Old Testament - Genesis 13:5-18 (Decision of Abraham)

Old Testament - Genesis 13:5-18 Decision of Abraham - Calvary Chapel Windward - OAHU, HAWAII - Pastor Tim Newman - From Local Olelo / Oceanic / Time Warner Cable show "A View from Calvary" - Episode #297 - Original Air Date 12/18/2011 A.D.

Genesis 13:5-18
“The Decision of Abraham”
1. The PROBLEM of POSSSESSIONS force a decision
Vs. 5-9
1a. There was a PROBLEM created by PROSPERITY.
Lot had piggy-backed on Abram’s wealth so that both men were rich.
Eccl 5:10, 1 Tim 6:10
The New Testament, through the Apostle Peter, tells us that Lot was a “righteous”
man (2 Peter 2:7); otherwise we would not have guessed it.
1b. The PROBLEM was a PROBLEM of the heart.
The problem between Abraham and Lot was not caused by the land, the famine,
their wealth (both of them were rich), or even their herdsmen (13:7).
James 3:13–4:10
Lot was a troublemaker instead of a peacemaker:
He had “heart trouble.”
1c. There was a gracious solution to the PROBLEM.
How could Abraham allow his younger nephew to make this decision?
How could he put him first?
Abraham was not worried about his future; for he knew that everything was
in the hands of the Lord.

Matt 6:33-34
2. The appearance of the PLAINS of Jordan influences the decision.
Vs. 10-13
2a. Lot lifted up his eyes toward the PLAINS of Jordan
The contrast is amazing.
 Lot had a tent but no altar (Gen. 13:5)
 Instead of lifting up his eyes to heaven,
Lot lifted up his eyes to the plain of Jordan (Gen. 13:10) and stopped there.
2b. The appearance of the PLAINS of the Jordan influenced him.
He “journeyed east” (Gen. 13:11) and turned his back on Bethel (“house of God”)
and toward Ai (“ruins”; see 12:8).
3. The PROPMISE of the Land is given again as faith had been demonstrated.
Vs. 14-18
3a. Abram lifted up his eyes at God’s command and received His PROMISE.
Lot chose a piece of land which he finally lost, but God gave Abraham the whole
land which still belongs to him and his descendants.
Lot had said, “I will take.”
God said to Abraham, “I will give.”
What a contrast! Prov 10:22
3b. Abram listens to God’s PROMISE of numerous decedents.
3c. The PROMISE included the command to walk.
3d. The response to the PROMISE was to build an altar.
 Abram lift up his eyes and looked to heaven (Gen. 13:14)
 Abram lifted up his feet and walked believing THE PROMISE (13:17),
 Abram lifted up his heart and worshiped God and thanked Him for His
gracious blessing.
4 Principles on making decisions from our text
1. We must first place our lives on the altar in order to know God’s will. Rom 12:1-2
2. We must be willing to surrender our future to the Lord and learn to trust him.
Abraham had no problem in allowing Lot to choose first.

Ps 37:37-38, Jer 29:11-14
3. Is what you are praying about motivated by the WORD or the WORLD?
Lot lifted up his eyes to the Plains of Jordan.
Abraham lifted up his eyes to hear from the Lord.
Ask yourself the question; Does it lead to pride or humility?
Phil 2:2-4, James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:5-6

Does it appeal to the flesh or the spirit?
Gal 5:16, 6:7-8, 1 Peter 2:11, 1 John 2:15-17
4. Can we be thankful however the Lord might direct our lives?
In the end Abram builds another altar and worships the Lord.

1 Thess 5:18

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