Sermon # 6 - Lessons From Three Kings Series

In the previous sermon we studied in depth about the need to make wise, and godly choices. We were reminded that while some decisions are inconsequential, others have a permanent effect on our lives. We considered Abraham and his nephew Lot. Lot made some wrong choices that landed him in Sodom, as a result of which he encountered numerous problems. We must seek God to help us make the right choices, knowing that for every erroneous choice, there will be untold consequences.

Every decision has consequence

Initially when God called Abraham, Lot made a wise choice to leave his country, and the gods he worshipped to go along with Abraham. However, when there was increase in his livestock, Lot’s eyes got fixed towards the wealth he acquired, and so decided to part ways with Abraham. The consequence was that when some kings rallied together against Sodom, they defeated Sodom, carried away everything from Sodom, including Lot, his family and all his possessions. Lot was now in a despicable situation, and lost all that he thought he could keep securely with him.

It is important for us to examine ourselves to see what we have our eyes focused on.

We read in James 4:4 “whoever wants to be a friend to the world puts himself down as an enemy to God.” (Williams)

We too like Lot have begun this journey of faith, but only if our eyes are fixed on Jesus will we be able to attain the promise land that God has prepared for us. Anyone who chooses to be a friend of this world, will certainly become an enemy of God.

Training is vital for our spiritual growth

Abraham too made certain decisions. When Abraham heard about Lot’s predicament, that he was taken captive by kings from Sodom, he took along with him the servants whom he had trained for warfare. Though Abraham had everything, he was not idle, but made every effort to train the servants in his home, so that when encountered with a crisis the men were ready for battle. They went out fought and won the battle, bringing back Lot, his family and everything that was taken away from him.

When we are born again we are like new born babes in a spiritual sense. If we intend to grow we too need to be nourished and trained, just like Abraham trained his servants. A good example of this is of how parents rejoice when a baby is born, and celebrate with elation when the baby completes a year. However, if after five years the child still has no development, their joy would most certainly turn to sorrow. So also, if we have been born into the Kingdom of God, and are not growing as the Lord desires of us, the rejoicing that was in heaven when we came to know the Lord will turn to grief. We must therefore be trained to grow in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Don’t make the same mistakes over and over again

When Abraham brought Lot back from captivity, Lot had a choice to be reconciled, and stay with Abraham. However, Lot chose to go back to Sodom and lived there.

To those who have prayed and received deliverance from the Lord in some areas, it would be unwise to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. We must choose to not go back to Sodom like Lot did.

A few lessons from Genesis 14

In Genesis chapter 14 the word ‘king’ or ‘kings’ appears 28 times. In the New Testament in Revelation 1:6 we read, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; (KJV) We are referred to as kings and priests. A king is one who has a kingdom, and is endowed with power and authority. There are three types of kings that I was able to identify in this chapter.

1. King of Covetousness

The first thought that comes to our mind when we think of a king is of someone who goes to war. The main reason kings went to war, was that they sought to extend their territory, and were never satisfied with what they had.

We read in James 4:1, What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren't they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you? (GW)

There are some people who have this kind of spirit of quarrelling. They fight at home, with their neighbors, on the streets and at their work place. In many families there is constant conflict between spouses or siblings. These disputes primarily begin in our mind. Whenever we have a sense of dissatisfaction, and are filled with selfish desires, there is bound to be dissensions.

Seeking God and His Kingdom should be our top priority

When Jesus was preaching in one place about the Kingdom of heaven, someone in the crowd said to him as recorded in Luke 12:13, “Teacher, tell my brother to give me my share of the inheritance that our father left us." (GW)