Genesis 13:5-14:24 – GODLINESS IN SHOE LEATHER
You have probably heard the expression; “He’s so Heavenly minded, that he’s no earthly good!”
There are people who never make their professed Christianity practical. They talk like saints, but they don’t act like saints. Abraham however demonstrated his Godliness in everyday life. He lived out his Godliness in a practical way. To use an American expression, “He put it into shoe leather.”
ABRAHAM WAS A GRACIOUS MAN – 13:5-13
Abraham and his nephew, Lot, were living in the same area.
They traveled together, but were two large, wealthy, individual family units.
Because they were so large, the land could not support the needs of both families’ flocks and herds. (Vs. 6)
Strife developed between the herdsmen of the two families. (Vs. 7)
As the senior member of the family, Abraham decided to settle the dispute. He wanted no strife in the family. (Vs. 8)
Abraham very graciously gave Lot the choice of where he wanted to settle. This was really a choice Abraham could have reserved for himself. Instead, he was gracious about it. Lot chose the best area for himself, in spite of the wickedness that abounded in Sodom. (Vss. 9-13)
ABRAHAM WAS A BLESSED MAN – 13:14-18
Abraham made the right choice.
It was Abraham who received God’s encouragement and blessing, not Lot.
Let us remember that God blesses us when we do what is right.
ABRAHAM WAS A RESPONSIBLE MAN – 14:1-16
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” Abraham was. When Lot got into trouble, Abraham didn’t give him a lecture. He gave him help!
ABRAHAM WAS A GENEROUS MAN – 14:17-20
Abraham gave tithes to “the priest of the most high God”, Melchizedek.
Today we’d say that he gave to the Lord’s work.
ABRAHAM WAS A CONVICTED MAN – 14:21-24
Abraham was a man of conviction. He would not take what didn’t belong to him, although he could have. He was convicted to do what was right.