September 10, 2006
“Abram, Money, Power and Integrity”
Genesis 13-14
In our culture, money seems to be pretty much an unqualified blessing. At the same time, we often suspect or at least worry someone with money and power has evil motives, a wicked heart, etc. Scripture puts a WARNING LABEL on money / power saying, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” James even tells the rich to “weep and howl” see James 5:1-7. Yet, Scripture does not say money is evil, it is the “love of money” and the misuse of money and power that is condemned. Many a good man, even great men like David, Hezekiah fall at the richest most secure points in their lives. Therefore, my point is money is dangerous, not evil and money and power can be useful if handled properly, something like fire! Abram gives us a good example!
I. Abram was “very rich” – Genesis 13:2
II. Yet, Abram was not selfish or greedy – Genesis 13:5-12
1. Lot also was rich yet there is no competitive desire in Abram to be RICHER than Lot –
2. Abram as the elder could have argued that authority and did not need to give Lot his choice, but he did, avoiding conflict - :8-9
3. One part of the land appears far more rich and lush, Abram is content to let Lot have that – :10-12
III. God’s promise of blessing upon Abram is consistent with Jesus’ teaching that the meek shall inherit the earth – Genesis 13:13-17; Matthew 5:7
1. Definition of meekness
2. A fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23
3. Abram’s example of it – Genesis 13:8-10
IV. Abram avoids conflict with Lot, yet he is certainly ready to fight for Lot - 14
1. Historians and archeologists tell us there was a constant a fierce battling for land going on in those days, obvious from this passage – Genesis 14:1-10
2. Lot is caught in the middle of this and without Abram’s help would likely end up a slave – Genesis 14:11-12
3. Abram, though powerful had not made himself part of these battle, rather he settled in a land it seems no one fought him for
4. Yet, when the enemy captures Lot, Abram is quick and fierce to the fight – Genesis 14:13-16
5. This passage does not back extreme war-hawks or pacifists – Ecclesiastes 3:8
V. The end of the battle seems to show Abram did a lot more than merely rescue Lot –
1. Abram did not negotiate, nor did He use covert action to rescue Lot alone
2. He brought back all the goods and people - :14-16
3. A complete victory was won
VI. Abram did not divide the spoils of war
1. He gives a tithe to Melchizedek – :14:18-20
2. He makes sure his servants are taken care of -14:24
3. He “raised his hand to the LORD” pledging not to take anything from the King of Sodom, why? (Genesis 14:22-23)
A. Perhaps because of a growth in faith - :22
B. Perhaps because of Sodom’s wickedness –Genesis 13:13
C. Perhaps because the spoils would be spoils of war –14:1-10; :18-20 Melchizedek means king of peace
Admire Abraham for handling both money and power with extreme integrity, we see in Abram:
1. A lack of greed
2. A willingness to fight for what is right
3. A man who would not be part of the spoils of war and or wickedness
