That’s
What Brothers Are For (Genesis 13:1-14:21)
1. What was the nicest thing you ever did for
you sibling? What was the meanest?
2. What comments can you make regarding how Lot
goes about making his decision? Why do
you think Abram gave Lot a choice? What
is the significance of vv. 13:14-17?
(o) How would you contrast Abram’s circumstances/God’s
perspective here in ch 13 with the previous situation in ch 12?
3. Notice Lot’s progression (13:5, 13:8, 13:10, 13:12, 14:12). What observations can you make?
“moving about
with Abram” (13:5)
“quarreling with
Abram” (13:8)
“looking toward Zoar” (13:10)
“tenting near Sodom” (13:12)
“living in Sodom” (14:12)?
The circumstances that lead to Lot’s capture don’t happen
all of a sudden. They happen as a
result of walking a slippery slope.
(o) What slippery slopes are we treading on?
Note: It is interesting to point out that the war itself is minor in regards to the narrative, but would have been big headlines from a worldly perspective. Rather than focus on major world powers at war, the focus is on Abram and his dealing with his nephew. Although the Bible is historical, it does not recount history from a world perspective. Rather, it depicts history from God’s perspective. And the actions of the man through whom God is going to bring about His chosen nation (which later will be used to bring about the Redeemer) is far more important than what would have been consider a major war. This is what is called Redemptive History; the chronicling of how God has worked through history to reconcile His people to Himself.
(o) Who might be the world’s “movers and shakers” from a the heavenly perspective?
4. Given Lot’s history, what are some
alternative ways Abram could have responded?
Why do you suppose Abram responded the way he did?
Abram could have left Lot alone and let him suffer the
consequences of his decision/sin.
v13:8 “for we are brothers”
Abram loved his nephew Lot. And he showed it.
5. Although
the word itself is not used, where in this passage do you see love being
expressed?
v13:8 “for we are brothers”
v13:11 “the two men parted company”
v14:14 “When
Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he … went in pursuit …”
v14:16 “He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his
possessions, together with the women and the other people.”
People are messy.
And if you are going to love people, it’s going to get messy.
Love is costly, requires sacrifice, and requires
risk. And people will hurt you.
Note: In Genesis
19, we find that Lot has moved back to Sodom.
(o) In what manner may we be asked to get “involved” even
if it’s messy?
(o) In what manner have others been involved in your life
even though it was messy?
APPLICATION