Series Introduction:

In our previous sermon, we used Abram's calling as an example to demonstrate that faith without trust is not true faith. Though Abram and Sarai were too old to bear children, God called them to leave their home and follow Him to a new land where He promised to make them a great nation. Despite having doubts, Abram chose to have faith and obey God's command. As we saw, Abram left his homeland with his wife Sarai and nephew Lot and journeyed to Canaan.

However, we did not discuss an important event at the end of Genesis 12. During a famine, Abram and his family traveled to Egypt for food. The ruler of Egypt took notice of Sarai's beauty and became interested in her. Abram asked Sarai to pretend they were not married to protect himself. Pharaoh was taken with Sarai's beauty and invited her to his palace, treating Abram kindly because of her. However, God was displeased with Abram's deceitful actions. As a result, God inflicted severe plagues on Pharaoh and his household. When Pharaoh realized he was deceived, he confronted Abram and expressed anger at Abram's dishonesty. Pharaoh then returned Sarai to Abram and ordered them to leave Egypt with all their possessions.

Abram's experience in Egypt was a significant moment in his life. His lack of faith in God's protection put God's covenant at risk and caused suffering for many. In that moment, Abram learned that he could trust in God and did not have to resort to deceitful acts to get by. This lesson in trust in God's provision is important for understanding the passage we will read this morning.

Scripture Reading:

Genesis 13:1-18: So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb.  Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the Lord. And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.

Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.

The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you." So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

Opening Prayer:

Father God, as we receive Your Word preached, we ask for clarity of thought and a spirit of discernment. Teach us to see beyond the surface and uncover the spiritual insights contained in this account. May Your Holy Spirit guide our reflections, revealing the profound messages that speak to our lives today. Grant us wisdom to understand the importance of making godly choices. Help us to see both the blessings of selflessness and the consequences of selfishness. May our hearts be receptive to the wisdom and guidance You desire to impart through this sermon. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction:

Our passage this morning begins by telling us that Abram had become a wealthy man: 

Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

Genesis 13:2, ESV

Let's not skim over this passage of scripture but instead acknowledge its attention to detail. The text states that "Abram was very rich." It's important to note that scripture never includes irrelevant information. So why does it mention Abram's wealth? The man who left Canaan due to famine and sought refuge in Egypt was able to return very wealthy, not just in cattle but also in silver and gold. Where did this wealth come from?

Abram received them during his time in Egypt. Pharoah gave these things and more to Abram when he unknowingly courted Abram's wife:

And for her sake [Pharoah] dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

Genesis 12:16, ESV

God afflicted Pharaoh with plagues due to his inappropriate advances toward another man's wife. While Pharaoh was understandably dismayed by this turn of events, he refrained from ordering Abram's execution for bringing down the curse upon him. Instead, he demanded that Abram and his wife, along with their gifts, leave Egypt immediately. This event in Egypt was an embarrassing moment in the life of Abram. Even so, God had orchestrated it for God's glory and Abram's good. 

The path of faith is always better than the path of fear. Abram learned this the hard way. The path of faith saves us from unnecessary suffering and heartache, as well as those around us. Trust is essential on this path, but even if we make mistakes, God is so good that He can turn them into blessings. As the Apostle Paul wrote: 

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9a, ESV

Division in the Family

Just as God can take our mistakes and turn them into blessings, so too can sinful people take God's blessings and turn them into causes of division and heartache. If you were paying careful attention, you might have noticed that Abram and Sarai were not the only ones to set out from the land of Abram's father. Lot was the nephew of Abram, the son of his late brother Haran. When Abram left Ur of the Chaldees for the promised land, he welcomed Lot into his household. Initially, this was not an issue, but the situation changed after Abram's trip to Egypt, which resulted in a sudden increase in wealth and workers in his household. We read in verses 5-7:

And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.

Genesis 13:5-7, ESV

Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence for wealth to cause conflict within families. When a family member suddenly gains wealth or a wealthy family member passes away, it can lead to tension and strife. While wealth is not inherently evil, the love of money and possessions over the love of family can drive a wedge into even the strongest family bonds. This is why the Apostle Paul warned his friend Timothy: 

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.

1 Timothy 6:9-10a, ESV

We are told in Genesis that the land was already home to Canaanites and Perizzites, meaning that Abram was already sharing the land with the inhabitants who dwelt there when he first arrived. Now that Abram's household had grown, it became apparent that the land was not enough to support the local tribes as well as Lot's household and Abram's household. Fights were starting to break out between Lot's men and Abram's men, putting a strain on the family. 

It is important to consider that the consequences of the situation were not limited to the loss of family harmony. Abram and Lot were both devoted to God, and their Canaanite and Perizzite neighbors were aware of this fact. The Canaanites and Perizzites observed how Abram and Lot conducted themselves as representatives of their God. 

A recurring theme seen in both the Old and New Testaments is that our actions as believers influence nonbelievers' perception of God. Abram learned this in Egypt when his cowardice and dishonesty disgraced him and caused Pharaoh to think less of him as a follower of God. Similarly, when God brought Israel out of slavery in Egypt to be His chosen nation, their purpose was to model before the nations what a kingdom looked like when it was following God. When Israel engaged in idolatry and sin, it not only affected them as a community but also caused the surrounding nations to have a negative perception of God due to the actions of his followers. 

In one of his letters to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul referred to Christ's followers as "ambassadors" of Christ. If you are unfamiliar with that term, an "ambassador" is a person who represents their nation and is highly respected. They are sent to foreign countries to express the views of their government. Paul compared his own role to that of an ambassador and encouraged all Christians to see themselves as ambassadors for Christ. 

He explained that God had reconciled humanity to Himself through Christ. He entrusted us with the task of sharing this message of reconciliation with others. In essence, we act as Christ's representatives, delivering God's message of love and forgiveness to the world. Paul emphasized this truth in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, where Paul writes, "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us."

As Christians, we are representatives of God to our neighbors. As we navigate through this world, we carry the values of God's Kingdom, and it is our duty to reflect the Kingdom of Heaven even as we live in the kingdom of this world. We may exist in this world but do not belong to it. As God's ambassadors, we ought to live lives worthy of our citizenship in heaven. Whether we like it or not, our behavior is a testimony of our faith and shapes others' perceptions of God. So let us strive to live lives that bring glory to His name and draw others to the beauty of the gospel. 

Abram and Lot Separate

Desiring to live a life of peace and a life honoring to God, Abram decided to act quickly to end the conflict brewing between his and Lot's households. Listen to how Abram chooses to resolve the conflict: 

Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."

Genesis 13:8-9, ESV

We can learn a lot from Abram's approach to resolving conflicts. Abram communicated with Lot respectfully and directly. He spoke to Lot in a respectful and straightforward manner while stressing the significance of keeping the peace between their households. Being family, they should assist and look after one another. Abram understood that they would encounter hardships and adversaries on their way to the promised land, and it was crucial to remain united during such times.

As the Psalmist would later write:

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"

Psalm 133:1, ESV

No one wins when God's people fight amongst themselves. The Apostle Paul frequently emphasized the importance of unity among Christians in his letters. He encouraged love, like-mindedness, and shared purpose and beliefs, especially during persecution. 

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Philippians 2:2, ESV

"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."

2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV

The early church also demonstrated unity by devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. All believers were together and shared everything in common. The church in Antioch even provided a generous gift to those suffering from a severe famine in the church in Judea. However, we also know that the early church had to deal with disagreements and conflict, just as we also struggle in the modern church. While peaceful resolution and restoration should always be the goal, sometimes, for the sake of peace, we must respectfully choose to separate. 

One such moment of respectful separation occurred between the Apostle Paul and Barnabas. Both men were missionaries who spread the gospel while traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor. Barnabas was known as a great encourager, and he played a crucial role in Paul's life by bridging the gap between him and his fellow Christians. However, the two friends fell into disagreement as they traveled together with John Mark through many Gentile areas, risking their lives for the sake of Jesus. The disagreement arose when, halfway through their journey, Mark left them and abandoned the mission. When Paul and Barnabas were planning their second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to give John Mark a second chance, but Paul was not willing to take him along. 

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Acts 15:36-41, ESV

Despite what scripture calls "a sharp disagreement", both men continued to serve God and their ministries thrived. While the men decided it was best to go their separate ways, they still continued to work in their own ways toward what was most important, sharing the gospel with the world.

Our Southern Baptist Convention recently met for their annual meeting, where the major news story was surrounding a small group of churches, including one of our largest SBC affiliated churches, which were removed from the convention because they deviated from the Baptist Faith and Message's teachings about the office of pastor being restricted to men. While it was decided that we would have separated these churches from our convention, we did so with the understanding that all would continue to do the work of gospel ministry, even if our disagreements meant we could not partner in that effort. And while there were some bad actors, I am proud we as a convention could handle this without splintering our convention in two, as has sadly been the case in other Christian denominations. 

I bring these examples up to show that in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and in modern times, the ideal for followers of God is to live lives of peaceful cooperation with one another as we partner together to fulfill God's calling in our lives. However, when disagreements or conflicts arise that cannot be resolved, rather than turning on our brothers and sisters, we choose to separate with respect and the understanding that we are still a part of the family of God, even if for the sake of peace we had to go our separate ways for the time being. 

Choosing peace requires faith. The heart of many conflicts is a fear that if I do not get my way, I will not be ok. We sometimes feel like peace means accepting defeat, and it would be better if we fought for things to go our way instead. Even though Abram had the right to choose the best land for himself as the older family head and as the leader who had been promised the land by God, he deferred to Lot and let his nephew have first choices of the land. Why would he do this? 

Abram's faith in God was strong. He had learned an important lesson during a famine when he failed to trust God's provision in Egypt. He realized that God would care for him and expected true believers to trust Him. He did not need to fight with his nephew like a pagan who had no guarantees of tomorrow. He was more concerned with preserving peace and honoring God than he was about getting the best land for his herdsmen, which, as we will see in the weeks to come, resulted in a great blessing for Abram. Bitter envy and strife lead to hatred and evil deeds. True wisdom comes from being pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, and without hypocrisy. Those who sow peace will reap righteousness.

As Jesus himself taught: 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33, ESV

Lot Chooses His Portion:

While Abram was generous in allowing his younger nephew to have the first choice of land, Lot selfishly chose the best land for himself instead of dividing the land equally. Unlike Abram, Lot was focused on getting the best land he could in the here and now, even if doing so meant his uncle Abram would get worse land as a result: 

And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.

Genesis 13:10-12, ESV

This choice of land was the obvious choice if one was only considering the quality of the land. Unfortunately for Lot, he forgot to factor in the people who would be his neighbors.

Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.

Genesis 13:13, ESV

Lot fell for the same temptation that many fall for even today. He made his decision based on appearances and did not consider the spiritual side of his decision. Abram was willing to make peace because he was thinking spiritually; Lot was ready to act selfishly because he was thinking in a worldly way. This choice would cause many problems for Lot. It would end up with his name going down in Biblical history as a cautionary tale against self-centeredness and greed. That, however, is an account we will cover later in our series. Let's turn our attention back to Abram. 

Abraham Moves to Hebron

The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you." So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

Genesis 13:14-18, ESV

Abram had learned from his time in Egypt to trust in God's goodness and provision, and here we see God reminding Abram that his hope was not in vain. A worldly mind would have doubted that Abram and Sarai could conceive a child in their old age. Still, Abram trusted in God's promises more than in his ability. While the number of descendants promised may be difficult for the human mind to comprehend, this multitude is not uncountable to God. 

Conclusion:

As we look into how much God has generously blessed Abram and his future generations, we cannot help but feel amazed by His incredible faithfulness. These promises were fulfilled partially in the history of Israel but ultimately point even further to the kingdom of Jesus Christ. 

As the Apostel Paul wrote to the church in Galatia: 

"Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."

Galatians 3:7-9, ESV

As we follow Abram's faith, we can confidently claim these promises and remain optimistic about the church's future, even in the face of worldly losses and suffering injustice. We know how the story ends, and therefore we can live by faith and not by sight, knowing that God will be with us and will bless us every step of the way: 

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV

Prayer of Decision: 

Father God, I pray that you would bless us as we enter into this time of decision. Give us faith, like Abram, to pursue peace and unity, even if doing so means sacrificing our preferences for the sake of Your Kingdom. Help us to live by faith and not by sight. Teach us to walk in your ways and to place our hope in you above all. If anyone here this morning does not know you as their Savior and Lord, I pray that they would have the courage to come and talk to me during this time of decision or after the service, so we can begin a conversation about starting a life of faith. Thank you for your goodness and unfailing love. We ask and pray all these things in your son's precious and holy name. Amen.