We have been looking at the faith of Abraham on Sunday evenings. A couple of weeks ago we looked at the trials that God allowed in Abraham's life. God allows trials to come into our lives that we might be matured in the faith. God's desire is for us to grow in every area of our lives, but that will not come easily. There can be no growth without challenge, and there can be no challenge without change. If our circumstances never changed, everything would be predictable; and the more predictable life becomes, the less challenge it represents.
When we walk in the light we can see what is going on, and we experience variety in our lives. But in the darkness everything looks alike. No wonder unsaved people (and backslidden believers) are so bored with life that they are constantly seeking escape! The life of faith presents challenges that keep us going and growing for the Lord.
Remember, we said that when Abraham reached the Promised Land it was not an end, but the beginning of a new walk with God. In chapter 14 we see Abraham in three separate areas, and in each one he must exercise faith and make decisions. Our lives are similar in that we are constantly faced with new challenges that will stretch our faith and cause us to mature in the Lord.
I. Abraham the Watcher. Vs 1?12
A. The war.
1. This is the first war that is recorded in the Scriptures.
2. The only reason that it is recorded here is because of the involvement of Abraham and Lot.
3. The war came about because the five kings of the city-states in the plain of Jordan rebelled against the four kings of the eastern city-states.
4. The four kings invaded the plain of Jordan and were victorious and part of this victory involved the taking of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
5. When this happened, Lot was taken captive.
B. God's purpose in the war.
1. God had something special in mind for Lot in all of this.
2. Lot had looked toward Sodom, moved toward Sodom, and now apparently was living in Sodom.
3. Lot's capture was God's way of disciplining him and reminding him that he had no business living in Sodom.
4. God disciplines His children because He loves them and wants the best for them.
5. If we do not listen to God's rebukes, then He may have to get our attention in some other way.
II. Abraham the Warrior. v 13 ?16
A. Notice his attitude. (v 13)
1. Abraham did not get involved in the war until he heard that Lot had been captured.
2. In v13 he is called Abram the Hebrew; he had not lost his identity nor his testimony.
B. Notice his army. (v 14)
1. Abraham was prepared for battle.
2. He fought, not for personal gain, but because he loved Lot and wanted to help him.
3. His army pictures what is needed in our spiritual battle today.
a. They were born in his house.
b. They were servants.
c. They were trained.
d. They were armed by their master.
e. They were obedient.
f. They were victorious.
C. Notice his achievement. (15-16)
1. Abraham and his army were strong.
2. They chased the enemy down and smote them.
a. They freed all the captives which included Lot.
b. They recovered all the goods that had been taken.
c. There is no mention of casualties among Abram's forces.
d. This victory broke the power of the Confederacy, and there is no record of any subsequent attempt to renew their hold on the Land.
3. Unfortunately, neither the Lord's chastening nor His goodness in rescuing Lot made any difference to Lot, because he returned to Sodom.
III. Abraham the Worshiper. v 17-24
A. Abraham was met by two kings upon his return from victory.
1. Bera, king of Sodom (burning)
2. Melchizadek, king of Salem (peace)
B. These two kings are symbolic:
1. The king of Sodom represented this world and all it offers.
2. The king of Salem represented God and all that He offers.
C. There is always the temptation after a victory to claim some of the credit for ourselves.
1. Two lines of thinking are represented here.
2. Godly thinking: Abraham is ministered to by Melchizadek, and is reminded that God is the One who deserves the honor for the victory.
3. Ungodly thinking: King of Sodom represents the world and says, "Take it, you deserve it." but God says, "'Give because I have blessed you.".
4. One focuses the attention on self while the other focuses the attention on the Lord.
What can we gain from this look into Abraham's faith? There is a time to observe, and a time to get involved. We must be prepared for battle, Abraham didn't wait until the war to prepare, nor should we. We should keep our focus upon the Lord and realize it is God who deserves all the glory for whatever we accomplish!