The blessing of faith - Genesis 13

Intro: Stories of grace

• God’s extravagant grace calls us home to him (v1-4)

“So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, with his wife and everything he had, and Lot went with him…”

 

God’s grace to Abram is incredible;

• Where

 

• What

 

• How

 

Wherever you are at right now, hear his call to close, loving, blessed, dependent relationship with the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit

 

• God’s extravagant grace is missed by those who see only what is in front of them (v5-13)

 

“Now Lot …”

• Lot chooses by what he sees Abram lets God decide

 

• Lot chooses what he thinks he needs to be happy, Abram chooses God

 

“Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.”

 

• God’s extravagant grace is where we should make our permanent home (v14-14v24)

 

• Abram makes his home in God, Lot makes his home in the wrong place

 

• Abram enjoys God’s blessing, Lot is dragged into chaos

 

• Abram acts in God’s strength, Lot is left utterly helpless

 

God’s extravagant grace is far better than anything we can get or see – run to the cross of Christ!

 

Practical Application (14 v 17-24): It is God’s grace that transforms God’s people into generous, graceful worshippers. Think much on God’s grace this week.

 

Memory verse: Genesis 14 v 19-20 “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

My own questions for later:

Life Group Questions:   Read 13v1-4. How is God graceful to Abram here? How has God poured his grace out on you? What difference does this make to daily life? Read 13 v5-13. Why does Lot make the decisions he does in this passage? What trajectory is Lot on (compare 13v12 with 14v12)? How can we be careful not to let sin progress in our lives? Read 13 v 14-18 and skim chpt 14. Contrast the blessing in Abram’s life with the chaos in Lot’s life. God’s grace makes Abram generous – describe how God’s grace is changing you.