Steps for a Growing Faith Genesis 14 Genesis 14 Paul J. Bucknell - NASB

Three Steps for a Growing Faith Genesis 14 Genesis 14 Paul J. Bucknell

SOCIETY “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). God’s New Family Genesis God’s New Family Genesis God starts His special family/society. This new society is based on trust in Him. This family is the focus for the rest of Genesis, even the rest of the Bible. Abraham Isaac Jacob Joseph Individuals in the Hands of God Abraham Lot

Steps for a Growing Faith (Genesis 14), An Outline #1 Observe God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:1-10) A proper understanding of God’s blessings strengthens our relationship with God. #3 Secure God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:18-20) As we see God’s help, God brings us closer to Him through deeper devotion and personal appreciation for His work in our lives. #2 Utilize God’s Blessings for others (Genesis 14:11-17) A strong faith helps us proactively carry out God’s good will.

#1 Observe God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:1-10) “And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 All these came as allies to the valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 And in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth- karnaim and the Zuzim in Ham and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran, which is by the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar. 8 And the king of Sodom and the king of Gomorrah and the king of Admah and the king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) came out; and they arrayed for battle against them in the valley of Siddim, 9 against Chedorlaomer king of Elam and Tidal king of Goiim and Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar--four kings against five. 10 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell into them. But those who survived fled to the hill country” (Genesis 14:1-10).

The War Zone Amraphel king of Shinar Arioch king of Ellasar Chedorlaomer king of Elam Tidal king of Goiim Bera king of Sodom Birsha king of Gomorrah Shinab king of Admah Shemeber king of Zeboiim The king of Bela (Zoar) Enough is enough. 13th year rebelled ✦ North subjugated south for 12 years ✦ 13th year southern states rebelled ✦ 14th year North overpowers the South North – AssyriaSouthern city-states

Genesis 14:1-10 Amalekites Seir Kadesh (Petra) Abram Gomorrah Sodom Mt Hor The north invades the south Amorites

Blessing All Blessings from God “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow” (James 1:16-17). Blessing God is really good! He loves me! I am cared for! I love Him.

Connecting God’s Truth All Blessings are from God (James 1:17) Observing His ways reaps His blessings Disregarding His truths bring pain to our lives. RelationshipsHarmony, kindness Disharmony, arguing, fighting. MoneyContent, sharing Discontent, greedy, selfish Marriage Long lasting love, genuine care Barrenness, alienation, brokenness, phoniness. Drive Team welfare, God’s work Covetousness, evil plans.

#2 Utilize God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:11-16) “Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food supply, and departed. 12 And they also took Lot, Abram’s nephew, and his possessions and departed, for he was living in Sodom. 13 Then a fugitive came and told Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner, and these were allies with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people” (Genesis 14:11-16). Hebrew “Then a fugitive came...”

His Testing God designs personal tests, usually triggered by some circumstances, to push us to more deeply trust Him so that we might be increasingly convinced of His glorious person, power and plans. What is His next plan for you? “An escapee told Abram the Hebrew” “An escapee told Abram the Hebrew”

318 Two ways to do good Refrain from evil Proactively do good “When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan” (Gen 14:14).

Mission Minded Living God tests us at our most vulnerable places. Challenge and growth go together. The Lord wants us to win. Do you really believe obedience is important? Do you love me more than these? Do you really love one another? Do you really care for the lost? We like our lives of ease. It’s demanding!

#3 Secure God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:17-24) Melchizedek “Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tenth of all. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” 22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share” (Genesis 14:11-17).

possesso r of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:22). “The LORD God Most High,

The High Priestly King What is in a tithe? Does God really need it, as possessor of heaven and earth? Clearly not. The tithe is our opportunity to take what is precious to us and give it to Him. We want Him to know how much He means to us. me Most High God Possessor of Heaven and Earth High Priest Our need made in prayer Needs are through the High Priest God answers prayer We give back to the Lord

Bible’s Teaching on Melchizedek #1 Genesis 14 Surprise visit – described as king-priest to Most High God Reveals hidden truths #2 Psalm 110 Messiah is of order of Melchizedek “The LORD has sworn..., “Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4). God promises of someone greater– look for Christ #3 Hebrews 5-8 Jesus Christ is this king-priest that we serve. Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior

Steps for a Growing Faith (Genesis 14) #1 Observe God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:1-10) Do you regularly thank God in your heart for His blessings? Make it personal. Are you attracted to the world? Look at the pain of those who do not live by the truth. Get a real perspective. Affirm the Lord as source of blessings. #2 Utilize God’s Blessings for others (Genesis 14:11-17) Are you ready for the challenges of using your blessings to meet someone else’s need? “What’s next, Lord?” #3 Secure God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:18-20) Do you tithe (10%) to the Lord? Why? Build your faith: Seek His help, do it, & show appreciation to the Lord. Renewal

Steps for a Growing Faith Genesis 14 Genesis 14 Paul J. Bucknell - NASB