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Lesson 17

God’s Promises Never Fail

Genesis 21

Me-

My impatience does not constitute God’s failure on my behalf.  Although there have been many times in my life when I have asked God to do something, I have learned a difficult lesson that He may give the desires of my heart but it will be according to His perfect timing.  Because I went to Him for direction He often has kept me from jumping into a situation for which I was not qualified to handle.  One of my first full time jobs was as an insurance agent.  I did not go to Him for guidance but took the job to escape a job that seemed to have no future.  For a whole year I was miserable and a failure at what I was doing.  Being an introvert did suit me to go out and sell anything much less life insurance.  I have learned over the years to wait on the Lord.  When I do good things will come.  They will come because God never fails to fulfill His promises to His children.

We-

To reiterate what has been said previously in other lessons, it is never a good thing to try and get ahead of God.  If we will stop being so busy and listen and wait on God, He will work out His purpose for our lives.  It has been said that for a church to change direction takes about seven years.  In today’s culture that seems like a life time.  When compared with the twenty-five years that Abraham and Sarah had to wait for the promised son, seven years does not seem so long.  The time we wait is not to be wasted but, is to be spent in prayer and preparation of our hearts for all God wants to do for the church.  When the time comes the result will be greater than anything we could do on our own.

God-

Genesis 21:1-5

Abraham and Sarah had waited, sometimes impatiently and with missteps, but they had waited non-the-less.  The time had arrived for God to do as He had promised.  He remembered Sarah and she conceived giving birth to a son in her and Abraham’s old age.  As had been commanded to him, Abraham named his son Isaac which means laughter. 

Obeying the covenant of God, Isaac was circumcised on the eight day.  Once again the writer emphasizes Abraham’s age at one hundred years old.

1. What if Abraham and Sarah had decided they were too old to have a child and decided not to even try?
2. What would that say about their faith?
3. Why does the writer specifically say, “The Lord took note of Sarah?”
4. Why does the writer speak of Abraham’s age twice in these verses?
5. Why was the child named Isaac?
6. What was the importance of the act of circumcision?

Genesis 21:5-7

From the response of Sarah, it is evident that this was an extra special event in their lives.  Not that any birth into a family is not a blessed occasion, but never had a child been born to a woman the age of Sarah.  She expressed her own personal joy when she said that God had brought laughter into her life.  She also knew that those who knew her circumstances would also be happy for her and Abraham. Once again the age of the couple is mentioned.

1. What is seen in the response of Sarah to the birth of Isaac?
2. Why was the event so special?
3. What did the birth of her son mean to her?
4.  What does the statement that God brought her happiness tell us about the years before his birth?
5. Why would she believe that others would share in her happiness?
6. What is God trying to tell us in His inspired Word by continuing to mention the age of the parents?
7. What should seeing what God did for Abraham and Sarah say about how He views and lives?

Genesis 21:8

The writer now tells that Isaac passed from babyhood to childhood.  He no longer had to depend on Sarah for nourishment.  He would at that point come under the leadership of his father. Upon the occasion of the milestone, Abraham gave a great feast in his honor.

1. What was the occasion that prompted the feast?
2.  Why was this an important time in the life of Isaac?

Genesis 21:9-10

The uneasy truce that had lasted for over fourteen years came to end.  Sarah saw, what she concluded as Ishmael mocking or persecuting Isaac. Other commentators see the incident as playful interaction.  Whatever took place does not matter.  In the mind of Sarah it was time for Hagar and Ishmael to go.  Isaac was the promised heir, the covenant child, and there was no room for Ishmael. 

1. Why had the truce between Sarah and Ishmael lasted for fourteen years?
2. What changed?
3. In what ways was Sarah possibly over sensitive?
4. In what ways would her reaction to be expected?

Genesis 21:11-13

Abraham was not of the same mindset with Sarah.  Ishmael was his son in the same way that Isaac was. Just because Isaac was the child of promise did not mean that there was not a place for Ishmael in the family.  God had to convince Abraham that this was all in His plan.  He was not to be distressed but to listen to his wife.  Abraham could live with the words because God promised to make Ishmael into a great nation.

1. How did Abraham differ from Sarah?
2. What changed his mind?
3. What convinced Abraham to listen to Sarah?
4. Why would Abraham accept what God had said to him?

Genesis 21:14-16

The next morning Abraham obeyed God and sent Hagar and Ishmael away.  He provided provisions for them to take on their journey.  The description of what happened next was appropriate.  They wandered around in the wilderness of Beersheba.  It is obvious that the two had no direction or destination.

Evidently, Hagar had forgotten the promises made about her son.  When the provisions ran out, she thought that both of them were going to die.  Because she could not bear to watch Ishmael die she moved some distance away and began to weep.

1. How did Abraham try to make sending Hagar and Ishmael easier?
2. What was the problem for Hagar?
3. What indications are in the text that she had forgotten the promises made to her by God concerning her son?
4. Why did she leave him alone?
5. What do you think of her actions?
6. When have there been occasions in your life when you were directionless?
7. In what ways did God show Himself to you in those circumstances?

Genesis 21:17-18

God, however, had not forgotten Hagar and Ishmael.  He called out to Hagar asking what was bothering her.  God immediately gave her encouragement and instruction to get her son.  She was to take his hand. God was going to make him into a great nation.

1. What does verse 17 say to us?
2. If God had forgotten Hagar what would that say about Him?
3. Why did God first tell Hagar not to be fearful about the future?
4. Why did He expressly give her instructions about what to do?

Genesis 21:19-21

Once God got her attention, she saw something that had not been apparent to her in her time of grief.  She was shown a well from which she was able to refill her water skin.  She also gave a drink to Ishmael

As promised before Ishmael was born, God was with him.  From that time forward Ishmael lived in the wilderness and became an archer.  Hagar took a wife for him from the land of her birth, Egypt.

1. Why could she not see the well at first?
2. What did God do that allowed her to see the well?
3. What examples are given that indicate that God was with him?
4. How does his occupation fit what God had promised for him?
5. Why did Hagar take a wife from Egypt?

Genesis 21:22-24

Abimelech and the commander of his army, Phicol, came to meet with Abraham.  Even though they were pagans they still recognized that God was with him. Their request to him was for fair dealings.  According to Abimelech, he had treated Abraham with respect and all he was asking was that he do the same with all of the Philistines under his rule.  Abraham agreed to do so.

1. Why did Abimelech come to Abraham?
2. Why did he need to bring the commander of his army with him?
3. What was his request?
4. Why did he feel it necessary to make such a request?
5. What was his justification?
6. What was Abraham’s response?

Genesis 21:25-31

Although Abraham was willing to agree with the covenant between he and Abimelech, all was not well between the two parties.  The servants had taken from Abraham a well that he had dug.  Abimelech shared that he was unaware of the event.

To confirm the covenant Abraham gave to Abimelech some livestock.  Then to validate that he was telling the truth about the well he, set aside seven ewe lambs to give to Abimelech. Abraham then named the place where they made the oath, Beersheba, which can either mean well of oath or well of seven.  Either would have been appropriate since he gave the seven lambs as a witness.

1. Why would Abraham make an agreement with a man like Abimelech whose servants had taken a well from him?
2. How believable was Abimelech’s denial that he knew of the actions of his servants?
3. How did Abraham show that he was a better man than Abimelech?
4. In what ways was the name of the well appropriate according to either of the meanings?

Genesis 21:32-34

Once the covenant was sealed by the actions, primarily on the part of Abraham, Abimelech and his commander returned home. Abraham planted a Tamarisk tree as a sign of the covenant.  Then he once again called on the name of the Lord.  The writer then indicates that he remained in the Negev of the Philistines for some time.

1. Why did Abimelech feel at ease at the thought of returning home?
2. Why did Abraham plant the Tamarisk tree?
3. Why did Abraham remain in the land?

You-

• Remember that no matter what your age or circumstances it is never too late to serve the Lord.
• Make a list of the things that you believe that you are capable of accomplishing and pray about how God may use them for His glory.
• Always remember that what might seem impossible to you is not so with God.
• Think about the times that your life seemed to have no direction or was a disaster.  What did you want God to do during those times?  How did He answer your prayers?
• In difficult situations remember that you belong to Christ and are to act accordingly.
• Learn to not take matters into your own hands as Sarah did.  All too often it will cause hurt in the lives of many people.
• Know that God loves individuals for whom we may have little regard.

We-

God has given us today.  What are going to do with it?  He has promised to lead a church which is willing to believe in the promises made through His Word.  Others may read this but I believe that God has given our church a new opportunity to serve Him.  He has breathed new life into the body.  We have real reasons to praise Him for what He is doing and wants to do through His bride the church.

Let us seize the day while the window is still open.  In our hearts we desire the change that He wants to take place so that we may impact the community around us in a way we have never done before.  Lets us remember that each person He brings to us He does so for us to nurture and disciple. 

Additional Notes

BL- In chapter 21, Isaac, whose name means “laughter,” was born.  In vv. 8-9, Sarah grew fearful of Hagar and Ishmael again, so she directed Abraham to cast them out of the camp.  God told Abraham to obey Sarah send Hagar away.  In the desert, Hagar thought she and Ishmael would die, but the angel of God called to her and her eyes are opened to see a well nearby.  Ishmael grows up in the desert under God’s protection and became an archer, thus fulfilling the promise God made to Hagar in chapter 16.  Chapter 21 concludes with a treaty made between Abimelech and Abraham, allowing them to coexist peacefully.

UE-Long after the time of child bearing had passed for her, Sarah was finally given a son in her old age.  Isaac the child of promise was born to her when she was 90 years old and Abraham was a hundred. (Gen. 21:1-3; Heb. 11:11-12)

UE-The promise made to Abraham concerning a son was fulfilled.  To him and Sarah was born the son of laughter, Isaac.  Sarah was well past child bearing years.  When Isaac was born it has given to us such a beautiful picture of what God can do with a person dead in sin with no hope of new birth apart from His miraculous working in his life.     (Gen. 21:1-3)

M-Abraham did not send Ishmael and Hagar away unit he was assured that the young man would be protected and blessed by God. (Gen. 21:1-15)

E-After Hagar and Ishmael were forced to leave Abraham’s camp, the Lord appeared to her and reaffirmed the covenant He made with Hagar years before.  According to the Lord’s words, Ishmael was to become a great nation.  The first sign that this was true, that rather than Ishmael dying as she thought when their water ran out, God opened her eyes and she saw a well from which she was able to fill her pouches for the journey ahead. (Gen. 21:3-9)

DM-We are still reaping the consequences of the birth of Ishmael and then the sending of him and Hagar away.  We do not know the influences on his life that occurred after he left the home of Abram which made the prophecies made to him become true.             (Gen. 21:10-14)

UE-God was specific about the choosing Isaac through whom the lineage would be established and not Ishmael. (Gen. 21:12)

C-Ishmael and Hagar were sent away for the final time after he had mocked Isaac.  Even though it grieved him to do so once again Abraham received the promise that Ishmael would become a great nation. (Gen. 21:12-14; Gal. 4:33)

M-This time when Hagar was sent away from Abraham’s camp God did command her to return as He had done previously.  It was now time for Ishmael to become a man and make a life for himself.  His was not to be the same life or was he to have the same responsibilities as Isaac.  He was to learn what would be his place in this world according to the prophecy given to Hagar in chapter 16:11-12 and to Abraham in these verses concerning him. (Gen. 21:13, 18)

C-After Ishmael was separated from Abraham by being sent away Hagar also received the assurance from God that Ishmael would become a great nation.   (Gen. 21:18)

RT-Abraham evidently dwelled in the land of the Philistines for a period of time.  He made a covenant with Abimelech not to harm him in any way. (Gen. 21:22-24)

UE-Even the heathens among whom Abraham lived recognized the hand of God in whom they did not believe was on him prospering him in all he did. (Gen. 21:22)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 16

Impact of a Decision

Genesis 20

Me-

I cannot count the number of times over the years that I have been told, if I mention to someone about a habit they have, “what I do only affects me and no one else.”  As much as any of us might like to think that is a true statement, nothing could be further from the truth.  I would go so far as to say that even if I decide not to make a decision in a given situation that non-decision will still impact those around us. 

For Instance, one who smokes may not be aware or care that the effect of second hand smoke has devastating health consequences.  But, on a more personal note, what about spiritual choices I make?  I have heard a statistic from somewhere that each of us will impact the lives of ten thousand people.  The ripple effect of choices I make do have lasting results.  If I say I am a follower of Christ but act like He does not live in me then I will, very possibly, turn people off from coming to Christ.

We-

Churches can make decisions that will either draw people to Christ or cause them to reject Him forever.  One of the most important issues facing the church today is what we believe about the Bible.  Is it the infallible Word of God or just a nice collection of myths and stories?  Sadly, many churches have drifted into liberalism causing many to marginalize Christians because they are now just like the rest of society.  There are other aspects of what a church does that will cause a person to want to become a member of that particular community of believers.  They may include:

• Are the members genuinely and intentionally friendly and loving towards new people and each other?
• What does the building and grounds look like?
• What does the church truly believe about God’s Word and how does it influence the daily walk of its people?

I used the word intentional because whatever we do for Christ must reflect a strong desire to serve Him.  Abraham had been judged as righteous because of his faith.  His actions sometimes did not reflect a man who truly believed God would protect him and fulfill His promises to him. Today’s lesson is about one of those lapses on his part.

Genesis 20:1

For some unknown reason Abraham decided to move.  God’s silence would indicate that He was not directing Abraham to leave Mamre.  As he travelled towards the Negev he used the same route that he had taken when he went into Egypt.  After spending time between Kadesh and Shur his journey ended up in Gerar in the land of the Philistines.

1. What could have been the reason that Abraham moved?
2. How do we know this was not in God’s plan for him?
3. How does his move resemble some of the decisions we make?

Genesis 20:2

Once again Abraham, when confronted with the unknown, told the people of the city that Sarah was his sister.  It resulted in Abimelech, the king in Gerar, taking Sarah as one of his wives. It may seem strange that a man would take a woman who was ninety years old to be his wife.  There may be two underlying factors for such a move on the part of Abimelech. The first may have been that it was a marriage with economic ramifications. It would have been obvious that Abraham was a very wealthy man.  Abimelech could have easily decided that it suited his purpose economically to make an alliance with that wealthy individual who had taken up residence in his territory.

The second reason was the important one as it pertains to what followed his decision.  He may have believed that as king he had the right to take anyone that he wanted to be his wife.  It would have made no difference about her marital state, although in the case of Sarah, Abraham had used deception to protect himself.  Abimelech made rules to suit himself.

1. Why did Abraham use the same old ploy with Abimelech of calling Sarah his sister?
2. Why would his decision seem more reprehensible this time than when he went into Egypt?
3. Why did Abimelech take Sarah as a wife?
4. Why was it economically to his advantage to take her as his wife?
5. What would  be the other reason for him to make Sarah his wife?

Genesis 20:3

God intervened in the situation.  His words to Abimelech were very strong.  God saw what he had done as a sinful act deserving death.  Adultery was a capital crime at that time in Middle Eastern culture.  In his mind, as will be seen shortly, he had done wrong by taking Sarah into his harem.  One commentator spoke of his actions as having kidnapped her.  Because of that one deed he was told that he was as good as dead in God’s eyes.   .

1. Why did God intervene?
2. What were the accusations that God brought against Abimelech?
3. How might God view the taking of Sarah as kidnapping?
4. Why did God view Abimelech as dead?

Genesis 20:4-5

Fortunately for Abimelech he had not had relations with Sarah. This might also be an indication that this was a marriage to bring about an alliance with Abraham. At that point Abimelech began to defend himself in view of God’s words to him. He pointed out several things that would prove his innocence in the matter.  As will be repeated below his defense was based on his own standards and rules for life and the way he would treat others.

• He considered himself blameless and was only concerned that God might destroy the whole nation.
• Abraham had brought about the current status by stating that Sarah was his sister.
• He was a man of integrity
• He was innocent of any wrong doing.

 

1. What was the one fact that would save Abimelech and his people?
2. What was his defense to God?
3. In what ways do you see Abimelech’s side of the story as valid?
4. In what ways was he have guilty before God?
5. What does this say about Abraham that he would put his wife in such a compromising position?

Genesis 20:6

God’s response to Abimelech indicated how much He had played a part in the incident.  He first acknowledged that Abimelech was speaking the truth, as he saw it.  Agreeing with the king that he had made the decision based on his standards did not lessen his guilt.  Abimelech’s responses had been from man’s perspective.  He was the one who had set the standards and made the rules by which he could make any decision.   

God then let him know that it was He, not Abimelech, who had kept Sarah safe from any advances the king may have made toward her. God had stopped him from sinful desires or even allowing him to touch her.  It was very important for Sarah to remain pure to maintain the legitimacy of the promised baby to born to her. There had to be no question that the boy would be Abraham’s son and no other man.

1. What did God indicate about Abimelech?
2. Who was actually in charge of the situation?
3. Why did God protect Sarah from Abimelech?
4. What was important about the purity of Sarah?

Genesis 20:7

To show that he was a man of integrity, Abimelech was to return Sarah to her rightful husband.  Then for the first time God indicated that Abraham held the status of prophet.  As a prophet he would pray for Abimelech that he might live.  To disobey God would surely bring death to him and everyone who were part of his family.  There may have been another reason to have Abraham pray for him.  By doing so Abraham would also have to confess his part in that whole episode that had put the future and his wife in jeopardy. 

1. How could Abimelech show that he believed the words of God?
2. Why would Abraham now be called a prophet by God?
3. How does his behavior match up with your picture of a prophet?
4. What kind of witness was Abraham to that pagan king?
5. Why did God indicate that Abraham was to pray for Abimelech to bring about his rescue from the consequences of his wrongdoing by taking Sarah?
6. What lesson was Abraham to learn from this situation where he was called on to pray for another man who could have potentially defiled his wife?

Genesis 20:8

Abimelech immediately responded to God’s command by calling all of his servants together to share all God had said.  As one would expect when they heard his words great fear fell upon them.  This would indicate that they understood that they had committed a great sin against God.  If they had known in their own minds that they were innocent there would have been no fear of God’s judgment on them.

1. Why did Abimelech immediately call his servants together?
2. How did Abimelech’s action show that he took word of God seriously?
3. Why did his servants become fearful?
4. Why did they not just disregard the words of Abimelech?
5. What does the fear show about their part in the actions of Abimelech?

Genesis 20:9-10

After making sure that his servants would not do anything that would bring judgment on he and his nation, Abimelech then called for Abraham.  He wanted to know why Abraham was willing to jeopardize his whole nation.  His first question was, “What have you done to us?”  Then, he asked, what had the people done to him to cause him to bring the sin upon them that cause them to be under God’s wrath?  Finally, he wanted to know if Abraham had experienced any problems with the way he had been treated.

1. What did Abimelech want to hear from Abraham?
2. If you had been in the same situation, what would you have asked of Abraham?
3. How did Abimelech view himself and his people? In what ways was it legitimate?
4. In what ways did his questions reflect a victim’s mentality?
5. In what ways was he as guilty as Abraham?

Genesis 20:11-13

Abraham’s response can be summed up in one word, self-preservation.  First he told that he was afraid of what the people might do to him.  Then he went on to share had he used his wife for the self-serving purpose of remaining safe. What he actually said was the truth, she was indeed his half-sister, but the fact remained that he used that relationship because of his lack of faith.

1. What do you think of Abraham’s response?
2. What does it show about his faith?
3. What does it show of his regard for Sarah?
4. How would you feel if someone used you like he did his wife?
5. If you were an Abimelech, what would your thoughts be about Abraham’s God?

Genesis 20:14-15

Abraham was treated with respect out of the fear that Abimelech had of God.  He would have been afraid to have done anything different.  Underlying all of this was the protection of God for Abraham and Sarah.  His plan for mankind was not going to thawrted by the bad decisions of that couple.

Ambimelech did not send him away empty handed but actually increased Abraham’s wealth by giving him sheep, oxen and more servants.  He even allowed him, unlike the Egyptians, to remain in the land.  More importantly for both men, Sarah was returned to Abraham as God had commanded.

1. Why did Abimelech treat Abraham with such respect?
2. Why did he give additional people and livestock to Abraham?
3. Although mentioned last, why was it important that Sarah be returned to Abraham?
4. Why did he not chase Abraham out of the land as the Egyptians had done?

Genesis 20:16

Although not mentioned the gift of one thousand pieces of silver to Abraham had a two-fold purpose.  First, it would be a reminder to Abraham of the sin he had committed by putting his wife in a compromising position. Secondly, as the Bible states, it was for the vindication of Sarah. If there was to be a victim in that whole incident it would have been she.  She really had no choice in the matter because she was under the rule of her husband and then became Abimelech’s wife not by her choice.  She was, in the mind of Abimelech, was exonerated from any shame by the payment to her husband. Notice that Sarah did not receive the money, but it did purchase her release from any guilt.

1. Why did Ambimelech give Abraham one thousand pieces of silver?
2. In what ways was Sarah the only victim in that whole incident?
3. What did this do for Sarah?
4. In what way does this symbolize what Christ has done for us?

 

 

Genesis 20:17-18

As God had directed, Abraham prayed for Abimelech and his household.  While Sarah was in his harem neither his wife nor his maids were able to have children.  Once Abraham prayed for them they were healed and could again have children.

1. Why was it necessary for Abraham to pray for the household of Abimelech?
2. How did that act remind Abraham of his part in what was occurring in the household?
3. When does prayer work?
4. Why was his prayer effective?
5. What type of prayer is this and what does it show us about that type of prayer?

You-

1. Before making any move you need to make sure that it is one that God will approve.  If God is silent the best advice is don’t do it.
2. Remember that any decision you make will have an impact on others.
3. Remember your lifestyle does influence the way others view God.
4. When praying for others, make sure that you have first confessed your own sins first, then make intercession for them.

We-

Like every other time in history we have our own set of issues with which we must deal.  Sadly, the church as a whole has not held true to the teachings of the Scripture.  Today there seems to be a greater attack on the Word of God than ever before.  Smaller and smaller percentages of people in many countries who attend churches keep dwindling. 

In the midst of all of this conflict our mandate to serve Christ faithfully has never changed.  We are to be a body who has decided to never compromise with the world. It is so easy to give into the pressures to accept a liberal theology which allows many variant lifestyles.  God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Unlike Abraham in the lesson today, if we remain faithful to the truth our witness to the world will be effective.  The world is looking in on us.  Let us make sure that what they see in our behavior is Christ-like in every aspect of the church’s life.  The standards are high but so is the reward if we reach people with the saving grace of God’s Word.

 

Additional Notes:

BL- Once again as he had done in Egypt, Abraham repeated his previous sin by moving out of the land God promised him.  In the Negev region, Abraham was no longer sure of God’s protection and felt afraid, so he passed Sarah off once again as his sister.  Sure enough, the local king took a shine to her (although she was pregnant and 90–now, THAT’S a miracle!) and procured her for his harem. However, God protected Sarah (and the baby she was carrying by

1. sending Abimelech a warning in a dream
2. and temporarily preventing Abimelech and his wives from having children (20:17-18).

When Abimelech confronts Abraham, Abraham tells him in v. 11 that he assumed there was no fear of God in Abimelech’s country.  How often do we use an equally lame excuse for not bearing witness of Christ’s love in our neighborhood, workplace or other places we go.  We assume God could not possibly be there with us and so we are fearful to speak of Him.  However, this lesson shows us that God IS with us, wherever we go, even when we defy His will.  Rather than chastising us directly for doubting Him, He will sometimes use non-Christians to do it! (Gen. 20)

UE-As surprising as it might be God had to protect Sarah a second time because of the folly of Abraham.  He allowed her to maintain her purity even when Abraham had once again was willing for a pagan to take her to be his wife.  It would have served him right if God had taken here from him and allowed her to remain as Abimelech’s wife.  God however had a greater plan for the world and permitted Abraham, though undeserved to be a part of it. (Gen. 20:1-7)

C-Abraham moved once again.  This time he settled in the land of Gerar. As had happened during his trip to Egypt this act once again put him and Sarah at risk.  His decision showed a lack of faith on the part of Abraham. (Gen.20:1-2, 11-13)

WM-As they travelled from place to place Abraham asked Sarah to pretend to be his sister.  We know that he believed in God but even after 20 some years he still was not sure that His promises that He would protect him from those who had the power to take his life.  What does it take for man to completely trust God with his very life?  That was exactly what God wanted Abraham to do. (Gen. 20:2, 5, 11-12)

E-God reveals Himself to man in many different ways.  Whether it is in a dream, as Abimelech the king of Gerar experienced, sitting a church building, walking on a street or other ways God still expects each of us to respond in obedience to Him.  Abimelech although a godless man certainly understood the message received in a dream.  He then confronted Abraham with his deception of claiming Sarah was his sister. (Gen. 20:3-18)

RT-In order for Abraham to pray for Abimelech and his people he had to look at how his actions had brought about the need for prayer.  It would cause him to take responsibility for what he had done. (Gen. 20:7)

UE-Why was it that an unbeliever like Abimelech would be the one who would have to remind the one who God had called righteous of what is right and wrong.  He said to Abraham, “You have done things to me that ought not to be done.” (Gen. 20:9)

WM-To be fearful in spite of the awesome promises like God made to Abraham is a sin. To be fearful and take your own path through life is an act of disobedience.                (Gen. 20:11)

WM-To use others for self-preservation is a selfish act.  It shows little or no regard for another person.  Abraham was willing to take the chance of allowing others to take Sarah as a wife for his own benefit. (Gen. 20:11-13)

RT-Abraham’s response to Abimelech’s question shows how utterly wrong he had been in judgment of the people of Gerar. (Gen. 20:11)

C-After the episode with Abimelech, king of Gebar, Abraham was advised to move away from Gerar. (Gen. 20:15)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 15

A Doomed City, a Wasted Life

Genesis

Me-

I have offered wondered if my witness has made any impact on those around me. Conversely I should give as great a consideration of how the world influences my thoughts and behavior.  It is so easy to slip ever slowly away from God like the frog in the kettle until I might not even recognize how far I have departed from God’s standards.  All I have to do is look at the things I condone to gauge how my life is going.  Hopefully, as I stay in God’s Word I am shielded from many of the attitudes and actions that would not be pleasing to God.

As I look around at society I am saddened by the things I see.  It was mentioned a couple of weeks ago about the idea of “I never thought I would see the day.”  Many of the things I never thought would happen are taking place all around me.  The state of man as found in the city of Sodom is more of a reality than has ever been in place in this country in our history.  The depravity of man is shown by the compromise of the very core of what would make a nation   moral and righteous.  Today America compromises and condones behavior that God describes as an abomination in His sight.  Those who are part of the homosexual movement openly flaunt their lifestyle and demand that all of us, including followers of Christ, go along with their agenda.  Such decay can only bring the eventual judgment of God.

May I be part of the solution to making this a better world by holding to God’s standards.  May I also try to be a witness for Him in such a way that hearts will be directed to Him.

We-

How does a church know if it has infiltrated and impacted a community?  One way would be to go to businesses and ask them if they can tell you where is so and so church. Their answer will be a clear indicator of what the church has accomplished for the kingdom in the lives that live and work in close proximity to its location.

Just as each of must ask how the world affected us individually, we must also ask, in what ways are we being influenced by the world?  All we have to do is to look at the things in which we take part.  How do we spend our time? What are the things we read and watch?  The answers to these two questions will say a lot about us.  Many so called churches today condone the lifestyles already mentioned because they no longer take God’s Word as having the final say in their actions.  We must stand as a fortress against the evils that we see all around us.  To compromise with the ways of the world is only to weaken our impact. Sodom is one of the examples of a man who fell so far because he put himself in the place where he just went along with the crowd because it was easier than standing up for what was right.  We shall see the results in this lesson of such a lifestyle.

God-

Genesis 19:1-2

In chapter 18:2 three men approached Abraham, now two of them came to Lot in the form of angels.  Their mission had changed to one of verifying what was taking place in Sodom and so they now appeared as angels. 

They found Lot sitting in the gate of the city.  The gate of the city was the place where all the activity of governing would occur.   His presence there meant that he had become part of the leadership of the city. He had moved from the outskirts to becoming a citizen of the city.

Only Lot recognized them as angelic beings. He bowed down to them and invited them into his home for the night.  Lot had moved from dwelling in a tent to living in a house in the city.  He made an effort to show hospitality to the two men just as Abraham had done.  The difference between the two events was the reluctance of the two men to stay with Lot.  They did not wish to partake of the hospitality of one living among the wickedness found in Sodom.

1. Why did the men now appear in Sodom as angels rather than men?
2. Why did only Lot recognize them as such?
3. What did the presence of Lot in the gate indicate about him?
4. Why did the angels not want to accept the hospitality of Lot?

Genesis 19:3

Finally after much urging from Lot they went to his home.  Unlike the effort made by Abraham the meal was pretty plain as indicated by the fact that they were given unleavened bread.  Lot did not put forth a lot of effort to entertain the angels.

1. Why did it take a great deal of urging for the angels to go with Lot?
2. Why would Lot continue to urge them to stay with him?
3. What does the meal show about his attitude towards his guest?

Genesis 19:4-5

As the angels prepared to spend the night, the citizens old and young gathered at the door of Lot’s house.  Their expressed purpose was to have sexual relations with the angels.  The fact that the men were of every age group and every part of the city, showed how pervasive the homosexual lifestyle was among the citizens. 

1. What does the demands of the men show about the condition of the hearts of the men of Sodom?
2. Why did the writer mention the fact that both old and young were there?
3. In what ways did the actions of the citizens show the urgency of Lot’s request that the angels spend the night at his home?
4. What did he know about the people?
5. Why did he continue to live among them if this was the normal behavior of the men of    Sodom?
6. What other things might have be done by the citizenry?  See Ezekiel 16:49-50)

Genesis 19:6-7

Lot, trying to be a good host, tried to dissuade the men from performing such abominable behavior.  At least he still recognized what they were about to do as a wicked act.  Notice, however, he even called them brethren in his efforts.  He had now become such a part of the city that he saw the men almost as kinsmen.  How far he had fallen.

1. Why did try to protect his guests?
2. What tactics did he use?
3. What does it mean for him to call the men brethren?
4. What was the one redeeming aspect of all Lot said?

Genesis 19:8

After trying to reason with the men, he then reached a new low.  He offered to sacrifice his two virgin daughters to those godless men in order that he might protect his guests.  He was more concerned about losing face than he was in protecting his own daughters.

1. Why was he willing to give his daughters to the men who would surely have abused them in unimaginable ways?
2. What does it say about Lot that he was willing to give his daughters to those men?
3. What could he have expected would be the end results?
4. What were the possible consequences of his relationship with the daughters after this incident?

Genesis 19:9

The situation became dangerous for Lot.  Not only did the men not listen to him, but became very hostile. Here the men who he thought were his friends now accused him of being an alien and trying to become their judge.  Their answer to his pleads were to do to him what they had planned to do to the angels.

1. How did the situation become dangerous for Lot?
2. How did their answer reflect how they felt about Lot?
3. What were the two accusations made against him?
4. At what point would Lot have understood that he was not going to get the men to listen to him?
5. What happens when a mob mentality takes over a group?

Genesis 19:10-11

Lot was saved by the actions of the two angels.  As the men of the city pressed in around Lot with the intention of breaking down the door to get to the two men inside, the angels reached out and pulled him into the house. They then caused a blindness to fall upon all of the men, young and old.  With no one to lead them in their blindness, they tired themselves out looking for the door. Those men who were seemingly in control and about to bring bodily harm to Lot and the angels were now reduced to helpless blind creatures.

1. How did the two men save Lot’s life?
2. What was the purpose of the men to become blind?
3. What their actions indicate to the men of the city?
4. Why go to all of the trouble to save Lot who had gotten himself into the dangerous situation?
5. How does this relate to what God does for us at times?

Genesis 19:12-14

The behavior of the men was all the evidence that the angels needed for God to destroy Sodom. What they had heard was true.  The city was indeed full of iniquity.  Although homosexuality was rampant in the city there were other reasons that the city was about to be judged.  Ezekiel wrote of the citizens,

          Behold this was the guilt of your sister Sodom; she and her daughters had arrogance,           abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. (Ezekiel 16:49-50)

Lot was given the opportunity to save his family, including the men who were betrothed to his daughters before God rained down judgment on the city.  When he went to his son-in-laws they did not believe him and thought him to be joking with them. Having failed he returned home. 

1. What was Lot’s response to the news that the city where he was living was about to be destroyed?
2. Why would God give the ungodly son-in-laws the opportunity to be saved from the destruction to come?
3. What evidence did the angels have of the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrah that would justify the destruction of those cities?

Genesis 19:15-16

As the dawn broke over Sodom the last opportunity for the city to repent was gone.  The angels now commanded Lot to take his family and leave unless he wanted to be swept away in the destruction that was to come.  For some reason Lot hesitated and had to be forcefully removed by the angels and carried outside the city.  One may surmise that Lot had become so closely identified with the city or that he did not believe, like the son-in-laws, that God would actually punish it for its sins he could not bring himself to leave.  The only reason given for the salvation of Lot and his family was that the “compassion of Lord was upon him.” 

1. How do we know that opportunity for Sodom to repent was gone?
2. Who were the only people who were going to be saved from the punishment to come?
3. Why was Lot allowed to live?
4. Why did Lot hesitate about leaving Sodom?

Genesis 19:17

Once the angels had brought Lot and his family out from the city, they gave him several commands which were for his benefit.  They were

• Escape for your life
• Do not look behind you. To look behind was to say that Lot’s heart was still in Sodom.
• Do not stay in the valley.  Moving into the valley was the beginning of Lot’s downfall.
• Flee to the mountains

If the instructions were not followed completely then Lot could be expected to be destroyed along with all the others in the city.

1. Why did the angels give such explicit commands?
2. Why were they only to look forward towards their destination and not behind them?
3. What was the importance of leaving the valley and going into the mountains?
4. What are the kind of things we try to hold onto even though we know to do so does not please God.

Genesis 19:18-22

It is an amazing thing that Lot tried to bargain with the angels.  Notice he first tried to flatter them before making his request.  Surely he could have not believed that to go to the mountains would be the end of him.  More likely he had become so use to the conveniences of city life that the thought of facing a difficult situation was not wanted he wanted to do.  Fortunately, for him God indeed had compassion and allowed him to do as he had requested.  Lot’s new temporary home would be the city of Zoar.  God wanted to make sure that Lot was completely out of harm’s way before destroying the cities of the valley, Sodom and Gomorrah.  Because of Lot the city of Zoar was to be spared.

1. How often have you tried to bargain with God to be able to do something you have wanted to do even though you soon discovered it was not in your best interest?
2. Why would Lot think that problems would follow after him, if he went into the mountains?
3. What may have been the underlying reason for his reluctance? 
4. Why did God allow him to go to Zoar?
5. Why was Zoar spared the wrath of God?

Genesis 19:23-25

Once, Lot was safely in Zoar, God brought about the promised judgment on all of the cities of the valley.  Fire and brimstone rained down on all of the inhabitants, completely destroying all who lived in that area.

1. When did the punishment fall of all the cities of the valley?
2. Why did God use such extremes means to destroy the people of those cities?

Genesis 19:26

Lot’s wife made one fatal mistake.  She disobeyed the command of God and looked back from Zoar towards Sodom and was instantly turned into a pillar of Salt.

1. What was the wife’s fatal mistake?
2. What might be some of the reasons she looked back toward Sodom?
3. Why would she have forgotten God’s command so quickly?
4. Why was she turned into a pillar of salt?
5. How many times have you looked back to the things in your past when God has forgiven you of them and told you only to look forward towards a new tomorrow?

Genesis 19:27-28

Abraham went to the spot where he had conversed with God and looked down towards Sodom. Seeing the fire from a distance, he may have wondered whether Lot had been saved from the inferno. Because there were less than ten righteous men in the whole city and thus the destruction from God’s hand, had Lot survived?

1. Why did Abraham return to the spot of his conversation with the Lord?
2. What may have been the thoughts going through his head?
3. What did he know for sure because judgment had come to Sodom”
4. What was his hope for Lot?

Genesis 19:29

Here is found the real reason that God’s saved Lot.  It was not because of any righteousness found in Lot.  He had proven himself unworthy of God’s mercy.  God remembered His covenant relationship with Abraham.  Even more than that, He loved Abraham because he was a man of faith who truly relied of God.

1. What did Lot do to deserve the mercy of God?
2. In what ways had he proven him unworthy to be saved?
3. Why did God allow him to escape the judgment that came upon Sodom?
4. What does it mean that God remembered Abraham and because of that one fact saved Lot?
5. Why are we to continue to make intercession for those we know are without Christ in their lives?

 Genesis 19:30

Lot left the city that he thought would be his refuge.  He and his daughters went up from Zoar into the mountains because he was afraid.  The writer does not give the reason for his fear but there may be at least a couple of reasons.

• Seeing his wife turned into salt may have indicated that he no longer felt safe in Zoar.
• The citizens knowing that he had come from Sodom may not have welcomed him with open arms out of fear for their own safety.

The man whose wealth once paralleled that of Abraham was now broke, afraid and homeless.  He and his daughters took up residence in a cave.  His bad decisions had brought him to this position in life.  Sadly, his troubles were not going to end with his relocation.

1. Why did Lot go into the mountains after being so adamant about going to Zoar?
2. What were his fears that kept him from staying in the city?
3. What led to Lot winding up living in a cave in the mountains?
4. What brought him down?

Genesis 19:31-38

The daughters of Lot decided that their chance of ever getting married and having children was gone.  To keep the families name alive they decided to get their father drunk and then to have sexual relations with him.  The oldest lay with her father the first night and the youngest went in to him the second night. Both women became pregnant by their father.  Each gave birth to a son.  One was named Moab, the father of the Moabites.  The other was named Ben-ammi, who became the father of the Ammonites.

1. What brought the daughters to the decision they would never find a husband?
2. How did they take matters into their own hands?
3. In what way was it the final disgrace for Lot?

You-

• From the lessons we have learned from the life of Lot determine to pray before making important decisions.
• Do not put yourself in a position where you have to compromise your beliefs.
• Do not try to hold on to those things that may separate you from God.
• Intercede for those who are either lost or have drifted from God.  See James 5:19-20

We-

The evangelist D.L Moody would not authorize a biography to be written about him during his lifetime. His fear was that he might do something at the end of his life that might destroy all the work he had done in his many years of serving the Lord. Each of us should be aware that without constant vigilance we may find ourselves in the same position. We can either be like an Abraham who remained faithful all of his life or Lot who began well but ended up destitute.  The last record we have of this pitiful man is committing incest with his daughters. 

How do we remain faithful?  God has a plan for us.  It is found in Psalm 1.

• Do not walk among the ungodly.
• Delight in the Word of God.
• Meditate on His Word day and night.

In Joshua God also gives him the pattern for being successful in his endeavors.

• Be strong and courageous.
• Do everything according to the Word of God.
• Make the Word a part of every waking moment of your life
• Meditate on His Word day and night

(Joshua 1:6, 8-9)

Finally Psalm 119 tells us how a young man shall live in purity. He is to:

• To keep it according to God’s word.
• Seek God with all of his heart.
• Never wander from God’s commandments.
• Memorize God’s word
• Be teachable.
• Psalm 119:9-12

If we are willing to follow these directions straight from God’s Word we will show that we belong to Him.  We will be like the men and women of faith as found in Hebrews 11.  It is a decision that each of us must make. 

Additional Notes-

WM-Rather than being a force for good Lot had become assimilated into the society of Sodom and was in a position of leadership. (Gen. 19:1)

WM-One of the evils that was part of the culture of Sodom and evidently of Gomorrah was homosexuality.  A society that has thrown off the basic sexual restraints is a godless place where wickedness prevails. What direction is the U. S. taking in this problem?    (Gen. 19:4-5, 7)

DM-It was the decision of Lot to move to Sodom which set in motion the events that would be devastating to his family.

1. Compromise with a pagan society (19:7)
2. Death of his wife (Gen. 19:26)
3. Incest with his two daughters which produced who were the father two nations, Moab and Ammon who eventually became enemies of Israel. (Gen. 19:31-38)   (Gen. 19; Luke 17:32)

C-Evidently by the time God was going to bring judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot no longer had herds and flocks.  With his move to Sodom he was not living a nomadic life as a shepherd. (Gen. 19:1)

RT-The older men of Sodom had a bad influence on the younger men.  They all, young and old, came to take part in the perverse, immoral activity. (Gen 19:4-5)

M-The people of Sodom exemplifies a society driven by the unnatural lusted associated with homosexuality and other displays of immorality which flow out from a heart filled with wickedness. (Gen. 19:4-5, 7)

 RT-By calling the Sodomites his brothers shows that Lot had developed a close relationship with the people of that city.  It appears that he had become a leader among them. (Gen 19:7)

WM-Lot lacked respect for his daughters.  He would was willing for them to be raped by the immoral men outside of his home. (Gen. 19:6-8)

WM-The men of Sodom were beyond being helped by God because of the total depravity found in their city. (Gen. 19:9)

UE-God concerned Himself with one man and his family who had chosen to live in such a corrupt place like Sodom.  We would more likely have said that he should not have been living there in the first place.  The expectation was that he would probably have been influence by those around him.  God however shows He does care about the righteous man no matter the circumstances in which he finds himself.                         (Gen. 19:12-16, 29)

RT-When we compromise our lifestyle and become like the world around us as Lot had done, then the word of the Lord will sound like a joke coming from our lips.  (Gen 19:14)

RT-Godless men do not believe that God will bring judgment on them.  This is the reason they live the way they want. (Gen. 19:14)

C-Lot lost everything when Sodom was destroyed except his two daughters.  His wife had been changed into a pillar of salt when she turned to look at the city once more to see what was happening.  This would seem to indicate that she still had a longing to be in this decadent city and wanted to turn back even when she was commanded to only look in the direction that she was heading. (Gen. 19:15-26)

RT-Early in Genesis we have a clear picture of mercy.  Lot with each of his one of his decisions, carrying him further and further away from God certainly did not deserve the compassion shown to him and his family.  For the sake of Abram, God saved Lot.    (Gen. 19:16)

GC-The specific command to Lot and his family was to turn their back on sin and not to look back so that it can longer hold you as its slave and face death.                                Gen. 19:17, 26; Rom. 6:12-14; 1 Peter 4:2-3)

WM-Evidently Lot’s wife did not believe that God would also destroy her if she looked back on Sodom.  Whatever caused her to turn around ended with her becoming a pillar of salt.  We can only surmise her death came as a result of not letting go of all that Sodom had offered her. Looking at what has just been said, what did a place like Sodom would be so enticing that one was willing to die for it?  What is worth your own life?          (Gen. 19:17, 26)

WM-The fear of what man might do to him was greater than the fear of the Lord as Lot tried to negotiate with God. (Gen. 19:19-23)

GC-When the situation in which you find yourself gives every indication that God is not to be found in it and the realization that it is not going to change, you need to totally separate yourself.  God saw that Sodom was not going to alter its behavior and must be destroyed.  To keep His word to Abraham not to destroy the righteous with the wicked, He provided a means of escape for Lot and his family. (Gen. 19:22)

M-Lot’s wife is an example of those who try to hold on to the past with all of its sin and refuse to move forward in obedience to God.  They will not accept the grace that God has extended to them. If I may do a little play on words, they become crystallized in their thinking and life. (Gen. 19:26)

RT-There were not ten righteous men to be found in Sodom and Gomorrah, including the men to whom Lot’s daughters had been promised in marriage.  Therefore those cities came under God’s judgment and were destroyed. Since they could not be saved, God brought Lot safely out of the catastrophe because of His special relationship with Abraham not because of any goodness found in Lot. (Gen 19:29)

C-Lot went from being a rich man with many possessions to living in a wicked city to becoming a cave dweller. (Gen. 19:30)

M-Fear drives people to take certain actions.  In the case of Lot it drove him to the mountains.  He found that he could not even stay in the city of Zoar the place where he sought a refuge after the destruction of Sodom.  His daughters fearing the absence of children committed incest with their father.  The results of those decisions were to have long-lasting consequences as the two nations born out these sinful unions would eventually become the enemies of Israel. (Gen. 19:30-38)

WM-The daughters of Lot certainly did not leave behind the immoral behavior they had witnessed in Sodom but committed incest with Lot to have children.  Their offspring became enemies of Israel. (Gen. 19:31-38)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 14

Sign of the Covenant

Genesis 17-18

Me-

Sadly, one of the easiest things that I do as a follower of Christ is to be inconsistent in my prayer life.  When my life is in crisis mode I call out to God fervently for answers to get me out of the situation.  I know He hears those pleas because there have been times that I can see that He has intervened in my life and brought resolution.  So why is it when things are going smoothly I have a tendency to let prayer no longer be a priority?  It should be obvious that God is no less interested in me when things are going well than when my world is falling apart.  I find that prayer must become intentional act otherwise I could go for days without doing it. It is almost like in my actions I become self-sufficient and in way telling God that I can handle my life without Him being involved on a daily basis.

We-

Churches can develop the same mindset of self-sufficiency.  When attendance is good and the offering is adequate we have a tendency to depend on what we can accomplish on our own.  The devil likes nothing better than to lull us into a sense of complacency.  We go merrily along developing programs and strategies without regard to the fact that they may be contrary to God’s purpose for the church. 

Only when things begin to come unglued do we call out to God to fix the situation.  Even then we might still ignore Him and try to work out the answer all by ourselves.  When we do that the problem will only get worse and worse.  It is God’s church and without His constant care and oversight we can never fulfill the purpose for which He has established a particular body.  Let us not go one moment in the life of the church without be intentionally focused on Him and His desires for the body.

God 17:1

For thirteen years God was silent. During that time Abram may not have felt he needed the close relationship that he had before.  He had everything that God had promised except the land.  The land would not be his and his descendents for over four hundred years, but an heir had been born to him. 

After that period of time God once again spoke to Abram.  He was called to a standard of holiness.  The word blameless, indicated that Abram was to be complete, perfect, mature and a man of integrity in his relationship with God.

1. Why did Abram not hear from God for thirteen years?
2. What are some reasons that we sometimes do not call on God?
3. What does it mean to be called to walk a blamelessly?

Genesis 17:2–8

Part of the covenant God previously was once again shared with Abram.  He promised to multiply Abram’s descendents.  In response Abram fell down on his face in worship.  God continued on with his words to him.  He once again confirmed the covenant by changing Abram’s name, exalted father, to Abraham, father of a multitude. The covenant was to be an everlasting one that would continue down through all generations following Abraham.  Then God returned to the promise that the land of Canaan would be given to his descendents

1. What part of the covenant was a confirmation of what God had promised previously?
2. What does the change in his name indicate about Abram?
3. Why does God repeat the covenant so many times in different ways?

Genesis 17:9-14

God established the ritual of circumcision as a sign of the covenant that He had with Abraham and his descendents.  Everyone associated with Abraham and his descendents were to be circumcised.  Every male child whether born into the family, slave, alien or sojourner who lived among the Jewish, people would be required to be circumcised.  Notice this act does not tell us the state of a man’s heart, but only that he was a descendent of Abraham.

1. What was the significance of the ritual of circumcision?
2. Who was to be included in those required to be circumcised?
3. What does this not say about the heart?

Genesis 17:15-17

Then came what had to be a shock to Abraham.  He was going to have a child by Sarai.  With this word God also changed the name of Sarai, my princess, to Sarah, a princess. She was to be “the mother of many nations.”  Abraham responded by laughing.  There may have been two reasons for the laughter.  It may have been because he could not believe his ears.  It may also have come from a heart full of joy that Sarah’s shame would be removed by giving birth to a son.

1. Why would Abraham have been shocked by the news that Sarah would have a son?
2. What did his laughter indicate about how he felt when he heard the news?
3. Why might his response be one of joy?

Genesis 17:18-21

Abraham loved Ishmael and did not want him to come up short in what God was promising.  It also showed that Abraham was still not sure about the promise of a son through Sarah.  In his mind the blessing would still be realized through Ishmael. 

God responded immediately by promising certain things but at the same time emphasizing that the covenant would be established through Isaac the son of Sarah. The future of Ishmael as God promised that he:

• Blessed
•  Be fruitful and multiply
• Would be father of twelve princes
• Be made into a great nation.

What God did not promise was the land or the covenant to be had by Ishmael.

1. Why did Abraham want God to take notice of Ishmael?
2. What did this say about his understanding of a child being born to Sarah?
3. What was not included in the promise of Ishmael’s future?
4. What did this indicate to Abraham?

Genesis 17:22

God’s conversation was finished with Abraham.  He had nothing else to say at this point?

1. Why did God end His words at that point?
2. What else could Abraham have expected to be said?
3. What was Abraham to do at that point?

Genesis 17:23-27

Abraham followed through on God’s command to begin the ritual of circumcision.  Not only was Ishmael circumcised but Abraham and all those who were member of his household.

1. What does this act show about Abraham?
2. What indication do we have that Ishmael ever had a relationship with God?
3. Why does cutting of the flesh have nothing to do with what takes place in the heart? See Jeremiah 31-34; Romans 4:9-12

18:1-8

Here is an example of what is referred to as a “Theophany.”  A Theophany is a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ in the Old Testament.  The Lord and two others appeared in the place where Abraham was staying in Mamre.  There were two purposes for the appearances:

• To reaffirm the promise of the coming of Isaac. This time not only did Abraham hear but Sarah heard for the first time the news.

Abraham treated the men with the kind of hospitality that was the norm in the Middle East.  He provided water for washing and food and drink for refreshing. Hospitality to strangers was important in those days because there was no such thing as hotels or restaurants where a weary traveler could rest.

1. What is a Theophany?
2. Why did they appear at this particular time?
3. What does the treatment of these men say about Abraham?
4. Why was hospitality so important during that time period?
5. In what way does this show us how we are to treat strangers? See Hebrew 13:2

Genesis 18:9-11

It is obvious that when the Lord asked about the whereabouts of Sarah that what He was about to say was for her ears also.  He was promising a son through Sarah to be born the following year. Although Abraham probably did not know it, Sarah was just inside the tent listening to all that was taking place.  Her natural reaction upon hearing the word was to laugh in disbelief.  She knew that she was too old to have a child. The Lord wanted to know why she laughed.  He seemed to imply that she should have known that nothing was impossible with God. The promise was then repeated.  Sarah, possibly, embarrassed because she had been caught listening, denied having laughed.  She was not about to get away with a lie because the Lord stated emphatically that she had indeed laughed. With that statement He ended  and ended the conversation with Sarah.

1. What indicates that the Lord had a message for Sarah as well as Abraham?
2. What was the promise?
3. Why did Sarah respond as she did?
4. What incident has occurred to you that you never thought could not take place?
5. What was your response?
6. Why did the Lord repeat the promise?
7. Why did He ask the question? “Is anything to difficult for the Lord?”
8.  Why did He reprimand Sarah?

Genesis 18:16-18

The men were about to depart and continue their journey to Sodom. They were headed there to check out the city.  As they were proceeding, Abraham was walking along with them.  It was at that point that the Lord decided to let Abraham in on what was about to occur.  His decision was based on several factors:

• Abraham was to become a great and mighty nation.
• In him all nations would be blessed.
• He was chosen by God.
• He would lead his family to walk in righteousness and do to justice.

All these things would be the fulfillment of all that God had promised to him.

1. What does the decision of the Lord to tell Abraham what was about to occur say about the man.
2. What were some of the factors that led to that decision?
3. What are the qualities seen in Abraham that should be present in fathers today?
4. Why are they so important?

Genesis 18:20-21

The things that the Lord decided to share with Abraham had to do with the conditions that existed in Sodom.  Although not said, He may have shared with Abraham because Lot was living in Sodom.  If judgment was to be brought against that city, He wanted to let Abraham know it was not done indiscriminately but only based on evidence gathered by this trip.  Once He determined if what He had heard was true then the Lord would know what needed to be done.

1. What was the important message that the Lord was about to share with Abraham?
2. Why did He tell Abraham the reason for the trip down to Sodom?
3. What does it say about how God brings about justice and judgment on a people?
4. In what way does God’s Word give us confidence that these actions are never capricious?

Genesis 18:22-33

As the two other men turned to leave, Abraham stood before the Lord.  Because of what he had heard, he sought some clarification of what God intended to do.  Abraham wanted to know the deciding factor that determined whether God would bring judgment on Sodom. Beginning with fifty people and working down to ten he had a sense of the length to which God would go to save a city.  This conversation showed the patience of God as He allowed Abraham to get it clear in his mind how far God would go.  Once the negotiations had ended and Abraham had received his answer, God departed.

1. Why did God allow Abraham to question Him as he did?
2. What does it show about the patience of God?
3. What does it show about His compassion?
4. How does His answers to Abraham line up with what is written in Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11;  and 2 Peter 3:9

You-

• Consider times when you thought you did not need God’s help in a particular situation.  What did you really discover about yourself?
• Think about the times that you depended on God’s help.  What were the results of your cooperation with God?
• Pray that you will have the same compassion that God exhibits to all people.                See 2 Peter 3:9
• Consider the sign of the cross as the sealing of God’s covenant with His children.

We-

We as church should always seek God’s direction in all that we do.  There should never be a time when we wonder if God is present in our midst. Abraham and his descendents were given circumcision as a constant reminder of the covenant that God had made with them as the chosen people.  We have the Holy Spirit working in our midst as the sign that we are now part of God’s chosen people through His Son.  If we continue to seek Him, He has promised never to leave us.  It is imperative that whenever we gather as His people that we call upon Him for guidance.

Additional Notes:

M-Man has always had the opportunity open before him to “walk before Me (God) and be blameless.  It is to that man the blessings of God will come.  Abram’s response was to fall on his face in awe and reverence before Him. (Gen. 17:1-3)

C-God once again called for Abram to examine his life.  He was called to walk blameless before God.  This would confirm the covenant God had made with him.  As a result his name was changed to Abraham, which means father of a multitude.  This was not only described him but what God intended to do through him. (Gen. 17:1-8)

E. God appeared to Abram and gave him certain instructions and promises.  He even changed his name at that time.  He restated the command for Abram to walk blameless before Him.  The covenant given was conditional, based on Abram’s willingness to obey God.  He was going to establish His covenant with Abram and multiply his descendents on the face of the earth.  When Abram fell on his face in worship, God affirmed His covenant relationship with Abram and changed his name to Abraham.

To reinforced what God had said He repeated that the land would be given to Abraham’s descendents.  Abraham was to keep God’s covenant.  The sign of this relationship was that all of Abraham’s descendents would be circumcised.  This included those who were living in the midst of his people. (Gen. 17:1-13)

GC-To walk with God and be blameless is the criteria He commands in order to receive the benefits of His covenant that he has made with us as our God. This life is to be one that does not bring blame and shame to yourself of God.                                             (Gen. 17:1-2, 8; 5:22, 24; 6:9)

UE-God entered into an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendents.  There were two parts to the covenant:

1. God would multiply the descendents to the extent that they would become a great nation.
2. They would be given the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.             (Gen. 17:2, 7-8, 13)

GC-As Abram received the news of the covenant that God was making with him, he fell on his face with humility that the God who created the universe had such regard for mere man. (Gen. 17:3)

M-The covenant relationship between God and man is attended by pain and calls for complete commitment.  For Abraham it was circumcision, for us it is the anguish brought about by the acknowledgement of our sin and the cost of it to God.  For Him it was the pain of seeing His own perfect Son die on the cross.  The circumcision of the flesh and rending of our hearts are only signs of the new relationship with God and a life to be lived in and for Him. (Gen. 17:9-10)

GC-The sign of the covenant that God made with Abram was circumcision. It was to signify both Abram’s faith in God and God’s faithfulness to Abram.  In reality it was more than a physical sign but of God’s ownership of the heart.                                    (Gen. 17:9-14, 22-26; Lev. 12:3; Ps. 25:10; 78:10, 37; Rom. 4:11)

RT-It was at this point in his life that God changed his name from Abram to Abraham to reflect the promise that he would the father of a great nation. (Gen. 17:5)

C-Sarai also had her name to Sarah, meaning princess.  She was to be the “mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” (Gen. 17:15)

UE-It was inconceivable that man of 100 years old would become a father.  Even more impossible was for a woman of 90 to give birth to a child.  God however is not limited by human mortality and frailty nor do years on a calendar mean anything to Him.  What He determines will happen will surely occur.  Therefore, Sarah was going to have a son even though neither Abraham nor Sarah believed at first it could happen.                           (Gen. 17:15-22; 18:10-15)

 M-It is our lack of faith in what God can do that causes to question His power and authority to even alter what to us seems impossible. (Gen. 17:16-17)

WM-Abraham’s response to the promise of God of a son through Sarah showed a lack of faith that God can accomplish what man considers impossible. (Gen. 17:16-19, 21)

UE-That God would bless a people who in the future would become avowed enemies whose goal in life would be to destroy God’s chosen people. (Gen. 17:18-20; 21:13, 18)

M-To know that God hears us gives to us a real sense of purpose. (Gen. 17:20)

E-The Lord appeared to Abraham at Mamre.  He had some words for him. Some those were bad news and some were good.  The good news was the promise of a son through Sarah.  Sarah’s response, as one might expect, upon hearing the incredulous words of the Lord was to laugh.  How could a woman, who would ninety years old by the time the child would be born have a child?  The Lord repeated the promise giving it validation.  Then as the other two men started off to Sodom the Lord made a decision to share with Abraham the possible fate of that city.  He determined to speak with Abraham about the matter because of the special relationship He had with him.  The Lord said several things:

1. “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do.”
2. “Abraham will become a mighty nation through whom all people will be blessed.”
3. God has chosen him
4. “He will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice.”
5. The Lord would bring on him all that He had spoken about him.

After the Lord settled this issue He told Abraham what He was going to do in Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness.  Here we begin to see the compassion of Abraham as he interceded for the people of those two cities.  As he pleaded he was given the assurance from the Lord that they would not be destroyed if as few as ten righteous people could be found in them. (Gen. 18:1, 10-33)

GC-We too can approach the Father and make intercession when we have judged righteous through our faith and have been obedient to Him. (Gen. 18:23-33)

BL-What would you do if three angels showed up at your front door.  Abraham entertained them at his camp.  One of the angels is thought to have been the pre-incarnate Christ (known as a “Theophany”) because He appeared in a recognizable form but spoke to Abraham as the Lord. The angels told Abraham that Sarah would have a son.  Then two of them headed towards Sodom, while the Lord stayed behind to reveal to Abraham what He is about to do.  Abraham remained “standing before the Lord” (v. 22), meaning he interceded for “stood in the gap” for the righteous inhabitants of Sodom.  After some discussion, the Lord agreed to spare Sodom if He could find ten righteous people in it.

BL-In chapter 19, the two other angels arrived in Sodom, where they met Lot sitting in the gate.  Lot insisted that they spend the night in his home because he knew how wicked the inhabitants of his town had become. (Notice he had moved from Abraham’s territory to a location near Sodom (13:12) to a home within the city.) The men of Sodom came to Lot’s house and demanded that he send the visitors out so they could have sexual relations with them, revealing just how wicked this city had become.  Lot argued with them until the angels pulled him back inside and blinded the men outside the door.  Then they told Lot to warn his family to flee because God was about to destroy the city. Lot warned his future sons-in-law, but they only laughed, thinking he was joking. (Evidently, Lot was not as highly regarded for his righteousness as he had hoped! How often do we congratulate ourselves on our own righteousness because we have compared ourselves to the standards of others, rather than the standards of God?) Even Lot hesitated before leaving in v. l6.  He foolishly tested God by assuming his home and life would be spared.  Finally, Lot, his wife, and two of his daughters fled, but Lot begged the angels to let him go to a nearby town, claiming that the mountains were too far for him to reach.  The angels agreed, and Lot and his daughters escaped.  Lot’s wife however looked back and was changed to a pillar of salt, which indicated that she was too fond of her old life to leave it behind.  Lot and his daughters eventually headed to the mountains.  There, his daughters got Lot drunk and had sexual relationship with him because they are afraid that they would never find anyone else to carry on the family line.  From these pregnancies came the Ammonite and Moabite people, who proved to be thorns in the sides of the Israelites for centuries. 

We must remember how easy it is to become insensitive to the sin around us.  As followers of Christ we need to “stand in the gap” and uphold the standards of God.  Lot tried to straddle the fence between God’s way and the world’s way, but his utopia became a disaster–not only for himself, but for his wife, his daughters, and their descendants.  We can’t have it both ways. In what areas do you and I need to realign our values with those of God? (Gen. 18) 

M-Because of Abraham’s relation with the Lord part of his nature was to be hospitable to strangers. (Gen. 18:2-3)

WM-Like her husband, Sarah did not believe God would give her a son.  She lied so she would not offend her guest in the things they had spoken. (Gen. 18:9-15)

GC-Both Abraham and Sarah had a difficult time believing that two old people could have a son.  They learned that man must never put limits on God.  All things are possible with Him. (Gen. 18:14)

UE-God conversed openly with the man Abraham.  He even allow him to negotiate with Him concerning the fate of Sodom. (Gen. 18:16-33)

TM-Evil will ultimately face judgment.  Abraham was to teach his household to “Keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice.”  It was therefore important how God views evil.  (Gen. 18:17-19)

GC He was chosen by God and commanded to keep his family within God’s domain by obeying Him and doing righteous.  Only then would God do for Abraham what he desired to do.  It was up to Abraham. (Gen. 18:19)

M-The characteristics with which the Lord described Abraham as one who would command his household “to keep the ways of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, “was born out by Abraham’s conversation with the Lord speaking out for justice for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.  He, unlike many of today, was interested only in fairness not the destruction and oppression of others. (Gen. 18:19, 23-25)

GC-With courage and humility Abraham stood before the Lord and made intercession for the people for Sodom.  We too are to stand before God until we are assured of His answer.  What would have happened if Abraham had stopped with the request to protect fifty people? (Gen. 18:22; Ps. 106:23)

RT-The question that may be asked of people throughout the Scriptures is for what or who do you stand.  For example Abraham stood for the people. (Gen. 18:22)

GC-Wherever God’s people dwell there is His spirit is also, providing opportunity for the unsaved to turn from their sinful ways to become righteous men. The righteous are to be the example to turn hearts to God. (Gen. 18:23; 1 Kings 8:43; Prov. 25:13)

GC-Abraham was concerned that justice be tempered with mercy that the innocent not suffer unjustly. (Gen. 18:23; Prov. 18:5; 31:5, 8-9)

RT-It was important to the Lord that Abraham clearly understood that He does not act arbitrarily or in a capricious way.  (Gen 18:23-32)

GC-As we look at the discourse between God and Abraham, we can be assured that God does listen even when we go to Him time and again. (Gen. 18:25-32)

GC-We must remember our place of unworthiness in relationship to the Father.  It is only because of his grace that we are allowed to make intercession and know that He hears us. In essence that is exactly what Abraham was doing. (Gen. 18:27; 32:10)

GC-We are to pray then wait as we turn the situation over to God to act as He sees fit.  (Gen. 18:33)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 13

Loss of Hope

Genesis 16

Me- David Jeremiah recently wrote a book titled, “I Never Thought I would See the Day.”  In it he spoke about several things that he did not expect to see happen in his lifetime. Some of the subjects concerned the state of the economy, morality and the rise of Islam.

Picking up on that theme I never thought I would see the day when a president of the United States would openly condone homosexuality. It may seem strange to be speaking of this in light of the events in the life of Abram and Sarai. My thought is that it is not strange at all. Looking at God’s Word and having done quite a bit of reading of history, it is obvious that any deviation from God’s standard of one man and one woman married for life, brings about devastating consequences to any society.  One of the factors of the downfall of Rome and other nations was the breakdown of the family structure.

One of the things that is happening as a result of the violation of God’s foundation of the sanctity of marriage is the proliferation of children being born out of wedlock.  Another factor is the increase of children living in single parent homes.  Having come from a broken home I can relate to the suffering that takes place when a husband and wife decide to end a marriage. Contrary to what some may think, there are no winners when this happens. There are psychological and emotional scars, and even that can last for a lifetime.  Our view of God as a loving Father might be skewed as children see the anger and hatred that can grow over things like child custody and division of property.  Even worse children are hurt when one parent just walks away never to be heard from again. Sadly statistics show that these children generally do not have a promising future. Many of them end up in poverty or involved in crime. I do consider myself one of the fortunate ones.  My mother worked very hard to provide for my brother and me and to make sure that we did not get mixed up with the wrong crowds. Through her example both of us finished high school and I went on to college.  I have also been blessed with a wonderful wife and family.  

We are reaping the whirlwind that is spoken about in the Scriptures. No one wins when we disobey God.  I do not think I am stretching what is to be seen in this chapter of Genesis.  Over the next few weeks we will see how decisions about family relationships have impacted the world down to this day and time.

We-

Churches are certainly not exempt from playing a part in what is happening in our nation.  With the rise of liberalism we find that many churches are condoning lifestyles that would have brought horror to those of past generations.  There are even some denominations that have gone so far as to ordain homosexual leaders.  Many of us think nothing of young people living together and even having children before getting married.  All of these things are contrary to the desires of God for His people and will eventually lead to His judgment unless we change direction.  Multiple verses in Scripture reference how sacred God holds marriage. Malachi 2:14-16 and Hebrews 13:4 are just two places that God speaks of marriage.

 God-

Genesis 16:1

Implicit in this verse is almost a sadness and resignation that Sarai was not going to have children. By this time she was in mid-seventies and well beyond child-bearing years.  She knew that for a woman to be unable to provide an heir for her husband was a disgrace.  Both she and Abram could well have started questioning what God was up to at that point.  Moses for the first time mentions Hagar, the Egyptian maid of Sarai, who is going to play a significant role in the life of Abram.

1. What was the writer trying to convey with this verse?
2. Why would Abram and Sarai begin to question God?
3. Why is Sarai’s barrenness mentioned?
4. How would this reflect on the worth of a woman?
5. Why would the name of a maid even be mentioned?

Genesis 16:2-3

Because Sarai could not have children she gave Hagar to Abram as a wife.  She did this hoping that the maid would provide Abram with an heir and thus remove the stigma that came from not having children.  This was an acceptable practice in the pagan world but not acceptable according to God’s plan for marriage. Abram and Sarai did not wait on God but took matters in their own hands.  Abram had given God ten years to fulfill His promise and nothing had happened so the couple moved ahead.  There is no indication that they went to God for an answer to their dilemma.

1. Why did Sarai give Hagar to Abram was a wife?
2. What did she hope to accomplish?
3. How did this violate God’s standard for marriage?
4. In what way was this action a compromise with the ways of the world?
5. How long was long enough for Abram and Sarai to wait for the fulfillment of God’s promise?
6. What one important component did they leave out with their decision?

Genesis 16:4

Their plan was successful or was it?  Hagar soon became pregnant with Abram’s child.  When she discovered that she was expecting she began to despise Sarai. In her mind she was now better than Sarai.  Not only had she become Abram’s wife but now was going to provide him with an heir.  The result was that she now looked down on Sarai as being inferior.

1. From a human prospective how was the plan successful?
2. What were the results of Hagar becoming Abram’s wife?
3. Why did she begin despise and ridicule Sarai?
4. What does this show us about violating God’s plan for marriage?

Genesis 16:5

Sarai’s complaint to Abram indicated that she did not feel too secure in the relationship.  Now the maid was acting more like the wife and the wife like the maid. In her mind all the blame lay with Abram because evidently he was not consoling Sarai in her time of distress. 

1. Why did Sarai go to Abram concerning Hagar?
2. Why might she be feeling somewhat insecure at that moment?
3. If Sarai was right about Abram being responsible for the situation in what ways was she right?
4. What would have been the proper way for Abram to handle the situation?

Genesis 16:6

In essence Abram told Sarai that she was still his wife and Hagar was still the maid.  She was still responsible for the actions of Hagar.  Once this was said, Sarai began to treat the soon to be mother of Abram’s child with some civility but was so harsh with her that Hagar felt it necessary to flee to escape the situation.

1. What did Abram do for Sarai by telling her that Hagar was still her maid?
2. What does it show about Sarai that she began treating Hagar harshly?
3. Was she justified in her actions? Why or why not?
4. How did Hagar handle the difficult time she was having?
5. What would it accomplish?

Genesis 16:7-9

As Hagar fled she was met by an angel.  He asked her two questions:

• Where did you come from?
• Where are you going?

Hagar was only to answer one of them.  She stated that she was running away but could not say where she was going. The angel then commanded her to not only return to her mistress but also to once submit to her as before the time she got pregnant.

1. What was the purpose behind the two questions asked by the angel?   
2. Why did Hagar respond as she did?
3. What would be gained by just running away?
4. Why was it important for her to return to Abram’s home?
5. Why was she commanded to submit to Sarai?
6. In what ways have you tried to run away from something only to be stopped?
7. How difficult was it to return to the place from which you left?

The word of encouragement given to Hagar was in the form of a prophecy concerning the son she was carrying. First she was commanded to name him Ishmael, which means “God hears.” The final words from the angel described the kind of man Ishmael would be.  He said of him:

• He would be like a wild donkey of a man
• His hand will be against everyone
• All men will be against him
• Would live east of his brothers

The description is of the Arab world.  Ishmael was the father of the Arabs.  They have been the sworn enemy of the Israelites to this day.

1. Why was the child to be named Ishmael?
2. What is the importance to us today of the description of Ishmael and his descendants?
3. Knowing what is happening in the world today, what do you think of Abram’s and Sarai’s decision? Why?
4. What have been the consequences of that one decision?

Genesis 16:13-14

The response of Hagar would indicate that only the present meant anything.  All of the talk about what would occur in the future meant little to her.  She was more interested in the fact that God had talked with her and she had survived.  The spring where she carried on the conversation was named “Beer-lahai-roi” which means the well of the living one who sees me.

1. Why did Hagar seem to ignore the prophecies concerning her son to be born?
2. What was the impact of this meeting on Hagar?
3. From what she experienced at the spring why was she willing to return and submit to Sarai?
4. What has been the importance of these prophecies in the history of mankind?
5. How can we relate to them?

Genesis 16:15-16

It is obvious that Hagar obeyed the command of the angel.  She returned and gave birth to a son whom Abram named Ishmael just the angel had stated.  Moses states that Abram was eighty-six at the time of the birth of his son.

1. Why did the writer indicate the age of Abram at the birth of his son?
2. How long had he waited for son after leaving Ur of the Chaldees?

You-

• Write down what you believe about

1. Marriage
2. Divorce
3. Cohabitation
4. Homosexuality

• Consider how your beliefs line up with God’s Word
• Pray about those beliefs
• Pray about any time you may have wavered in your understanding of how God views each of those areas.

We-

God tells us that His Word never changes.  Just because society begins to accept certain positions on Marriage etc. does not make it right.  We as followers of Christ are to never compromise living according to God’s Word.  We must remember that although we can never condone behavior which is in direct opposition to God’s standards we are never to reject the person who is caught up in sinful living. Although we may not be able to do anything else we can pray that God will intervene in the situation and turn individuals from their sinful lifestyles.  Let us continue to love the person as Christ would love them but at the same time hating the sin that has enslaved them as Christ did.

Additional Notes:

BL-In Genesis chapter 16, Abram believed God would make him the father of many descendants, but he allowed Sarai to convince him that they needed to help God out!  Sarai talked Abram into conceiving a child with Hagar, her Egyptian maid (a practice that was not uncommon in those days among Eastern peoples). The plan backfired when Hagar began to despise her mistress.  Sarai mistreated Hagar, who ran away, but God’s angel sought Hagar out and urged her to return to her mistress.  He gave her a promise concerning her son, whom she was to name Ishmael.  Encouraged, Hagar called the Lord “the God who sees me” and returned to Abram’s camp to bear his son. (This is a good example of how God extends His love to all who will believe on Him, not just His “chosen” people of Israel.)

WM- Sadly, Sarai was just as much a part of this scheme as Abram.  When it did not work out according to her plan she became angry and blamed Abram for the situation in which they found themselves.  In a way she was right.  As head of the household he could have shown that he trusted God to give them a son even when it defied the laws of nature.  His words to her should have been a simple, wait on God.  In what ways have we shown that we are just like Abram and Sarai?  When was the last time you refused to wait on God’s timing before making a decision?  What was the result? (Gen. 16:1-2, 5)

WM-Abram lacked the patience to wait for God’s perfect timing in giving him a son.  Instead he took matters into his own hands and Ishmael was born.  This short-sighted decision his brought much grief in his own family and to the world ever since. (Gen. 16:4, 15)

C-Hagar was given to Abram by Sarai as his concubine to bear him a she was barren. This one act not only changed the status of Hagar but set in motion events that still have ramifications down to this present time.  For Ishmael would become the ancestor of the Arab world who are in conflict with God’s chosen people Israel to this day. (Gen. 16:1-4)

GC-Abram had to learn not to run ahead of God, but to wait for His perfect timing.  As he learned and we are still experiencing, the consequences of not waiting can be devastating.     (Gen. 16:1-10; Prov. 14:15-16)

M-Man often seeks to dethrone God by assuming His sovereignty over his own circumstances.  This activity brings with dire consequences. (Gen. 16:2-4)

C-The immediate consequence of this situation came after Hagar conceived.  She began to look down on and despise Sarai.  Her reaction was to complain and then mistreat Hagar until she ran away.  (Gen. 16:4-6)

M-One of the easiest ways to handle difficult situations for the short term is to run from them.  One such incident involved Sarai and Hagar. In it we see that God does not want us to flee from hard times.  His desire is to give us victory in them.  To never confront difficulties makes a person into weaker individual and possibly an emotion cripple. (Gen.16:6-12)

M-One who flees from the difficulties of life usually has no direction or purpose in his life.  They only know what they left behind, not what might lie ahead for them with all of the future may hold for him. (Gen. 16:8)

E-When the Lord came to Hagar as she fled from Sarai, He did not remove her from a difficult situation but sent her back but with a promise.  Why did God have her return? What could be gained by living under such tension?  What guarantee would she have that Abram and Sarai would even let her return?  Back to the promise, she was to have a son and through him there would come many descendents.  He also indicated the kind of man he would be:

1. A donkey of a man
2. At odds with everyone
3. His home would be east of his brothers

With this promise in hand Hagar did return to Abram. (Gen. 16:6-16)

C-An angel encouraged Hagar to return and be submissive to Sarai.  The angel also indicated to her that her son would be the father of great nation and kings would be among his descendents. (Gen. 16:7-14)

C-Abram became the father of Ishmael at the age of 86. (Gen. 16:15)

 

 

 

Lesson 12

Trusting in God’s Promises

Genesis 15

Me-

After the City of Richmond annexed the part of Chesterfield County where we lived and began busing school children from one side of town to another, my wife and I decided to move.  We began working with a realtor and put a contract on a lot in Chesterfield County with anticipation of building a new home.  Very soon there was also a contract put on the home in which we were living.  Then the problems came.  None of the lots in the subdivision would perk and so there was nowhere to build a home.  We were literally at that point between a rock and a hard place.  Our decision was to not move at that time, but we already had a contract on our house.  It was a situation completely out of our hands.  As we prayed about it the realtor went to the couple buying our house and explained the problem.  By the grace of God they were willing to back out of the contract and we were able to keep our home.

Later we did move to Chesterfield.  That however is a different story for another time. What we learned during that time is that no circumstance is bigger than God.  What appeared to be impossible, from a human perspective, worked out to the benefit of all parties.  God was the only One who could have brought about such an ending.

We-

We in the church often get ourselves into a dilemma because we do not spend enough time in prayer and waiting.  From a human perspective we often think that we have the answers for the way the church should act.  What usually happens is division and strife within the body.  God has promised to use His church to impact the world.  Unless we follow His plan the results will be less than what He wanted them to be.  Recently I have seen how decisions that once would have been made in haste are now carrying out with unity.  We have learned to wait on the Lord and make sure that the whole congregation understands and can see the benefit of the decision. 

Abram at times was an example of both camps.  When he waited on the Lord the results turned out for his benefit.  When he decided to take matters into his own hands many suffered.  We should always err on the side of making sure we are carrying out God’s purpose for the church when any issue comes before us.

God-

Genesis 15:1

It was only after the events which occurred at that point in time that God once again speaks to Abram.  Those things to which the writer would have referred would have included:

• The breaking of all ties with Lot. 
• The proclamation by Abram of the sovereignty of God in verse 22 of chapter 14.  In that verse he had “sworn to the Lord God Most High” his intentions not to owe allegiance to any man including the king of Sodom.

God then spoke to him insuring him of His protection which Abram had already experienced and would find reassuring in the future. Abram also received the promise of great reward in the future.

1. Why was it important for Abram to break ties with Lot?
2. What did Abram finally understand about his nephew?
3. Why did Abram’s remarks to the kingdom of Sodom open the door for God to once again make promises to him?
4. In what ways are these same promises available to us?

Genesis 15:2-3

In Abram’s response can be read the heartache of a man who had come to realize that all the possessions in the world would be worthless with having a descendant born to him to whom he could pass it own.  From Abram’s perspective, possibly being too old to father a child through Sarai, one of his servants would be the recipient of all his wealth.”

1. What does Abram’s response show what truly is important to him?
2. What statement made by him indicated that he had possibly lost hope in having a child?
3. What kind of opportunity did this open for God to show his faithfulness to Abram?

Genesis 15:4-5

The answer to the last question shows that God was still working in the life of Abram.  He was not only going to be the father to a son but his descendants would be so many that they could not be numbered. God was telling Abram to think beyond anything that he could imagine. Nothing was impossible for God to accomplish.

1. What was the answer to Abram’s question about having a child of his own?
2. Why did God give an answer that extended beyond just the one son?
3. What does this say about God?

Genesis 15:6

God’s declaration to Abram was the turning point for mankind.  Because of the belief of one man that God is trustworthy to carry out all that He has promised, Abram and all of his descendants who have that same faith are viewed as being in right standing with God.  Paul refers to this incident in his discussion of the Law versus Grace in Romans 3 and Galatians 3:6.  This one act of faith was declared as the door into a relationship with the Father.

1. Why was this one verse so important in the life of Abram?
2. What does it mean for us today?
3. Why was Paul able to use this verse in his discussions with the followers of Christ at Rome and in Galatia?
4. How does this verse diminish any claim of finding salvation through works?

Genesis 15:7-11

Once again God restated the promise to Abram that all the land would one day be possessed by his family. Abram asked God to validate his promise. God used a ritual that was part of that culture in ratifying a contract.  Abram would recognize the physical sign that he being asked to perform.  He did as God commanded and prepared the heifer, goat, ram, turtledove and young pigeon in the prescribed manner. To protect the sacrifice Abraham had to chase away the birds.  Often the image of birds connotes those who ravage the kingdom. 

1. Why did God have Abram prepare the animals as a confirmation of His promise?
2. Why did God not just tell Abram what He was going to do?
3. What affect did this have on the relationship between God and Abram that we read about in verse 6?

Genesis 15:12-16

Abraham falls asleep when the sun went down. The extreme darkness was a perfect setting for the words that God was about to bring to him.  Even though the descendants would eventually inherit the land that Abram had seen when God told him to look around, there was going to be a period of four hundred years when the Israelites would live in the land of Egypt.  After the four hundred years Egypt would be judged for the treatment of them.  The reason given for the delay was the fact that “iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”  When the time was fulfilled the Israelites would return after four generations each lasting one hundred years.

1. Why did God come to Abram after a deep sleep came on him?
2. Why was it necessary for the Israelites to spend time in Egypt?
3. What were the two purposes for the four hundred years?
4. How would you respond to such a vision?

Genesis 15:17-19

Into the darkness came the light of God in the form of a flaming torch.  God ratified the covenant made with Abram. Once again He spelled out the content of the agreement by telling Abram the extent of the land grant.  It extended well beyond present day Israel to include all the land from the Euphrates to the Nile River encompassing some three hundred thousand square miles of territory. He even told Abram the names of the people who would be conquered and were inhabiting the land when the Israelites returned from Egypt.

1. How did God ratify or seal the covenant with Abram?
2. What did the torch represent?
3. What was the territory that would be given to Abram’s descendants?
4. What part of that territory does the nation of Israel possess today?
5. What does it mean for the future of Israel?
6. Why must the nation not give up any of the land on which they now live?
7. What were the two things promised to Abram in this chapter?
8. Which of the two held more importance for Abram? Why?

You-

• Think about some of the things you have requested from God.  In what ways do you believe he has answered them?
• Ask yourself, is your view of God too small when asking Him to do a work on your behalf?
• Think about something you dared not ask God because you were afraid that He might actually answer you.  Then what would you do?

We-

All too often we limit ourselves in the church by thinking too small.  It is as if we are afraid that if we dream big dreams or develop a God size vision that we can only accomplish that He might actually begin to fulfill the vision. If we want to be a person or a church that truly serves the purpose for which God has called us let us not think too small but pray that God will open our eyes to all of the possibilities He has for us. 

Abram asked for a son, but God was going to give him descendants beyond number and a land in which they would live that covers more territory than they possess today. How willing are we to see what God could do with us if we just think beyond what we are capable of accomplishing on our own.  How much of this world are we going to claim for God?

Additional Notes:

BL-Genesis chapter l5 describes the covenant God makes with Abram.  Notice how God’s promises became more specific and bountiful as Abram grew in his obedience to Him, which is the way He works with all His children.  In l5:1, God promised to be Abram’s shield.  He had already protected him during the war among the Canaanite kings.  In vv. 2-5, God reiterated His promise to give Abram a son from his own body and offspring as numerous as the stars.  Verse 6, which says, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited to him as righteousness,” is a key verse in this passage.  Abram was no
more deserving of God’s blessings than any other person.  We have already seen he was a sinful man. Here God declares him righteous.  This was grace, God’s free gift to Abram.   It is the same gift that is available to all who come to God through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Like Abram, we are all sinners and undeserving of God’s grace.  He thankfully bestows it on us when we place our faith and trust in Him.  In v. 8, Abram asked for a sign that God will keep His promises.  God commanded Abram to bring Him a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove, and a pigeon.  Abram prepared the sacrifices and falls into a deep sleep, during which God reveals to him what the future holds for his
descendants.  God told Abram that his people will be enslaved in a foreign country for four hundred years, but then they will come out with great possessions.  This is, of course, a prophecy concerning Israel’s enslavement in Egypt, followed by the great exodus under Moses. Then God sealed the covenant between Himself and Abram by passing a smoking firepot with a blazing torch between the sacrifices, signifying that He
would keep His covenant with Abram. It was covenant that is completely one-sided, originated and kept by God.  All He asked was for Abram to trust Him.  Abram would not live to see the fulfillment of all God had shown him.  Finally, in verses 18-21, God gave Abram’s descendants all the land from the Nile to the Euphrates, a prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled in its entirety!.

GC-Abram had faced great odds in attacking the four kings who fought against Sodom and captured Lot. After his victory and receiving the blessing of Melchizedek, God appeared to him in a vision and said, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward will be great.” He was being told that he could trust in the Lord for protection, the very thing that he had already experienced. (Gen. 15:1)

E-After Abram had defeated the alliance of kings and rescued lot, God once again appeared to him.  He affirmed Abram and promised that He would reward him greatly. Abram considered all of God’s promises of little value without an heir.  God reiterated that he would indeed have a son born to him who would produce multitudes of descendents.  The true importance of this encounter with God came in Abram’s response.  The Bible says, “Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned him it to him as righteousness.” This transformation has affected all of Abram’s spiritual offspring to this very day.  These powerful words still leap off the pages of Scripture to this day.  To Paul they were of the upmost importance to those who believed through faith and not by works as he expressed in Romans. (Gen. 15:1-6; Rom. 4:3, 20-22)

RT-We are all too often enslaved by lack of faith.  God is able to take our limitations and make them limitless according to His purpose.  Surely, Abraham could not envision his descendents being as many as the stars in the sky when he had not yet even seen the promised child.  Lack of faith in God’s ability to accomplish all He desires is what hinders us. (Gen. 15:5)

RT-It was at this point that Abram believed God’s promises and God now viewed or judged Abram as righteous. (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3; Gal. 3:6-7)

GC-It is by his faith in God through Jesus that a man is judged, viewed, looked upon by God is righteous.  Belief in God made Abram righteous in the eyes of God.                                        (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3, 5, 9, 23; Gal. 3:6)

C-Abram believed and it was “reckoned to him as righteousness.”  A right relationship with God results in His proceeding with His plan for our lives. (Gen. 15:6)

M-Abram truly heard what the Lord said and when he believed, God judged him as righteous.  The determination to know God will bring the reality of Him into one’s life.  When man truly seeks, God will reveal Himself to that individual. (Gen. 15:6)

GC- “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.”  This tremendous statement of faith would be hard to accept without a sign.  We have the privilege that Abram did not have in the death and resurrection of Jesus. (Gen. 15:6, 8)

E-To answer Abram’s concern about future, God laid out before him the events involving the four hundred years that his descendents would spend in Egypt and the subsequent return to the land promised to him. (Gen. 15:8-21)

GC-Abram had a sensitivity to recognize God, to hear him and to respond to Him even when in a country like Ur when others did not have this awareness. He:

1. Talked with God (Gen. 15:8)
2. Had dreams and saw visions (Gen. 15:13, 17)
3. Was given prophecy (Gen. 15:13-16)
4. Feared God (had awe of) God (Gen. 15:12)                                                                        (Gen. 15:8-17)

C-Abram was told about what would happen in the future to his descendents during the four hundred years that they would spend in Egypt.  There was also the promise that they would return on possess the land of Canaan. (Gen. 15:13-14, 16)

C-God established a covenant with Abram and his descendents.  He promised that the land in which Abram then lived would given permanently. (Gen. 15:18-20)

UE-It is amazing that the creator and perfect God would judge a man as righteous based only on his faith.  (Gen. 15:6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 11

Trouble in Greener Pastures

Genesis 14

Me-

Choices made for the wrong reasons do lead to problems.  There was one warning that I always gave my sons once they reached their teenage years.  I said to them over and over, “If you are out all hours of the night you are looking for trouble.”  Time after time I have read of people who have put them themselves in danger because they were out in a place where they should not have been instead of being safely at home.

Just recently I heard of two young men who were involved in a fight outside of a night club. I don’t know if they were actual participants or not, the very fact that they were at the site put them at risk.  Somehow they got pushed out into the street where they were struck by an automobile.  One was killed. The other man was seriously injured.  What happened to them was totally preventable if they had made the decision to remove themselves from a volatile and as it turns out a dangerous situation. 

We-

I have often said that there is no perfect church.  Many seem to think there is such a place only to find that no matter where they go, they find imperfect people. There is also no church that at times does not have volatile situations arise that could possibly destroy it.  Where there are people we are going to find differences of opinion and often open conflict. One of the other things that I have said is “If one keeps leaving a church because of something they do not like they will either run out of churches or stop going altogether.” 

Our desire should be to overcome those issues.  This can be done only if church decides to move in the direction of truly trying to follow God’s word.  It is a difficult thing to fight off the tactics and schemes of the devil and remain true to the teachings of Christ.  More liberal bodies do not seem to have these struggles because they have drifted away from the word into a position of anything goes.  By doing so they cannot face the issues of the world in a Christ like manner.

All of this brings us to the point of what possibly could Lot do next?  Surely, he should be a position where he could be happy and successful.  The question is, can a person like him ever find satisfaction?  How could he stay out of trouble with his unsettled spirit?

Genesis 14:1-6

The narrative begins with the forming of two coalition armies being formed. In one there were four kings.  Two of leaders were Amraphel and Chedorlaomer along with other kings of city states located east of the Jordan River. There were armies from Shinar in present day Iraq and Elam that was in what in Iran today. Their opponents were five kings from the area of the Salt Sea now called the Dead Sea. They were led by the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah. This would be same as Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico having an army that was going to fight against Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell.

For twelve years the kings of the west had paid tribute to Chedorlaomer but in the thirteenth year stopped.  When the first war mentioned in the Bible ensued the cities attacked did not include either Sodom or Gomorrah.  The territory seem to lie mostly east of the Jordan and into the land of Ham.

1. What is the difference between the armies mentioned and those who go into battle today?
2. What was the reason for the war in the first place?
3. What does this tell us about the way the city states treated each other early in their history?
4. In what ways does it surprise us that Chedorlaomer did not immediately attack Sodom and Gomorrah during the first of the battles?

Genesis 14:7-12

The second wave of attacks included among other cities the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The two armies met in the valley of Siddim. As the battle went on the army of Chedorlaomer and Amraphel defeated the army of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The two kings fled and fell in to one of the many tar pits in the area. This caused disarray among the men and the army was scattered leaving behind a good deal of booty which Amraphel and Chedorlaomer took.  Among the prisoners who were taken was Lot and all of his possessions.

1. Why did it appear that there were two separate battles?
2. What do these events say about Lot’s decision?
3. What might have been Lot’s thoughts at that point?

Genesis 14:13-16

From all indications either Abram did not know about the war or he had settled down and did not intend to get involved with the problems of others that did not concern him. Abram first heard of the news concerning his nephew by one of the people who had fled from of the people who had been dislocated by the war.  It is interesting that this is the first time the term Hebrew is used to describe Abram.  Upon hearing of Lot’s situation he took the men of his household who he had trained, numbering 318, out to rescue his nephew.  His strategy was two-fold.  He would first use the element of surprise by attacking at night.  Secondly his small army was divided. Like Gideon he probably intended to surround the enemy.  His plan worked as he was able to defeat a much larger group of men with the few he had with him.  He also achieved the goal of rescuing Lot and his possessions.

1. What would indicate that Abram had no plan to get involved in the battles taking place to the south of where he was staying?
2. What changed his mind?
3. Why would he have trained his household in the ways of wars?
4. How could he expect to defeat a larger army with so few men?
5. What did he accomplish?
6. What does this incident show about the character of Abram?
7. To what lengths will you go to rescue a family member from a difficult situation?

Genesis 14:17-20

Upon returning from the battle two men who were totally different met him.  The first was the king of Sodom.  The other was Melchizedek, king of Salem and God’s high priest.  Much is said of Melchizedek as a type of Christ both in the Psalms and Hebrews.  Reference to “a type”  by theologians means that the individual described had the characteristics and attributes of the coming Messiah.  David mentioned him in Psalm 110:4.  The writer of Hebrews used that verse to expound on Christ being a priest not according to the Old Testament, but the promised high priest who was like Melchizedek. See Hebrews chapter 7 for the writer’s interpretation of this passage.

When Melchizedek appeared on the scene he brought refreshment for Abram.  More importantly, this man of whom so little is known blessed Abram, who was to be the first patriarch of the Jewish people.  After receiving the blessing Abram gave the priest a tenth of all he had captured from Chedorlaomer.

1. What do we know of Melchizedek?
2. What qualified him to the one to bless the future patriarch of the Jewish people? See Hebrews 7:7
3. What the essence of the blessing?
4. In what ways is Melchizedek a type of Christ?  See Hebrews 7
5. Why did Abram give a tenth of all he had acquired to the priest?

Genesis 14:21-24

Not to be outdone the king of Sodom offered to let Abram keep all of the physical booty in exchange for turning all of the people over to him.  He really did not have any claims to anything since he had lost the battle to king Chedorlaomer.  He needed people to be king.  It was better to have subjects than a bunch of stuff.

Abram responded by refusing to take anything for himself.  The reason was he did not want to be beholden to such an evil man who might claim that he was the one who made Abram rich.  The only part of the booty that would not be given back to the king was what his allies had eaten and captured.  He took nothing for himself.  Notice he did not even attempt to negotiate for Lot’s release.

1. What right did the king of Sodom have to anything that Abram had obtained during the battle?
2. Why would he be willing to give up the stuff in exchange for the people who had been rescued?
3. How different was this man than Melchizedek?
4. How differently did Abram deal with him than with the priest?
5. Why did he refuse to take anything for himself?
6. What does it say about Abram that he did not even negotiate for Lot?
7.  At what point do we have to let people, even family members, fend for themselves?

You-

• Think about a situation in which you got called up in what was going on even though you were an innocent bystander.  Reflecting on what happened, how would you possibly make a different decision?
• Think of a friend who would stand by you no matter what might be occurring in your life. Give thanks for that person and ask God to bless them.
• Thank God for strangers that may have interceded for you in the past.
• Ask God that you might be the person who is willing to come to the aid of someone in trouble.

We-

Each of us has found ourselves in situations over which we have no control.  We may be so overwhelmed that we are unable to even see how the issue can be resolved.  The old saying of not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel would fit the circumstances.  We are so blessed when someone comes along side us to comfort and give moral support.  We should expect to find this kind of help from the church.  Within the body God has placed those who have the gift of mercy who are willing to step forward when there are times of crisis in a family or an individual’s life.  By doing so that person becomes a “type” of Christ to the recipient of the help.  May our church always be that kind of body of Christ to a hurting world.

(Although this lesson is a little shorter taking a look at the comparison of Melchizedek and Jesus as mentioned in Psalms and Hebrews will provide some insight.)

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter l4, war broke out among the area kings and Lot and his household were taken prisoner.  Abram responded with 318 trained men and rescued Lot’s entire household.  As Abram returned home, he was met first by the King of Sodom, and then by Melchizadek, king of Salem. Little is known about Melchizadek, but he is identified here as a king and “priest of God Most High,” and Abram accepted the bread, the wine, and the blessing that Melchizadek bestowed on him. Abram, in turn, gaves Melchizadek a tenth of everything he had won in battle in gratitude for the victory God had granted him. (Interestingly, Hebrews 7 speaks of Jesus Christ as a priest “in the order of Melchizadek,” meaning that Christ came from a special line–not through Aaron and his descendants, the Levites, whom God appointed as priests in Exodus 28–but from a superior line in which the roles of king and priest were combined.)  However, when the King of Sodom tried to give Abram some of his war booty, Abram refused to have anything to do with it!  In doing so, Abram indicated that his allegiance was to God alone and he would have nothing to do with the sinful king of Sodom. (How often do we choose to indulge in the pleasures sin offers, rather than choosing the good things of God?) 

GC-Unlike so many today, Abram did not desert his family in times of distress and crisis. (Gen. 14:14-16)

 C-Abram assumed the role of a military leader in order to rescue his nephew Lot who by this time had moved to Sodom and got caught up in a war among several kings. (Gen. 14:14-16)

M-Abram refused to be under obligation to any man and especially the leader of an evil city.  This is a clear case of not to be unequally yoked to the world. (Gen. 14:22-24)

GC-Abram understood that he was to owe no man anything.  By refusing to accept any of the spoils of the battle he would not be under obligation to anyone but God.  Make no alliances with those who are evil or accept anything from them that may affect our witness.  We are to trust God to provide our needs. (Gen. 14:23-24)

 

 

Lesson 10

Consequences of Poor Decisions

Genesis 13

Me-

 The title of this lesson represent some times in my life.  One of the most vivid examples I remember painfully is the decision to become an insurance agent.  Why I ever thought I could be successful in a professional for which I was not suitable I will probably never understand.  The major problem stemmed from my personality.  Many do not realize that I am an introvert.  Although I have gotten better at meeting people and being able to speak before groups this has not always been the case.  I, a person who did not like to even knock on doors to do trick or treating, I should have followed my heart that told me, “Don’t do this.”

 As you can imagine I was a failure.  I never got over the fear of cold calling on people I did not know or even pressing my friends and acquaintances to buy insurances policies. Mercifully for me the job ended after about a year and I began to work in a position more suited for me.  I certainly learned my lesson well and since that time have never taken a job where selling would be involved.

We-

Churches are certainly not exempt from making poor decisions.  One such choice would be in the area of leadership.  Even though both parties might think that a particular leader is a good match for the church it turns out that he/or she should never taken the position.  Division and turmoil usually result with all parties being hurt.  It is fortunate if the departure of that person does not rip the church completely apart.

This is one reason for need of unity in the body when it comes to deciding almost anything.  Without it there will be winners and losers and most likely the whole body will suffer.  All decisions should be made only after prayerful consideration takes place.  To do anything based on emotion or one’s personal criteria will certainly put him/her at odds with others. 

In today’s lesson we will see the contrast of two different individuals.  After a disastrous episode in Egypt Abram exemplifies one who has godly characteristics.  Just the opposite of Abram, Lot continually makes choices that show his world nature.

God 13:1-4

Abram left Egypt and went into the southern part of Canaan called the Negev. Along with his wife and all of his possession, Lot also accompanied him.  As a result of the generosity of the Egyptians, Abram had become a wealthy man having not only a large number of livestock but also silver and gold.  The fact that the Pharaoh sent him away unharmed physically and let him keep what he had been given should have been a strong indicator to Abram that God was truly with him.  His journey did not end in the Negev.  He returned to the place where he had built the altar between Bethel and Ai.  This would put him far removed from Egypt and its influence on his life. There at Bethel he once again gave thanks for all that God had done for him in protecting him from harm.

1. In what condition did Abram return to Canaan?
2. Why did the Pharaoh let him go with harm either physically or materially?
3. What lesson should Abram have learned from his experience?
4. Why would Abram return to place near Bethel?
5. What actions did he take upon returning to the area near Bethel and Ai?

Genesis 13:5-6

Lot was still following Abram everywhere he went.  He had gained a great deal of wealth while in Egypt.  Evidently he was treated the same as Abram while there and much livestock of his own.  This presented a dilemma when they returned to the area around Bethel and Ai.  While the land could have supported one of them it did not provide enough pasture for both.  One other factor played a part in the problem.  The land would have been more suitable for sheep which only bites the top of the grass while cows and horses actually root up the vegetation.  Added to the situation although not mentioned would have been the flocks owned by the Canaanites.  This all occurred because Abram took matters into his own hands to avoid the famine and disobeyed God by leaving Canaan and going into Egypt  

1. Why did Lot continue to go along with Abram?
2. How did Lot acquire his wealth?
3. What kind of problems did the combined wealth cause upon their return into Canaan?
4. In what ways could this whole situation been avoided?

Genesis 13:7

The tipping point came as the herdsman of Lot and Abraham began to have a dispute over the available grazing land. It is interesting to note the author mentioned the existence of the Perizzites and Canaanites were living in the land also.  What a testimony to God was on display by the actions of those who belonged to Abram and Lot?

1. What was the problem that arose between those who belong to the two kinsmenWhy did Moses mention the Perizzites and Canaanites at that point in the narrative?
2. How do the actions of seemingly godly men affect those around them?
3. How do the actions of the church affect its witness to the unchurched?

 

 Genesis 13:8-9

It was Abram who came up with a solution to the problem.  He first established that there should be peace between all parties.  After voicing what the end results should be he offered Lot the first choice of the land into which one of the other would go.  It did not make a difference to Abram where he ended up.  God had promised him that the land would one day be his.  Of course this was not the motive for his decision.  In a way he was offering to Lot the opportunity to be satisfied with his lot in life.

1. Why was it important for there to be harmony between Lot and himself?
2. What does the offer show about the character of Abram?
3. What was he truly trying to achieve by giving Lot the opportunity to pick the land he desired?
4. In what ways have you acted like Abram in situations involving conflict?
5. How do the actions of Abram exemplify a Christ like attitude?

Genesis 13:10-11

Given the opportunity, Lot chose what appeared to be the best of the land for providing for his livestock.  The valley of the Jordan was described

• Well watered
• Like the garden of Eden
• Like the fertile land of parts of Egypt

Lot separated himself and travelled eastward away from the Promised Land and spiritually speaking further away from God and the godly influence of his uncle, Abram.  It will be seen shortly the consequences of Lot’s decision.

1. What does the choice Lot made say about him?
2. What was the appeal of the Jordan valley?
3. How does his decision fit the old saying about the grass appearing to be greener on the other side of the fence?
4. What happens all too often when you get to the greener grass?
5. How does it appear that he was taking his future in his own hand?
6. In what ways have we been fooled by what appear to be a golden opportunity?
7. In what ways can devil use the attitude of Lot and deceive church members?

Genesis 13:12-13

While Lot travelled east, Abram stayed put in the land of Canaan.  At that point he had learned his lesson well and settled down where God had told him to stay.  He was ready to wait on God for the next step in his life.  Moses indicated that Lot moved very close to Sodom.  That city was described as being populated by men who, “were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord.”  Lot made a fatal mistake.  Like so many people he thought that he could live in the suburbs of a wicked place and not be affected by all that was occurring there.  Christians today try to flirt with sin thinking they are strong enough on their own not to be caught up in the web of deceit that satan is spinning.

1. What is the contrast between the life of Abram and Lot?
2. What was the danger for Lot in moving so close to Sodom?
3. How does flirting with sin affect the believer and unbeliever alike?
4. What are the indications of what we have already seen that Lot would either be able to remain strong in the faith or succumb to the lure of the sinful world of Sodom?
5. What do you think of the words concerning what Abram decided to do?

Genesis 13:14-18

Abram had finally obeyed God’s command to separate himself from all of his family. Now that Lot had left and the last roadblock to the following the commands of God had been removed, God once again appeared to Abram and reaffirmed the promises made to him at the beginning while he was in Haran.  They included:

• All the land he could see in every direction from his vantage point.  This would include the land into which Lot had travelled.  What Lot thought would be his possession would eventually come under the ownership of Abram’s descendants.
• A family that would grow so large that his descendants would be as the dust of the earth.  Remember this promise was made before Abram had even the first child.

God then told Abram to take a trip around all the land that was promised to him.  Abram then moved from near Bethel to the “oaks of Mamre” located in Hebron.  Once again Abram built an altar to the Lord.

1. Why did God wait until after Lot had left to once again appear to Abram?
2. In what way did Abram finally obey God to open the door for more conversation?
3. What was different about the promises than what Abram had first heard?
4. What did the land grant include?
5. What it did take on Abram’s part to believe that everything God said would happen? Why?
6. What was the significance of the building of an altar after Abram had relocated to Hebron?

You-

• Think about the consequences of a time when you were caught up in a grass is greener situation.  What were the results?
• Pray that God will give you the patience to wait on Him before taking action.
• Pray that you will have the kind of wisdom that will not give the world an opportunity to criticize the church.
• Do not think more highly of yourself but be willing to put others before yourself.

We- 

We in the church should look forward to what God wants to do with us.  The lessons that we have learned from the past should help us to become the kind of people that will be a good witness to the world around us.  Abram exemplifies for us the transformation that can take place when we learn to wait on the Lord for direction. God has promised that His family will grow if we are faithful to obey His commands.  Only through His Spirit can the church grow to become as many as the dust on the earth.

Additional Notes:

BL- In chapter 13, Abram and company headed north to the Negev.  Here, the grazing was not sufficient to support both Abram’s and Lot’s herds, so Abram proposed that he and Lot part company.  Lot, who was given first choice of land, took the fertile Jordanian plain.  He pitched his tents near Sodom, a city well known for its wickedness, thereby choosing to move away from a man of God and live near godless ones. (How careful are you and I about the company WE choose to keep?  Abram remained in Canaan, and once Lot had departed, God once again spoke of His promise to bless Abram in vv. 14-17.  How often do we promise to serve God while still holding onto our ‘Lots’–our past sins, our treasured possessions and bad habits?”  Only with the departure of the last family member was God able to bless him. Is there anything standing between us and God that WE need to leave behind in order to know the full measure of His blessings?

M-“Abram called on the name of the Lord.”  There may be more than one reason that he would have called out to God.  It was first of all from an attitude of thanksgiving for the many blessings he had received.  Thankfulness for a safe trip may have been in order. He may have been seeking of forgiveness for his lack of faith.  Whatever the purpose, we see a man who seeks God’s direction for his life. (Gen. 13:4)

C-Abram finally separated himself from Lot.  This completed the command that God had given to Abram to leave his relatives.  After Lot had gone his way then the Lord once again promised Abram the land which would be a permanent possession of his descendents forever. (Gen. 13:5-15)

GC-One of the beatitudes tells us, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  How did Abram exemplify what Jesus was expressing in this beatitude? (Gen. 13:8; Ps. 120:7; Matt. 5:9)

GC-Man is always to consult God before making a decision.  What might seem good for the moment may have long-term devastating consequences. (Gen. 13:10; 16:2)

M-In Lot we see a type of all the men who are seeking the greener pastures, the better life and success according to the world’s standards.  On the other hand there was Abram who was willing to trust in God for his provision and to be right in the center of God’s purpose for his life.  Men of evil practices will congregate in those places that are like a counterfeit garden of Eden.  God said to Abram, “All the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendents forever.” (Gen. 13:10-15)

WM-Although God had promised to make Abram into a great nation he by his actions showed that he some reservations that the word of God was true. (Gen. 13:10-13)

WM-Goodness was non-existent in the city of Sodom where Lot chose to live.           (Gen. 13:12; 18:20)

WM-Unlike Paul, Lot did not have contentment.  He always was looking for the greener pasture.  The insatiable appetite for what he did not have eventually led to him losing all that he had except for his two daughters. (Gen. 13:10-11)  

DM-Lot chose to go to the land that seemed well suited for his herds and flocks.  It was a land with plenty of water and as the Scripture say, “like the garden of the Lord.” That choice eventually landed Lot in the city of Sodom. (Gen. 13:10, 12)

RT-Unlike Lot in obedience to the Lord Abram remained in Canaan the place that God promised to give him and his descendents. (Gen. 13:12)

RT-Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the promise land.  He could have kept his eyes focused on his immediate surroundings and the circumstances that had brought him to this point.  With the departure of Lot he may have had second thoughts about the decision to go their separate ways.  God said, look to Me, I have much more for you.  Just look around as far as you can see at the land that is to be yours. If that is not enough you have My promise that cannot be broken, to make you into a great nation.  That should be enough for anyone.  Walk in the land and travel with Me and we will make the journey together until the final promise land belongs to those of like faith. (Gen. 13:14-17)

UE-God will not do in and through us those things He wants to accomplish as long as we insist on doing things our own way.  It was only after Lot departed that God renewed the promise He had made to Abram. (Gen. 13:14-16)

E-It took the departure of Lot for God to once again come to Abram and issue His promise to him.  Abram was given two commands:

1. He was to look in every direction
2. He was to walk the land.

God commanded him to do so in order that he might have a true perspective of the scope of God’s promises to him.  What He showed Abram enabled him to accept the covenant as a real possibility of having many descendents which at this point had to be accepted by faith alone since he had no children at that time.  After Abram had done all God instructed him to do he then settled by the oaks of Mamre and built an altar.               (Gen. 13:14-18)

RT-If we think that we can get up close to sinful activities and think that we will not be sullied by that association we underestimate the power they have on our lives.  This leads to the question, what was Lot’s first mistake? (Gen. 13:12-13)

RT-It is interesting that the place Lot claimed as his own because it seemed to be the best land.  That parcel of land would one day be inherited by Abram’s descendents.              (Gen. 13:14-17)

M-The care that a man has for his family is motivation enough for him to protect them against the enemies that they face.  He becomes disturbed when situations or people try to hold his family captive.  He will go to any lengths to free them. (Gen. 14:14-16)

GC-Faithfulness leads to a blessing from God. (Gen.13:14-17)

 

Lesson 9

First Steps into the Promised Land

Genesis 12

Me

My whole life has been about first steps.  Each new stage in life has brought about the need to step out in faith into the unknown.  There is one event that has stuck in my mind all of these years.  Although it is about my son it pleased me that he had accomplished something new. When he was learning to walk each phase was an adventure for him and for us.  For a number of weeks we would hold on the straps of his clothing to give him the confidence to walk.  One day we returned home from an errand and put him down.  Rather than holding on to him that time I just released my grip on the straps and he took off walking on his own.  He walked around and around the house evidently enjoying his new found freedom.  The key for him and for me in all of the different situations in which I have found myself is the confidence/faith to make the first move to take the initial step.  Without doing it I would never have accomplished anything in my life. 

We-

Sometimes we in the church become too timid to strike out on a new adventure.  There is a word and phrase that describes this mindset.  The word is tradition and the phrase is “We have always done it this way.”  That for any person or organization is the most paralyzing attitude that one can have.  To strike out on a new path where we have never travelled is called determining God’s vision. This is followed up by then putting into place the pieces that will allow us to accomplish what He has called us to be.  It can be an exciting and challenging adventure for any church but the rewards will be great because we know we are carrying out God’s purpose where he has allowed us to serve.

Over the next several lessons we will walk with someone who was willing to take that first faltering step of faith.  We will learn that life is a process and we do not arrive at the doorstep of the future as the complete package.  Abraham was just like us.  He had to learn by travelling the road of life and finding out what worked and what did not as he tried to please God.

God-

Genesis 12:1-3

As was seen at the end of chapter 11 Abram had begun to respond to the call of God on his life.  He and his family had made it as far as Haran in present day Syria called Aram in the Bible. After his father, Terah, died, God began to deal specifically with Abram. There is no way of knowing how he began to hear the voice of God.  It is obvious that it made such a strong impact that he was willing to step out on faith and begin the journey to which he was being called to take.

Whether referencing Ur of the Chaldeans or Haran the message was the same.  Abram was to obey God’s command in four ways. He was to:

• Go forth from his country
• Leave his relatives behind
• Leave his father’s house
• Go to a land that God was going to point out to him.

God was calling Abram to break all ties with the past.  Those commands were a great deal to ask of anyone especially when at that point in the conversation there seemed to be no purpose other than arriving in a place that God wants him to be.

God was sending him to a place that in truth was no better than the one who he had been told to leave.  Remember, that Canaan was inhabited by the ungodly descendants of Ham. The thing not mentioned at that point was that both Ur and Haran were both pagan societies.

1. What one event freed Abram to hear God’s command?
2. Why did God command Abram to leave home and family and go to a country totally foreign to him?
3. What kind of faith would it take to get you to do the same?

Genesis 12:2-3

God was not finished with the things he had to share with Abram.  First, He gave the command and the conditions under which he was to make the journey. Secondly, God laid out for him the benefits to following His instructions.  The results of Abram’s obedience were two fold, each of them having three individual characteristics.  The first was:

• Abram would be the father of a great nation.
• He would receive God’s blessing.
• He would become a man of great renown. This was completely opposite of what took place at Babel.  There the men attempted to exalt themselves.  Here God was the One bestowing the honor and prestige that would come to Abram.

Following those God said:

• Those who blessed Abram would also be blessed.
• Just the opposite would happen to those who cursed him.
• In him all of the families from that point on would be blessed.

 

1. How would Abram benefit from being obedient to God?
2. In what ways did Abram desire what God was going to do in his life?
3. In what ways would these things appear to out of reach for him at that point in his life?
4. What was the difference between the hearts of the men at the tower of Babel and that of Abram?
5. What did the men at the tower fail to understand that was opposite of what was going to happen to Abram?
6. How does Matthew 23:12 relate to the two incidences mentioned above?

Genesis 12:4-6

Abram partially obeyed God.  He took his nephew, Lot, along when he left Haran and made his way into Canaan.  He began his journey at the age of seventy-five.  Along with Sarai, Lot is mentioned again. Evidently the stay in Haran had been good for Abram because he had acquired not only physical possessions but also a number of people to serve him and his needs.

His initial travels took him into the heart of Canaan.  He set up camp at Shechem which would later play role in the life of his grandson, Jacob.  The Bible emphasized that the Canaanites were in living in that area at the time of Abram’s arrival.

1. How did Abram only partially obey God?
2. In what way can it be said that obeying God in part is not truly obeying him?
3. What blessings could he expect to receive because of his actions?
4. Why did Abram insist on taking Lot with him?
5. In what ways would that trip not present much of a challenge to Abram?
6. How might we compare his actions to that of the “Rich Young Ruler, found in Luke 18:18-28?
7. How do our possessions and relationships sometimes hinder us?

Genesis 12:7

God only made one promise to Abram at the point in which he arrived at Shechem.  He promised that the land where he was would be given to him as a possession. Evidently this was enough for a man who was a nomad.  He would have a place where he could settle down and raise a family and take care of his business.  Because of the words of God he built an altar there out of gratitude for God’s promise.

1. Why did God not repeat all of the things promised at the beginning of this chapter?
2. Why could God only promise him a place to call his own at that point?
3. What was holding him back from receiving the whole blessing of God?
4. In what ways did Abram hinder himself from receiving all that God promised?
5. How is the altar a picture of the short sightedness of Abram?
6. What are some of the ways we limit ourselves in our relationship with God?

Genesis 12:8-9

For whatever reason, Abram decided not to stay in Shechem to move on to Bethel which was close to Ai.  These two cities would also play an important role in the life of Jacob and the Israelites later on.  Bethel means the house of God and Ai means a heap of ruins.  How prophetic are the names of these two cities. At Bethel Abram built another altar to worship God.  It is not known how long he stayed there but once again he found himself on the move going further south into the part of the land known as the Negev. 

1. What would be a reason Abram would keep moving?
2. What was he trying to find?
3. What does it show about him with the repeated actions of building an altar?
4. In what ways do we show a restless spirit in our walk with the Lord?
5. How much did Abram’s past play in his constant need to move?

Genesis 12:10

Difficulty came into the life of Abram in the form of a famine where he was living in the Negev. Notice he had moved closer and closer to Egypt.  He now left the land of Canaan and went into Egypt because of the severity of the famine. In may seem strange, but God may have allowed the famine to test Abram.  He had already promised him the land but Abram did not seem to find any satisfaction in that fact, but kept moving from place to place.  One of the resources I used said that the enticement of Egypt was strong on Abram.  The famine only provided the excuse to actually go there.  His action showed a lack of obedience.  God had told him to go to the land that He would show him and no further.

1. What was the difficulty that came into Abram’s life?
2. How would a famine be especially devastating for someone like Abram?
3. How did his desire to go to Egypt show that he was a man of small faith at that time?
4. What could he expect to find in Egypt?
5. What are our Egypt’s that hold a special allure in our own lives?

Genesis 12:11-13

If it was bad enough that Abram decided to go into Egypt he compounded his error by asking Sarai to state that she was his sister. In actuality she was his half sister so she was not being asked to tell a lie.  He, however, was using his wife for his own self preservation. The reason for this request was because Abram feared that the Egyptians would kill him in order to take his wife from him. How quickly he had forgotten that God had promised to make him the father of a great nation.  God would not have made that statement to him if He intended for Abram to die.  Abram should never have gone into Egypt in the first place.

1. What were the errors that Abram committed as he planned to go into Egypt?
2. What does it show about the character of Abram at that point?
3. Why did his actions show that his faith was not strong?
4. What good could come out of such deception?
5. What are some of the ways that we use people for our own benefit?

Genesis 12:14-16

Sure enough when Abram and his family went into Egypt those who saw Sarai were very impressed with the beauty of a woman who was over sixty-five years old.  They passed the information on to the Pharaoh.  He took her into his house. 

Because of his wife, Abram was treated very well because of the way the Egyptians regarded her.  His wealth increased as the Egyptians gave him sheep, oxen, donkeys, servants and camels. Everything seemed to be going better than Abram could have dreamed.

1. What happened to Sarai?
2. Why was she willing to do what Abram asked?
3. What do you think of Abram’s treatment of her?
4. How did he fair while in Egypt?
5. How long do you think that Abram would have stayed there under the conditions that existed for him?

Genesis 12:17-20

God had other plans for Abram and Sarai. He brought plagues to bear on Pharaoh’s house. Even though Abram seemed to hold his wife in low esteem, God protected her from having relations with the Egyptians. 

When the plagues came upon the Pharaoh and his house he somehow discovered the truth about Sarai and called for Abram to explain.  Pharaoh put all the blame on Abram asking him:

• What have you done to me?
• Why did he hide the fact that she was his wife from him?
• Why did he tell him that she was his sister?

There is no record of whether Abram was allowed to make a defense.  In this case discretion was definitely called for because he had none other than self-preservation.

Fortunately for Abram, Pharaoh gave Sarai back to him.  He then commanded him to leave.  To make sure that he was gone from the land, Pharaoh had his men escort him away.  He was allowed to keep all that Pharaoh and the people had given him even though he had acquired by deception.

1. Why did God bring the plagues on Pharaoh and his house?
2. Why was Abram not punished?
3. How did Pharaoh discern what was going on?
4. Why did Pharaoh want Abram and his family out of Egypt?

You-

• Think back to the time when you first became a Christian.  How have you changed in the years since that event?
• Consider the things in your life that may hold you back from taking risks for Christ.
• Pray that as God gives you guidance you will be obedient and not stray away like Abram did.
• Ask yourself, “Are the things that you have acquired in this life keeping you from trusting God for all of my needs?”

We-

We need to remember that we are a work in progress.  As Paul said in Romans, “The good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (Romans 7:19)  We are all going to walk through this life stumbling at times.  The more we put our trust in the Father the fewer times that we will fall. 

Our lives are to be such that we take God at His word. Abram forgot the promises of God and caused problems for his family and himself.  Surely if God has promised something to us He will never go back on what He has said.  We pray that we will continually open our hearts to hear and be obedient to what He desires for us.  When we go off the path He has established we know that He will not allow us to remain there but will discipline us for our own good.

Additional Notes:

UE-God selected one man out all the people in the world to bless and through whom blessing would ultimately to every generation.  He did that when he chose Abraham and sent him on an adventure of a lifetime with only a promise of what was to come.           (Gen. 12:1-4)

WM-Abram heard only part of God’s explicit instructions to him.  He was told to leave.         

1. Country
2. Relatives
3. Father’s house

So what did Abram do after hearing the command of God?  He took his nephew Lot with him.  In essence he negated the opportunity for receiving the blessing God wanted to give him because of his disobedience. (Gen. 12:1-5)

M-It is difficult enough to proceed with our lives when we know what to expect and everything is clearly mapped out for us.  Consider what God asked Abraham to do. “Go forth from your country and from your relatives.”  Then came what made it more difficult.  He made specific promises to be fulfilled at some future time and place.  This meant that Abraham had to put his entire future in the hands of God.  Whether the promises He made were to actually occur depended on his obedience to the initial command he received.  God told him, “Go forth to the land which I show you;” The promises that He made to Abraham, which were repeated multiple times, were:

1. I will bless you
2. Make your name great
3. You will be a blessing

God would go even further in His relationship by telling Abraham that He would:

1. Bless those who bless you
2. Curse those who curse you
3. In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

(Gen. 12:2-3)

 DM-There were certain events in Abraham’s life which were important in his relation- ship with the Father and the future plans God had for him.  One of these was the stepping out in faith to leave all with which he was familiar.  Although critical this action was the one which truly defined him as a man of God.  A part of this calling was the natural curiosity of man for what lies ahead and his adventurous nature.                                      (Gen. 12:1-4; Acts 7:3-4; Heb. 11)

E-The calling out of Abraham was one of only a few instances in the first part of Genesis that was a positive encounter that man had with God.  Many of the previous incidents resulted in judgment, Adam and Eve’s sin and subsequent exile; Cain’s punishment; the destruction of all mankind except Noah and his family in the flood and the dispersion of the people from the tower of Babel.  Here we see God speaking to Abram and commanding him to leave his home and people and travel to a land in which he will be blessed.  This seemed to be the pattern that God used when he approached man and man then experiences God.  He then calls man to a task, to serve him and to be totally committed to Him.  In this case Abram would not receive the blessing if he remained where he was. God was very specific.  Leave homeland and family then the blessing would come. (Gen. 12:1-4)

Abraham

Was 75 years old when he left Ur.  Although God made the promise that the land of Canaan would be given to him, he never received the inheritance.  In his lifetime he was tested and faithful:

1. In leaving Ur of Chaldees to follow God’s direction
2. In maturing to the point in his life when he could trust for protection and not lie to protect himself.
3. In his walk with the Father, when he would no longer take the situation in his own hands as he did to ensure that he would have a male heir by fathering Ishmael.
4. In growing until to serve God was the most important thing in his life even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac.
5. Confident in his relationship with the Father. 
6. In his sense of justice
7. In being a compassionate man                                                                                                  (Gen. 12:1-25:7)

DM-Starts and stumbles characterized Abram’s progress towards truly becoming the man of God through whom the covenant would be realized.

1. God had said to leave all on his journey, but he took lot with him. (Gen. 12:5)
2. Abram’s deception in Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20)
3. Tentative faith (Gen. 15:6)
4. Birth of Ishmael (Hagar was an Egyptian) (Gen. 16)
5. Deception in Gerar (Gen 20:2-13)

C-The first move that Abram made was with his father from Ur to Haran.  Along with Abram and Sarai, Terah took Lot.  Terah died in Haran. (Gen. 11:4-6)

GC-A Christian is willing to follow God’s leading even if it mean leaving the comfortable and familiar. (Gen. 12:1)

GC-For a man to take the step that Abram did he must believe the promises of God.  (Gen. 12:1-4)

C-It was in Haran that Abram was given the command to leave his country and relatives.  He accomplished part of it.  He did leave Haran but he also took Lot with him.  At this point in his life he was unable to put his past completely behind him.  To have obeyed God at this time would have brought the blessings He had for him earlier than he actually experienced them. (Gen. 12:1-4)

RT-Although he would never see it, Abraham was given a tremendous responsibility when God called him to be the father of a great nation.  One could say what’s the big deal?  Abraham’s life story is very important.  We must remember that he was called to be faithful to God’s purpose for 110 years.  He was first heard the voice of God at the age of 75 and did not have even have the son of promise until he was 100.  For many the wait of 25 years or even a month is too much to ask.  (Gen. 12:1-4)

GC-Sometimes God directs us to leave those people and things we hold dear.  It may be the ones who love us the most may be the very ones who stifle, muffle or block the blessings that God has for us.  When that situation exists we must do as God commands and go to a spiritual country where He is able to fulfill His promises to us.                     (Gen. 12:3)

RT-Family provided for Abram the security that hindered him from having total dependence on God. (Gen. 12:3)

C-We each carry too much baggage with us to say that we are actually able to move forward with our lives unencumbered.  Just look at what Abram took with him as he made the journey into Canaan:

1. Lot
2. Sarai
3. Possessions accumulated in Haran
4. Also persons acquired there

Abram had not really left anything behind.  He brought all of his worldly possessions with him.  How can God truly bless one who holds on to that which is less than God wants to do for him. (Gen. 12:4-5)

RT-In the early years of his journey the vision God gave to Abram did not result in a consuming passion to serve God.  He had chosen Abram and set him on a course that would eventually establish him as the father of a new nation.  There were a number of instances where Abram failed because he did not fully understand what God was sharing with him.  Sometimes the words did not fit into what was happening to him at the time.

C-During his first years in Canaan Abram was moving constantly from one location to another.  This was precipitated by the need for pasture land for the animals he had brought with him.  There was even an ill fated side trip down into Egypt during a famine in the land of Canaan. The additional livestock he acquired there in Egypt set up the conflict with Lot. (Gen. 12:6-10; 13:1-3, 18)

GC-Worship and thanksgiving are due God. (Gen. 12:7; 26:24)

RT-The Canaanites and Perizzites were in the land and probably saw the conflict between Abram and Lot’s servants. (Gen. 12:7)

M-What was Abram’s response to the promises that were at this point in his life just that promises?  Was his faith strong enough?  Was he motivated enough to follow God’s leading?  The answer comes in verse 4.  There it says, “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him.” Did he have an illusion that the trip would be easy?  The answer of course is no.  For Abram the one thing that would cause him to proceed was his faith in God.  Later events would show that this faith was not complete, but there would come a time when he would believe that He would not fail him. Part of this process included words of assurance from God.  He told Abram, “To your descendents I will give this land. (Gen. 12:7)

M-Abram responded by building an altar to the Lord. (Gen. 12:7, 8; 13:18)

M-Abraham understood from whom his blessing had come and “called upon the name of the Lord.” (Gen. 12:8)

M-It was as a result of God’s promises and leading that Abram came into the land God was to give him.  Out of the thankfulness of his heart, he built the altar.  This act would never have occurred without God’s word and Abram’s understanding that the message was for him.  When we spend time doing all of the other activities that take up so much time on Sunday morning is there truly time to hear the words that may be just for us.  These may be the sounding call to move into unknown lands and there to build the altar out of the gratitude of our hearts to the One who has given us His word. (Gen. 12:8)

M-More than once Abraham showed self-preservation is a strong drive.                      (Gen. 12:10-12; 20: 2, 11)

GC-Early in his travels Abram began to call on the name of the Lord.  This set a pattern that he would follow his whole life. (Gen. 12:8; 13:4; Ps. 140:6; Lam. 3:55)

UE-God intervened in Abram’s first misadventure into Egypt.  He protected Sarah form being used by the Egyptians.  While Abram only seemed to be concerned about his own well being, God had a greater purpose in preserving all mankind. (Gen. 12:11-20)

GC-Even though the command not to bear false witness had not been given at the time of Abram he certainly would have guilty of breaking it as he traveled to Egypt and later to Gerar.                                                                                                                             (Gen. 12:13; Prov. 10:18; 12:17, 22; 13:15; 14:5; 17:7; 19:5, 9; 21:6, 28; 24:28: 25:18)

GC-How do we view what Abram did to Sarai? In what way do you think that he was using her for his own benefit?  What does this show about Abram? One of the things that we are admonished to do is to never use other people. (Gen. 12:12, 16)

RT-Other than one terse statement in 12:7 God was silent because Abram had been disobedient to God’s command to leave everything behind that tied him to the place of his origin.  Abram did not hear from God while in Egypt for he was not suppose to go there.  After returning from Egypt, God only began to speak with him when Lot finally departed from him. (Gen. 12 and 13)

 

Lesson 8

The Beginning of the Nations

Genesis 10 and 11

Me-

One of the things I enjoy doing, especially in the winter time, is to work jigsaw puzzles.  I especially like the ones with a thousand pieces which provide just enough challenge.  Recently I tried to work one which became an exercise in futility and frustration.  Not only was there a lot of the same color but also many of the pieces were almost identical in size and shape.  In fact the box top which shows what the puzzle should look like as a finished product did not help.  It became an almost impossible task to complete, so I gave up on it.

The only thing more frustrating than the above mentioned one is to work at putting a puzzle together only to find that there is a piece missing.  Usually it can be found on the floor or in a chair but occasionally it cannot be found at all.  Without it the picture is complete and the enjoyment I expected to get from accomplishing is gone.

My life has been somewhat like a jigsaw puzzle. I know that God has had a plan and purpose for me.  Sometimes because of my actions there seems to be a piece or pieces missing.  It is only when I follow through on what He has given me to do is there the joy of accomplishment.  Thankfully He sees each of our lives as just one piece but as a part of the whole.  He views us as a completed picture through His Son.

We

What I have described is not limited to individuals.  Organizations have to look at the box top to see the purpose for which He has brought it into being.  The picture represents the vision that God has for each church.  In order to fulfill the vision we have to approach it from the standpoint of what God wants to accomplish.  Once we know that then all of the pieces can be brought together to complete the picture.  There cannot be extra ones and for sure if one is missing.  Lacking one part of the whole makes what we hope to accomplish incomplete.

In chapter 10 and 11 we will begin to see God’s plan, His vision, for mankind.  Before the seed of Eve could come to defeat the devil the world had to be made ready for His appearance.  Most of us like to skip the genealogies because to us it is just a list of names.  To God each one of the people mentioned served a purpose His overall plan. 

Genesis 10:1

God was about to do something.  He was going to bring about through the sons the fulfillment of His plan to multiply and fill the earth.  Every person is a descendant of one of those three men.  Here the names are given in the order of their birth.

Genesis 10:2-5

Moses begins with the family of Japheth the youngest son.  It is interesting to note that in the genealogical lists the elected family comes last.  In this case it would be Shem.  Each of the sons was the forefather of distinct people groups or nations.  Gomer who many believe was the founder of the Germanic people and Magog who was the founder of Russia are later mentioned in Ezekiel as enemies of Israel.  It is agreed that these along with the others mentioned started the nations of Europe and parts of Asia.  The dispersion of the peoples had begun. Each would have its own language. Because of the location of these nations interaction with the nation of Israel would not occur until much later in its history. For a more definitive breakdown of the nations begun by each of the sons “Exploring Genesis” by John Phillips would be one source to use.

1. Why does the Bible give us so much detail about the families of the three sons of Noah?  
2. How do these verses show that the command of God to fill the earth was being carried out?
3. Why is it important to us where each of the families settled?
4. Why was Japheth the youngest listed first?

Genesis 10:6-7

Next in order were the families of Ham.  For the most part they settled in what is now called the Middle East and the nations of northern Africa.  He had four sons Cush Mizraim, Phut and Canaan.

Genesis 10:8-12

Cush after having other sons had Nimrod.  Nimrod played an important role during that period of time.  He is described a “mighty one on the earth.”  Further Moses said, “He was a mighty hunter before the Lord.”  The word “before” might be translated against.  He became powerful enough that he was able to establish several cities including Babel, later Babylon, and Nineveh, the future capital of Assyria.  The anti-god sentiment of Nimrod can be seen in the naming one of the cities Babel.  Babel means, “the gate of the god.”  Eventually Babel (Babylon) would become one of the most powerful nations on earth under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar.

1. Why did Nimrod play an important role in the history of the people at that time in history?
2. What does it mean that he was a mighty hunter against God?
3. What would the naming of the city, Babel signify?
4. Why would an anti-God sentiment develop among the people?
5. What did they desire?

Genesis 10:13-14

Mizraim and his family founded Egypt.  This fact is important because the nation of Egypt eventually would give rise to the Philistines who came from the family of Casluhim.

1. What is the significance of the founding of Egypt?
2. Why did Moses mention the Philistines at this point?

Genesis 10:15-20

Aside from Egypt and the Philistines the descendants of Canaan, the grandson of Noah, would have the greatest interaction with Israel in the future.  The list is a who’s who of the enemies of the nation of Israel and inhabited the land that eventually became the Promised Land to be given to the Jews by God.

1. Why would the nations mentioned in these verses be of special interest to us?
2. Which of the different people groups would present the greatest challenges for Israel?
3. Out of all of them which controlled the land that in the future would become the home of the Israelites?
4. Why did Moses go into such great detail about the descendants of Ham?

Genesis 10:21

Moses finally gets to the family of Shem.  Notice that he jumps two generations and mentions Eber through whom the chosen people would come. As mentioned above it was the practice to list the family of the elect of God until the end.

1. Why did Moses leave the family of Shem to end of talking about Noah’s descendants?
2. Why did he refer to Eber who would have been Shem’s great grandson?
3. In what order do we generally talk about our children and grandchildren?
4. Why do we speak of them in that way?
5. When would the situation be different for you?

Genesis 10:22-25

None of the sons of Shem would live in what is now called Israel permanent until the time following the death of Moses. They travelled to places like Assyria, east of Babylon, Arabia, and Mesopotamia.  Throughout the listing of the descendants there are certain names about which more will be written.  Arpachshad (Arphaxad in some translations), Shealah, Eber (who became the father of Peleg.  It was during the lifetime of Peleg whose name means division, that the incident at the tower of Babel occurred. 

1. If the nation of Israel was to come from Shem why do we find them scattered in many other places like Assyria, Arabia and Yemen?
2. Why did Moses not continue with the descendants of Peleg?
3. What important event occurred during the lifetime of Peleg?

Genesis 10:26-31

In this chapter the genealogy of Peleg stops but that of his brother Joktan is given in more detail. Joktan is thought to be the father of the Arabians. Of his sons the only exception to those who lived in Arabia was Almodad who possibly founded Yemen.

1. Why are we given more detail about Joktan’s family than that of Peleg?
2. Where did the family of Joktan go as they were dispersed?

 Genesis 10:32 

With the naming of Shem’s descendants the completion of the dispersion of Noah’s family was complete.  Each of them founded different nations.  One of the criteria that described the separation was the differences in language each spoke.  All of these events described in this chapter were written by Moses from the perspective of almost one thousand years.  The language factor is expressed in verse 5, 20 and 31. 

1. Why was it necessary for the people to be separated?
2. What probably would have happened if all the people had been allowed to stay together?
3. What do we see around us when a location becomes overcrowded? 

Genesis 11:1-2

Moses returned to the time before the world was divided among the different people groups to explain how Genesis 10:6, 20, 31-32 occurred.  At that point in time all the people were together but they then began moving out from one location to populate the whole world.  Evidently, many of them migrated to the east went into the land of Shinar (present day Iraq) and settled there. 

1. Why did Moses return to the time when the world was not yet divided as he continued his narrative?
2. Which of the tribes would be the subject of the migration?
3. What is important about the land of Shinar?

Genesis 11:3-4

In contrast to the permanence of God’s kingdom, this new world order man’s attempt to make a name and place for himself would be made from that which cannot last.  All one has to do is look around to see the crumbling remains of societies long past to realize that what they were trying to do was an act of folly.  Notice each time they spoke of what they were going to do it was always with the words, “Let us.”  God was not going to be part of their plan.  Their attempt to make themselves the center of the world included three ideas:

• The first was to build a city for themselves. They desired to have a political social structure in place to guide their lives.
• Secondly and the one which reflected the humanistic philosophy was to build a tower.  This was to become the emblem of self worship.   
• Lastly they wanted to make a name for themselves.

The words which spoke of the tower suggested not that they expected that they could actually achieve the building of a tower all the way to heaven, but that the top would be the signs of the Zodiac.  It is the first mention of a false religion dominated the lives of man.

1. What is the symbolism of the materials that were used to build the city?
2. What was the reason they desired to build a city?
3. What did the tower mean to them?
4. Why is it so important for man to make a name for himself?
5. What do all these things say about man’s attitude toward God?

Genesis 11:5

Let be said that God did not have to have down physically.  Moses was speaking about God’s involvement in the affairs of man.  Inherent in the description of the tower there is the limited capability of man. The tower did not reach to heaven as has been mentioned previously.  God let the people complete what they desired to build before He intervened.

1. What does it mean that God came down?
2. What does the description tell us about the limitations of man?
3. Why did God wait until the project was complete?

Genesis 11:6

The common factor identified by God that allowed man to accomplish what they had done was that all of them spoke the same language. When He spoke to the God head it was not so much that man could actually accomplish because he cannot.  It was about an attitude that completely excluded God to his own detriment.

1. What was the common factor in God’s view?
2. Why did God say that man would be able to accomplish everything that came to his mind?
3. How would that attitude be harmful to mankind?

Genesis 11:7-9

God dealt with the issue by taking away the means that the people had of communicating with each other.  No longer could they coordinate the activities involved in building the city.  Since there was no longer a commonality the people separated themselves and were scattered by God over the entire earth. 

1. How did God deal with the situation?
2. In what ways was this a benevolent act on His part?
3. What does this tell us about the difficulty about different cultures coming together today?
4. On the positive what can be accomplished by good communication in the church and families?

Genesis 11:10-23

Here is found the same pattern that was used in the writing of Adam’s genealogy in which the age when a son was born and the length of life of each father was given.  Notice, unlike those who lived before the flood, the life span of those born after the event was much shorter.  This was a consequence of the judgment God brought on man at the time of the flood.  It was in His sovereignty to limit the life span of man. 

The previously listing of Shem’s genealogy had ended with Peleg.  When Moses returned to providing information about Shem’s family not all of the sons were listed.  He only mentioned those who were ancestors of Abraham.  Remember he was writing genealogy after the birth of Abraham.

1. What is one difference that is found in the Shem’s descendants from those of Adam’s?
2. Why did Moses stop then pick up on the speaking of the family of Shem?
3. Why did Moses leave out the names of all the sons but instead only listed particular ones?
4. What does this tell us about the plan of God for mankind?

Genesis 11:24-28

Moses now begins the narrative of one of the most important men in the history of not only Jews but the world.  Abram was born to Terah, the son of Nahor.  He had two brothers, Nahor and Haran.  Lot is also introduced in these verses.  He was the nephew of Abram.  His father was Haran who died while the family still lived in Ur of the Chaldeans.

1. Why did Moses present the genealogy of Shem’s family as he did?
2. What did he have in mind as he wrote it?  Remember he was writing about things that had occurred a long time in the past.
3. Why are these particular verses of Genesis important to us?
4. What was the relationship between Abram and Lot?
5. Why was Lot specifically mentioned here?

Genesis 11:29

Abram took a wife whose name was Sarai.  Later Moses will tell us that Sarai was Abram’s half sister.  His brother Nahor also married.  Milcah the daughter of Haran would also play an important role in the life of Abraham’s descendants.  Although her sister-in-law was able to have children, Sarai was barren.

1. What were the relationships between husbands and wives?
2. Why did Abram and Nahor intermarry with their kin?
3. What other important fact do we learn about Sarai at this point?

Genesis 11:31-32

Terah set out from his homeland with the intentions of going into Canaan.  He carried with him his sons, their wives and Lot his grandson.  For a while they settled in Haran which is in present day Syria.  It was there that Terah died at the age of two hundred.

1. Why did Terah leave Ur?
2. Where was he intending to go?
3. Who did he take with him?
4. Why did God not allow him to go any further?

You-

• Think about the legacy that your family has left to you.
• Think about the times that you have excluded God from your plans and said, “Let me do it on my own.”
• What are the towers of Babel you have tried to build in your life to replace God?
• Consider the ways you have communicated in a positive or negative way and how it impacted those around you.

We-

In this lesson we have discussed how the world became so separated.  Hopefully the very things that happened close to four thousand years ago will teach us that whenever we exclude God from our lives that the consequences can be so destructive.  Often we find the greatest problem becomes the alienation that comes from our actions both from those around us and God.

Happily God had a plan all along.  It began with Abraham who came from the family of Shem who was chosen to father in a way our Savior Jesus Christ.  The Scriptures tell us what a difference He has made.  While the world at the time of Peleg had to go their separate ways because of apostacy, Christ has come to reunite us by reconciling us to the Father.  In 2 Corinthians 5:19, we are told that,

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.”

We read further in Ephesians 2:14-16,

“For He (Christ) is our peace, who made both groups (Jews and Gentiles) into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.”

Christ has come and fulfilled all that God intended to be.  May we not live a life that is in open conflict with Him.  May we be an instrument of reconciliation of the world to each other and to the Father.

Additional Notes:

BL- At the time the people attempted to build the Tower of Babel everyone once spoke the same language.  However, when men settled in the plain of Shinar, they began to build a tower of bricks (a “ziggurat”!) in order to reach the heavens.  This was the first “religion”–man’s attempt to reach God through his own efforts.  The residents of Babel used bricks; people today often use rituals or good deeds, but the results are the same.  Sinful man can never reach holy God by human means.  God, however, DOES reach out to US, and that is what makes Christianity a relationship, rather than a religion.  It is a relationship initiated by God in which He came down to meet US through His Son, Jesus Christ–and when we, by faith, trust in Christ as our Savior, God forgives our sins and clothes us in His Son’s righteousness, making us holy and acceptable in His sight. This has been God’s plan from the beginning; we saw the first hint of it in Genesis 3:15 and we see it again here in verse 7 when the Lord says, “Come, let us go down and confuse their language. . .”  God initiates the action of salvation; He accomplishes it through Christ; and He convicts us of our need for salvation through the Holy Spirit.  The Lord confused men’s speech in vv. 6-8 because He said that if He didn’t stop them,  . .then nothing they planned to do would be impossible for them.  He realized that men, left unchecked, will attempt to build a world according to their own specifications; and because men are flawed, the world they create will be flawed as well.  As an example, there is the supposedly utopian society that the Communists tried to create in Russia and the evil to which they resorted in an effort to maintain it.  Could the same be true of our own country?  It will be, if we leave God out of it!  Are we, as Christians, willing to stand up for what we believe?  One of the best places we can start is in the voting booth!  Don’t forget to exercise YOUR freedom to vote next Tuesday! (Gen. 11)

BL-Are there any positive aspects that came from events surrounding the Tower of Babel and God’s subsequent destruction of it?  The sudden dispersal and inability to communicate, forced people out of their “comfort zones.” The action by God fostered new cultures and ideas.  It also taught the people humility and made them more dependent on God instead of each other. However, in building the Tower, the people had learned the value of teamwork.  They were unified in their goal, their purpose, and their planning.  What they tried to do may be compared to the Church today, in which each believer brings unique gifts that can benefit the entire entity.  What gifts has God given you and me?  How are we using them to build up the existing body of believers?

How can we use them to reach out to those who do not yet believe? (Gen. 11:1-9)

BL-In the remaining verses of chapter 11, we traced the background of Abram, a descendant of Noah’s son, Shem.  In chapter 12, Abram was commanded by God to leave his country, his people and his father’s household and go to the land God showed him.  If he complied, God promised to make Abram into a great nation (although Abram had no children at this point, to bless him and make his name great.  Abram did obey God–but with a few concessions!  He left his country, but he took along all his possessions, his servants, and his nephew, Lot–extra baggage that would weigh him down considerably at a later time!  In v. 7, God promised to give Abram’s offspring the land of Canaan, but Abram still did not trust God to care for him.  A famine in v. 10 sent him scurrying to Egypt, and there, his lack of trust prompted him to commit yet another sin–he deceived the Egyptians into believing that Sarai, his wife, was really his sister. Pharoah took the beautiful Sarai into his palace and gave Abram sheep, donkeys, servants, and camels in return. Who knows how long Abram would have lingered in this land of plenty if God had not intervened?  However, God inflicted Pharoah and his household with diseases. Pharoah quickly surmised the reason for his suffering and ordered Abram, Sarai, and Abram’s people out of Egypt.  Sometimes, God will use even godless people to set His children straight! 

M-Those who followed Nimrod came to the point where there concern of be scattered caused them to build a city that would give them a name.  One of those cities was Babel.  It became a good idea gone sour. For in that city they decided to build a tower to reach all the way to heaven.

When the reason for working at a project of the magnitude of building a tower to heaven is based on pride then it has become misguided and will not provide the fulfillment the builder’s desire. Babel was just such an endeavor.  It was doomed from the beginning because it was based on the same premise that caused the fall of Adam, to be like God or in other words replace Him with our own accomplishments and worship the material things that man has made. (Gen. 11:4-6)

WM-Man’s arrogance began to surface as he attempted to build a monument to themselves.  It is the same idea that the secular humanists have today of elimination God from all of their endeavors. (Gen. 11:4)

WM-The people who arrived at Shinar failed to understand that God has placed limitations on what finite man can accomplish.  When man begins to attempt to make himself equal or above God he can expect that He will take action to re-establish His preeminence among men.  God is jealous of His position and His name and will let no man take those attributes from Him.  Man has never caught on to the fact that every- thing he does is temporary at best, except for the eternal relationship he may have with the Father. (Gen. 11:5-10)

C-In the building of the tower of Babel there is the foundation of the present day humanistic philosophy and ideology. (Gen. 11:4-6) 

DM-The decision to build a city and the tower which became Babel has impacted the world from that point on.  Man has continually attempted to make a name for himself.  God then has had to intervene with discipline and judgment.  Man has not learned that God cannot and will not be supplanted. (Gen. 11:4-9)

RT-It was not the physical tower of Babel itself, but he pride of the men who were building it who responsible for it becoming a symbol of dispersion.  The tower was left standing but the people were all gone from that place. (Gen. 11:4-9)

UE-Unlike the gods that the pagans worship, God takes interest in the affairs of men. Especially when it calls for His direct intervention He took at the tower of Babel when He confused the language and scattered the people.  This was not done out of vindictive- ness but because man had become proud and arrogant believing that somehow by their own hands they could reach and become like God. They soon learned they lesson that it is God who reaches down to man with was beneficial for him and not man reaching up by his own achievements. (Gen. 11:4-9)

C-Attitudes of people sometimes necessitate change.  It may be as simple as a little attitude adjustment.  In the case of Noah’s descendents, God had to use more extreme measures.  As the people spread out over the face of the earth they reached a point in which they began to believe that they could build a tower all the way up to heaven.  In essence to accomplish this would raise them in their own minds to the level of God.  This could not happen.  God showed sovereignty over man by giving each of them a new language, thus ending the building project.  We can only imagine the chaos that one act caused.  No longer could any man understand what another man was saying.  The language barrier separated man from man and each went to different parts of the earth.  I believe that not only was the language changed but all races came into being at the same time as God allowed each to adapt to his new environment. (Gen 11:1-9)