Scripture Study with Bibi, Genesis 13:1-18

“Almost all of our sorrows spring out of our relations with other people. There is no more mistaken path to happiness than worldliness.”  - Arthur Schopenhauer

Following his near disastrous experience in Egypt, where Abram found himself and his party being escorted out of the land by Pharaoh's men (Genesis 12:20), we now find Abram returning to Canaan. This brought him back to the highlands of Bethel, where his first tent and altar had been set up.

Abram owned up to his mistake in Egypt. He went there relying on his own resources, but soon found himself resorting to lying and dishonesty to keep his family alive. By returning to Bethel, Abram acknowledged he should have stayed there and waited out the famine (Genesis 12:10) in complete dependence on God, instead.

Now, along with Abram and his wife Sarai, was his nephew Lot. He was the grandson of Terah, and son of Haran (Abram's brother). How did Lot and Abram end up together? Lot's father (Haran) passed away unexpectedly so he was taken in by relatives. 

After his father's death, Lot's grandfather (Terah) decided to move the entire family to Canaan, but they ended up in Harran instead. If you recall back in Genesis 12:1-4, following Terah's death, the Lord spoke to Abram telling him to go on to Canaan with the promise of making him into a great nation. 

Thus, Abram set out, taking Lot and his family along. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. And so it was between Abram and Lot. This week's study will examine the separation of Abram and Lot in Genesis, chapter 13. If you haven't already done so, read the chapter before completing the questions!

Let's begin with prayer: Dear LORD, as we meet together to learn, grow, and change in study, help us move into a deeper understanding of Your truth. Amen.

Now, this week's study:

Both families of Abram and Lot left Egypt and headed toward the Negev, the southern desert or wilderness area of Judah. And, as is the case many times, change can cause problems, especially in families.

1.) What changed in the relationship between Abram and Lot? What lesson could we learn from this? (Genesis 13:1-5)

2.) Due their abundant success, a problem eventually arose  between Abram's and Lot's families. What was the great friction between them? (Genesis 13:6-7).

3.) Abram, being the elder and wiser, and in true courtesy, kindness, and unselfishness, came up with a solution. What was it? What message does this send across to our own daily lives? (Genesis 13: 8-9)

4.) No doubt Lot was a good man in character. However, even good men have their faults. Lot's was worldliness, and it cost him dearly. What was Lot's decision in regards to Abram's offer? What do you think was Lot's motivation for his choice? (Genesis 13-10-11)

5.) Abram should have had first choice since he was an older relative, but he graciously gave it to Lot. After the two parted ways, where did each man go? What do their choices say about the two men? (Genesis 13:12).

6.) The towns of Sodom and Gomorrah stood in beautiful and fertile country. Even so, there was a problem with the people living there. What was the problem? (Genesis 13:13).

7.) Meanwhile, after he and Lot parted ways, Abram, the chosen man of God, was now alone.  He had proved his humility and self-sacrificing spirit. Though it appeared, at first, that Lot got the better deal, we now see this wasn't true.

What was the difference between what Lot received from Abram, and what Abram had gained from the Lord? What did Abram do as an act of thankfulness after God's promise had been confirmed to him? (Genesis 13:14-18)

This concludes our study this week. Next time we will examine Genesis, chapter 14. There's a lot of information within this chapter, including Abram’s rescue of Lot from captivity. Therefore, I highly recommend that you read it beforehand.

Until then, have a blessed and safe weekend!

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:2; Jude 1:19; Titus 2:12 

Prayer: Dear LORD, strengthen me with the hope of my salvation and the many other blessings you provide with your continuous presence in my life. Amen.

May you be generously blessed!

Bibi