Lesson 9 of 17 · Genesis 13:1-18

Our Life Journey

Contrast Abram's renewed faith with Lot's short-sighted choices, and learn how worship, vision, and trust shape the direction of life.

Lesson video

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Required course reading

Genesis 12:1-9 - Our Journey of Faith

Read: He Faced Life Challenges and He Prioritized Spiritual Relationships

PDF pages: 214-221 · About 13 minutes

Consider how obstacles, relationships, obedience, worship, and spiritual priorities shape the direction of life.

Optional deeper reading: Person Detour (Genesis 13-14) in Abraham’s Costly Detours (PDF pages 234-235 · about 3 minutes).

Use the PDF or EPUB course book supplied after confirmed enrollment. In the EPUB, follow the chapter and section titles because page numbers vary by device.

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Introduction

Prepare for the lesson

Genesis 13 records a return, a conflict, and a choice. Abram returns to worship and trusts God with the outcome, while Lot chooses by sight. The direction of a life is shaped by what the heart values and trusts.

Learning objectives

  • See how Abram returns to worship after failure.
  • Compare Abram's faith-filled generosity with Lot's visual calculation.
  • Identify how choices reveal values and shape future direction.
  • Trust God rather than grasping for the best visible advantage.

Lesson outline

Follow the main teaching

  1. Return to the altar

    Abram returns to the place of worship and calls on the Lord.

  2. Conflict in the household

    Growing possessions create tension between Abram's and Lot's herdsmen.

  3. Abram releases his rights

    Abram seeks peace and lets Lot choose first.

  4. Lot chooses by sight

    Lot selects the attractive plain without adequately weighing its moral danger.

  5. God renews His promise

    After separation, God enlarges Abram's vision and confirms the land promise.

Class discussion

Reflect and apply

  1. Why was returning to the altar important for Abram?
  2. What did Abram's willingness to let Lot choose reveal?
  3. What did Lot fail to consider?
  4. How do visible advantages sometimes hide spiritual danger?
  5. Where do you need to trust God rather than grasp for control?