Summary of Genesis 13-14

Good afternoon all

a few weeks late, I admit, but here is the summary of the Bible Study that we did at the Hersey household on April 13. The study covered chapters 13 and 14 of Genesis.
por cierto, he pensado que a lo mejor debemos tener estos resumenes tambien a mano para los siguentes estudios, para que la gente que no pudiera assistir sepan por donde vamos...

In chapter 13 we saw Abram and Lot go their different ways. Abram returns to the place where he had previously built an altar, and we commented that his return to God allowed him to offer Lot the choice of the lands. As the patriach of the group, Abram was entitled to the pick of which lands he wanted, but as God's servant, he chose to trust in God's chioce, and avoid any family discussions, by offering Lot the first pick. Lot, naturally, chose the best lands. Lot was choosing based on human, material needs. I do not think we should criticize his pick too much, either. Given the choice, he was taking what was natural. Abram, on the other hand, placed his faith in God, as he had seen in Egypt where trusting in his own goodness had resulted in essentially selling his wife to the Pharaoh. How many times in our dialy lives are we confronted with the opportunity for placing our trust in God's hands, and how many times do we actually do it?

In chapter 14, we see that Lot has fallen captive in a war. Abram's reaction was immediate. It is the first reference of the word Hebrew, and we also see that Abram's wealth was substantial, considering he had more than 300 men who were specially trained to help him. His own personal army. Not only does Abram rescue Lot, but also recovered all the good and possessions. At the end of chapter 14, we meet Melchizedek, who comes up again in the book of Hebrews. This "priest/King" has no genealogy either before or after in the Bible, but his inclusion is important. It shows God operating not only in Abram and his people, but that God is recognized elsewhere. We also see the beginnings of the 10% tithe, where Abram gives Mechizedek a portion of his possessions to use for God's glory. On the other hand, the King of Sodom takes a more worldly approach, suggesting to Abram that he "give me the people and keep the goods for yourself" (Genesis 14:21). Abram's reaction shows once more his dependance on God, he accepts nothing. For me personally, to see that Abram is capable of such faith, even after falling multiple times, is a great relief and inspiration.

Questions for our next study: Genesis 15 - 17

Abram is "in training", learning how to exercise his faith in the practical details of life. Can God be trusted in times of famine? Can he supply what Abram needs? Abram experineces God's intervention in Egypt on Sarai's and his behalf. When Lot chose the most fertile part of Canaan for his flocks, the Lord repeated, giving greater detail, the promise to Abram of the whole land and multiplied descendants. After rescuing Lot from the kings who plundered Sodom, Abram declared his undivided loyalty to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. He gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God, and he refused to accept the king of Sodom's gift of the spoils of war. So our study begins, After this the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.

Read Genesis 15

1. Put in your own words the reassurance the Lord gives to Abram in verse.

2. What is the reason for Abram's distress in verses 2 and 3?

Note that according to ancient documents a childless man could adopt one of his male servants to be his heir or guardian of his estate.

3. In response to Abram's complaint, God renews his promise of offspring as numerous as the stars (15:5) or the dust of the earth (13:6). How does Abram respond to God's astounding promises?

4. Upon what does Abram base his belief?

Compare Romans 4:3, 18 -24 to better understand the implications of Abram's faith.

On what do you base your own faith - the character of God, your own works, or something else?

5. What covenant or pact does God make with Abram (verses 4-8, 18-21)? What future events does God reveal to Abram?

6. In ancient covenant ritual (vv 9,10,17) both parties would pass between th dismembered animals to signify what would happen to them if they broke the covenant. "May it so be done to me if I do not keep my pledge". How would the sign of fire assure Abram that God would keep his coveant?

What is Abram's role in the covenant?

Read chapter 16

7. Some 10 years have passed since God first promised descendants to Abram. To what household pressure does Abram yield and why?

8. What seemed like a workable idea soon runs into trouble. How do the three individuals in vv 1-6 each display their sinfulness?

9. What do you learn about God from his dealings with Hagar?

The Reason for God

The book "The Reason for God" should have arrived the next time we meet up for a study (which will be next Sunday at my place by the way). In the meantime, you might like to listen to Tim Keller (the author of the book) talking about the subject before a group of students in the US. Why not access this link, and listen to Tim Keller? It will give you a taste of the content of the book. I'm sure you will agree with me that it is very challenging!