Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
I. Don’t Call It A Comeback: Abram’s Return (v.1-4)
II. Mo Money Mo Problem: Too Rich To Dwell Together (v.5-7)
III. The Fork of Peace (v.8-9)
IV. Eastward (v.10-13)
V. God Speaks, Abe Listens & Worships (v.14-18)
Genesis 13
“So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb.
2 Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3 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, 4 to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the LORD. 5 And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7 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.
8 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. 9 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.” 10 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.) 11 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. 12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.
14 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, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. 16 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. 17 Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” 18 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.”
Sermon Discussion questions
A Lot going eastward: Genesis 13
Ice Breaker: If you could pick any piece of land/real estate to have for yourself, where would you choose and why?
This Week Specific
The sermon highlights how Abram had moments of both faithfulness and unfaithfulness to God. When have you experienced seasons of feeling distant from God or struggling with unbelief? What helped you return to a place of trust and worship?
Abram initiated peacemaking with Lot and was willing to sacrifice his rights for the sake of reconciliation. Are there any conflicts or strained relationships in your life where you need to take the first step towards making peace? What would it look like to humble yourself and prioritize reconciliation?
Lot chose the land that looked most prosperous and desirable from an earthly perspective, but it led him towards the sinful culture of Sodom. When making important decisions, how can you ensure you are considering spiritual priorities and not just worldly or material gain? Any decisions you’re currently making that you need to consider?
God renewed his covenant promises to Abram,. how does remembering God's faithful promises encourage you to obey and follow Him, even when it requires sacrifice?
At the end of the sermon, Pastor Brian challenges the congregation to be peacemakers in various areas of life. What are some practical ways you can pursue peace this week - in your home, workplace, friend groups, or church community?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?