Genesis 13
A Family Feud

V.2 The first mention of wealth in the Bible.

Wealth
1. How did we _____________?

2. What are we doing ____________?

3. Who_____________________ who?

V.5-7
Gen 12:1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

Disobedience always brings consequences

Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction

Notice who the conflict wasn’t with
1. People are in the church
2. People are sinful by nature
3. Church will be flawed

Our conflicts need to be dealt with appropriately for the sake of our witness
V.8-9 Submitting for the sake of love and trust in God

What causes fights and quarrels among you?

James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.

Relinquishing glorifies the LORD
•1 Corinthians 9:14-18
•Philippians 2:5-11

Love in action

Phil 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

William Booth, “Others”

Taking the initiative for peace

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Conflict is inevitable, but how we deal with it has options
V.10-13 Deciding by the “lust of the eyes”.

Questions to ask yourself before making a decision.

1. Is this biblical?
2. Is it wise stewardship of my resources?
3. Will it glorify Christ?
4. How will it influence others?

V.14-17 Faith requires acting blindly
V.18 “built an altar there to the Lord”

A constant awareness of the need for a sacrificial atonement and covering.

Conclusion

Eccl 3:1There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... 8 a time for war and a time for peace.

In essentials Unity
In non-essentials Liberty
In all things Love