Sermon – Genesis 13 – Contentment

• This morning, we will continue journeying through the book of Genesis.  Two weeks ago, we looked at Abram’s call from God – to leave his homeland and family and move to Canaan.  God called Abram to save him, bless him, and for the world to be blessed through him.
  
  
• Today, we will read the account of Abram and Lot separating in Genesis 13.  One was focused on God and the other on possessions and what seemed like a better.  One wanted more and more; but the other was content and praised God for what he had.
  
  
• Genesis 13:1-18 (NLT – Abram and Lot Separate) … (1) So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned.  (2) (Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.)  (3) From the Negev, they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they had camped before.  (4) This was the same place where Abram had built the altar, and there he worshiped the Lord again.  (5) Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents.  (6) But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together.  (7) So, disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot.  (At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land.)  (8) Finally, Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen.  After all, we are close relatives!  (9) The whole countryside is open to you.  Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate.  If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right.  If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”  (10) Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar.  The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt.  (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)  (11) Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them.  He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram.  (12) So, Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.  (13) But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.  (14) After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction – north and south, east and west.  (15) I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession.  (16) And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted!  (17) Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”  (18) So, Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre.  There he built another altar to the Lord.
  
  
• From the story of Abram and Lot separating, we learn four key elements:
  • 1 – Having much can sometimes cause conflicts (1-7)
  • 2 – We should value people over possessions and rewards (1-9)
  • 3 – Learn the danger of greener pastures (10-13)
  • 4 – We should rest in God’s provision (13-18)

1 – Having Much Can Sometimes Cause Conflicts (1-7)

• Abram and Lot’s conflict arose due to their physical blessings.  Each had many flocks, servants, and herds.  This put a strain on the land and caused strife between the herdsmen. 
  
  
• Some of us might not have everything we desire, but if we are honest, God has richly blessed us.  It is normal to want things in life, but depending on what we desire, how we get it, and how we act if we get it all depend on our relationship with God.  What is also important is our level of contentment should we never receive the things we desire.

• Many people think that more is always better.  If we had more money or time or friends or power or awards or whatever it is we desire, then we would be happier and at peace; but sadly, that is rarely the case.
  
  
• We tend to put joy or even worship on hold until we obtain some goal that we think we must achieve or that we deserve.  But when we get there, we find out that what we desired or pursued isn’t all we hoped it would be – or – we want more even still.
  
  
• Some often pursue a dream job – a coveted promotion – a corner office – only to find themselves getting home much later, sleeping less, and devoting less time to their family and church.  Conflict can arise over having much or trying to obtain more.
  
  
• Some people get what they want, but at a very high cost.  Some spend too much time at work to afford houses and cars they never get to enjoy.  Some cut corners and cheat people to get ahead.  Others lie.  Others steal.  And sadly, some sell their own souls for success.
  
  
• Some people are not content with their lives, and seek escape through vacations, hobbies, sports, games, and all other forms of entertainment.  But sadly, far too much time will pass quickly; and there will be no more time to spend on the truly important things. 
  
  
• Some people are not content with their current position or place in life; and are always seeking the next job or next move or a scheme to get rich quick.  These people are not focused on the task at hand and let opportunities to serve God and share the Gospel pass.
  
  
• Others, however, are content with whatever they have been provided; and give God all the praise and credit for meeting their needs and providing times to serve and share.
  
  
• Do you desire anything that puts God, His Church, and your local church at the back of the line when it comes to your time, energy, and effort; or will this desire create conflict?
  
  
• Have you placed anything in front of your relationship with God and fellowship with His people?
  
  
• What are your reasons for pursuing this item; and what will you do should you obtain it?

2 … We Should Value People Over Possessions, Rewards, and Positions

• Abram would rather not be with Lot than be at odds with him.  This is an important truth.
  
  
• Abram yields to Lot’s choice of any part of the land Lot desires.  He stands down.  He does not have to win this battle or get his way.
  
  
• Abram was older … Abram was the patriarch; the leader of the family and he was Lot’s uncle.  He could have told Lot to hit the road or he could have left him in Ur – and some even think he should have since God told Abram to leave his family behind.  Abram could have demanded what was his and it would have been acceptable.
  
  
• He says, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen.  After all, we are close relatives!  The whole countryside is open to you.  Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate.  If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right.  If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” 
  
  
• Part of learning to stand down comes from recognizing the value of people.
  
  
• People matter more than possessions, rewards, or positions. 
  
  
• It is possible to get what we want, but lose friends, family members, or church members in the process. 
  
  
• If we have to have everything our way, regardless if we are right or wrong, then we could lose people.
  
  
• If we have to have everything our way, especially without discussion or compromise, then we could lose people.

• Thomas Watson, the founder of IBM, entered a meeting once where many of the company’s problems were being discussed.  On the table sat a stack of papers which identified some of the biggest threats to their future success.  After much discussion Watson walked over to the pile and swept his hand through the pile sending papers all over the room.  He said, “There aren’t categories of problems here.  There’s just one problem: Some of us aren’t paying enough attention to our customers.”  He then turned and walked out.  People matter; and they matter more than possessions, rewards, or positions.
  
  
• Are you focusing on possessions, rewards, positions, achievements, and having things done you way, but at the cost of people?
  
  
• Imagine how many conflicts might be resolved if we focused on relating well to each other and standing down to avoid severing the relationship.

3 … Learn The Danger of Greener Pastures

• Lot chose greener pastures, literally!  He had the choice of all the available land, but chose what he thought was best – not what God thought was best.  We have no recording of Lot consulting the Lord, but rather doing what he thought was best and what looked good.
  
  
• We are faced with choices each and every day – most are small, but some are big and from time to time, we are faced with life changing decisions.  When we are faced with decisions, especially large ones, we need to ask God for guidance and prayer support from the church.
  
  
• Genesis 13:10 tells us that Lot looked at the Jordan Valley and that it was well watered – this would appeal to someone with lots of animals.   This was his first mistake.  Lot chose with lust in his eyes, he saw green pastureland with plenty of water and potential for more wealth by the big cities.  But how wicked it can be to leave a land that is pure to go make a living with sinners.
  
  
• Genesis 13:11-13 tells us that Lot chose the entire Jordan Valley and went there with his flocks and servants and left his uncle.  Abram settled in Canaan (the promised land) and Lot lived near Sodom where the people were wicked and constantly sinned against God.
  
  
• Have you ever heard the saying, “Not everything that glitters is gold?”  Just because something looks good doesn’t mean it is.  Satan is a deceiver and will use beautiful and enticing signs; but we need not follow.
  
  
• 1^st Peter 5:8 tells us to be sober-minded and watchful as our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
  
  
• Lot was not sober-minded when he chose to live near Sodom.  He was enticed by what appeared to be a good deal, but in the next few chapters he is taken captive and almost killed when Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed.
  
  
• Lot was not expecting that – he just wanted to go and enjoy life and make more money, but that isn’t where God wanted him.  Sin will cost you more than you ever wanted to pay.  Lot was rescued and spared from destruction, but lost all his wealth and possessions.
  
  
• When we make decisions, we want them to turn out for the best and to get our way and to be healthy, wealthy, and wise.  We don’t like to face negative consequences, but we should be prepared to if we ignore God’s warnings and guidance.
  
  
• Guard against thinking that bigger is always better – Meditate on Philippians 4:11-13 … Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.  I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.  I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

4 … Rest in God’s Provision

• God had a plan and place for Abram.  The Lord would provide.  Abram trusted this.
  
  
• We see his trust displayed when he built an altar to the Lord.  He believed God would make good on His promises.  He didn’t feel the need to fight with Lot or battle for his own way.
  
  
• This is contentment in action.
  
  
• Abram was blessed because he prayed for his path and made an altar and sought the Kingdom of God first (see Matthew 6:33).
  
  
• Although the land was hilly and had less water and good grass, God still showed favor to Abram and blessed the land because Abram trusted him and allowed God to guide his life.
  
  
• As Christians we have the ultimate provision from God.  We don’t necessarily have a piece of land; we have a Person.
  
  
• God gave His Son for us.  He died and rose again to secure our place with Him.  That is why we can be content.  We have Him – Jesus – as our portion and treasure.
  
  
• We need to believe God’s Word – that Jesus is God’s Son – that Jesus left the glory of Heaven above, came to earth, took on flesh, was born in a manger, raised in Nazareth, lived a perfect life, taught and did miracles, forgive, willingly went to the cross to take our place – to take our punishment – so we could be offered forgiveness and eternal life by just believing in Jesus and confessing and repenting of our sins.
  
  
• We need to allow God, through the Holy Spirit, to guide our lives.  We need to trust in His decisions for our lives – whether great or small.  He knows what is best, we don’t.  We need to lean on the Holy Spirit as we strive to live holy lives – we need to be guided by the Spirit, not our sin nature.  If we are guided by the Spirit, then there will be evidence in our lives.
  
  
• Are you able to trust God’s provision?
  
  
• Do you believe God has a plan and a place for you because of what Christ did?
  
  
• Will you rest content in Him?
  
  
• Will you seek God and His Will; or will you try to do things in your own strength?
  
  
• Recap … you don’t have to get your way to solve a conflict … God always has a better way … we can stand down … we can trust God … we should look to Christ for the source of our joy – not things or titles – we should find our contentment in Him … the most important things in this life is our relationship with God and our fellowship with others and the Church.