May 13, 2020

GENESIS

“TRIALS, CONFLICTS AND TESTINGS”

GENESIS 12:10-13:18

1 Peter 1:7 “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Job says the same thing- Job 23:10 “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”

God’s purpose in allowing trials is not only to verify our faith but also to purify it and to remove the dross.

Like Abraham, as you progress in the “school of faith” you will face three special test:

1. Circumstances- Genesis 12:10

Why did God allow the famine?

One of the enemies of the life of faith is pride.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

God did not want Abraham to become proud and self-confident, so He put him and his faith into the furnace of testing.

Instead of remaining in the land and trusting the Lord to help him, Abraham went “down to Egypt” vs.10.

Isaiah 28:16 “…he who believes will not act hastily.”

So in times of testing what question do you ask- How can I get out of this? Or What can I get out of this? God is at work to build your faith.

The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.

2. People- Genesis 12:11-13:4

Psalm 138:8 “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

Notice the challenges that took place in Abraham’s life:

Abraham Moved from Trusting to Scheming-vs.11-13

Abraham Moved from Confidence to Fear-vs.13

When you are in the place of God’s choosing, you don’t ever need to be afraid, for faith and fear cannot dwell in the same heart.

Isaiah 12:2 “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

Mark 4:40 “But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful?Howis it that you have no faith?”

Abraham Moved from “Others” to Self- vs.13

He lied so “that it may be well with me for your sake…”

Abraham Moved from Bringing Blessing to Bringing Judgment-vs.17

Abraham learned his lesson and repented and “went up out of Egypt” (13:1-4).

3. Things- Genesis 13:5-18

The test was not an easy one, for it involved land and wealth, but Abraham is the example of what to do when there are disputes about material things:

Abraham Determined to be a Peacemaker, and not a Troublemaker- (13:5-7).

Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

Lot was a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7-8) but not devoted to the Lord. He could not walk with Abraham because Abraham was a friend of God ( 2 Chronicles 20:7, Isaiah 41:8), and Lot was a friend of the world (James 4:4).

Abraham Lived for Others, Not for Self- Genesis 13:8-9

Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;”

Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Abraham Lived by Faith, Not by Sight- Genesis 13:10-11

Psalm 47:4

Matthew 6:33

Abraham Let God Choose for Him- Genesis 13:12-17

Abraham Gave Thanks to God- Genesis 13:18

1 John 5:4-5 “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”