TEXT: Genesis 13 & 14

1. SEARCHING OUR MEMORIES
   1. Discuss what you chose to do from last week's "Searching Our Lives" suggestions.

   2. From last week's lesson, what impressed you most about Abram's will to follow God's call?

   In this week's lesson, Abram and Lot separate. Facing a conflict with too many people and too many animals, Abram offers Lot first choice of land to settle in. In this lesson, we will see the differences in Abram's character and Lot's character. Lot's choice of land will bring Abram to rescue him from the problems Lot will face.

2. SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
   3. Upon leaving Egypt, where did Abram go?

   4. What is the material state of Abram?

   5. Why did Abram and Lot separate?

   6. What tribes lived in the land?

   7. What agreement did Abram make with Lot? (13:9)

   8. As Lot looked up, what did he see?

   God blessed Abram and Lot with material wealth. Is it possible to be wealthy and still be a faithful servant to God's desires? Here are two examples of how material possessions can affect decision-making. Abram's decision to let Lot choose first was undoubtedly a choice made by faith, with Abram not looking on things temporal, but on things spiritual—that is, God's promise. We should follow in the footsteps of Abram and look beyond the here-and-now when making decisions.

   9. "The garden of the Lord" refers to what? (v. 10 and see 2:8, 9)

   10. Where did Lot choose to dwell?

   11. What kind of men lived in Sodom?

   12. 1. Where did Abram choose to dwell? (vv. 12, 18)

       2. What later took place here? (23:19 and 25:9)

   13. Which part of God's three-fold promise is given to Abram at this time?

   14. As he had done at each move, what did Abram now do?

   15. What event led up to the rescue of Lot and his family?

   16. What part did Abram play in Lot's rescue?

   17. Whom did Abram meet on his way home?

   18. Who was Melchizedek?

   19. What did Melchizedek give Abram?

   20. What did Abram give to Melchizedek?

   21. What did the king of Sodom request from Abram?

   22. How did Abram react to the king of Sodom's offer?

   23. Why wouldn't Abram take the king's offer?

   Abram revealed his trust in the Lord again when he attempted to avoid strife (13:8) at all costs and allowed Lot to have first choice of the land. Do we give to God when it costs us to give? Are we willing to sacrifice the "best" as He did—in Jesus Christ? Or are we like Lot and put ourselves first when making decisions? Our prayer should be "Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God." (Psalm 143:10)

3. MAKING THE CONNECTION
   24. Although Lot made questionable choices regarding where to live, how does Lot view the men of Sodom? (2 Peter 2:7-8)

   25. Melchizedek is introduced in Genesis 14:18. How is he described in Hebrews 7:1-3?

   26. In Hebrews 6:20 and 7:1-3, Jesus is said to be a priest "after the order of Melchizedek." What are some common characteristics of these two?

4. SEARCHING THE HEART
   27. What are two things Abram left Egypt with, each of which caused problems for him later? (Genesis 13:2, 6 and 16:1) Can either still be a source of problems for us today?

   28. The herdsmen let petty jealousy tear them apart. What are some similar situations we face today?

   29. When considering the incident Lot was in, what characteristics do we see in Abram that we should strive to emulate?

   A good reason believers should avoid controversy with other Christians is because the example that is set may be the only picture others will ever see of God.

5. SEARCHING OUR LIVES (Choose one of the following to complete and discuss for next week.)
   30. Abram made a personal sacrifice by giving Lot the first choice of land. This week, make an effort to put Romans 12:1-2 into practice. Make a note of how you were able to do this and share with your class.

   31. Abram gave Lot first choice of land. Be aware of the scripture that states "So the last will be first and the first will be last" (Matthew 20:16). This week, put yourself in a situation that will allow someone else to be first.

   32. You may have a "Lot" in your life who needs to be "rescued." You can not change anyone, but God can. Pray for that person on a regular basis, remembering to (1) thank God for that person's potential and skills and (2) thank God for the Holy Spirit, who works in our lives.

   33. Because Abram did not want the King of Sodom to take credit for his wealth, he rejected the King's gift. This week, encourage your children or grandchildren to see that our blessings are gifts from God.

   God chooses to work His plan through people even though people are not perfect. Although mankind is not without flaws, we must not be discouraged because God can still work His plan through us. Our Lord is able to empower us to carry out His eternal plan.