming opposition is to let friendship, love and kind deeds overwhelm them with good. Do everything you can to lessen the sting of former offenses. Try not to drag up past grievances that might widen the gap of relationships with others.
Application: Thank God that things might have gotten much worse. It is love that helps us overlook the faults of others. God will more than overshadow what you have lost with His overcoming love.
The Meaning for Our Lives
Ask the people how Jesus responded to those who sought to do Him harm? How does Isaac give us a foreshadowing of what Christ would do when He would be persecuted? Help the people focus on great character qualities from Isaac that are worth emulating. Explore the attitudes and character qualities in Isaac that serve as fine examples for how we should react when we are unfairly abused or oppressed. Give the people an opportunity to make applications from the life of Isaac to people who try to take advantage of them by sheer intimidation tactics.
Memory Verse: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” (Eph. 4:28)
Response:
Song: Beloved let us love one another. For love is from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who loves not does not know God for God is love. So beloved, let us love one another.
Prayer: Ask the Lord to help you follow Isaac’s example of forgiving others and practicing love, kindness and friendship as Christ would.
At Home: Ask your family and friends and associates how they react when they are abused, discriminated against or oppressed in an unfair way. Challenge them to respond as Isaac did to provocations.
