"How meekness changes the world". Adventures in faith with Abraham. Genesis 13-14

Introduction
How is your faith going to help you handle the latest tests to your life?

Extension to lockdown is next phase of God refining us as people and a church
How will we respond to not being able to see parents, relatives, homeschooling, no hugs with friends, no church services together etc?
Abram's world a tough place
Conflict with relatives; wars etc. (following on from famine)
How is his faith expressed and evidenced?
In meekness
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matt 5:5
What is this meekness?
“Meekness is a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own.” See Gal 6:1.
"those who do not throw their weight about." 
"Those who know how to use a sword, but keep it sheathed"
Not seen in some of our world leaders? What about us?
Jesus lived like this

1. Meekness takes us back to God, Gen 13.1-4
He's been humbled in Egypt
Does not sulk
Goes back to reconnect with God
Even though God does not speak-yet.
Dry times are not wasted, but a preparation
What does that look like for us?
How do we respond to sin, guilt, regret?
Whatever you have done there is a warm welcome from God waiting for you (remember the prodigal)

How do you know if you are meek?

Consistent devotion
We go to God even when he does not speak.
We get strengthened by God whether we notice it or not
We get equipped by God whether we notice it or not
Looks to me like this 'quiet time' prepared Abram for the next challenge

2. Meekness helps us act like God, Gen 13.5-13
Final recorded conversation with Lot
Lot seeks material over spiritual
Living by sight, not faith
East - away from Eden
Excellent example of how to deal with a dispute - notes on that in the podcast on this section
Grace and meekness go together
Last time tried to control his fate
This time gives up control
Not dominating the decision making
Content with land - not necessarily the best land!
Seeking benefit of the undeserving
Like Jesus
Phil 2:3–7
Meekness demonstrated by generosity inspired by God's generosity to us
In what ways are we tempted into self-preservation?
Are you generous by nature/habit?
If not, the answer will not be in making yourself be generous, but in connecting with the source of generosity.
Can we generous with time etc - in touch with one another

How do you know if you are meek?
When you are generous towards other people

Interlude: Gen 13:14-18 - Meekness enables God to draw close to us and bless us
Promises more expansive: "all...you see"; dust; forever
Another altar - celebrating God's mercy to him (after what happened in Egypt)
When we own our faults, experience God's generous mercy, we are able to draw closer to the heart of God.

3. Meekness helps us to act courageously for God, Gen 14.1-16, 21-24
Lot near (Gen 13:12), now in (Gen 14:12)
Meekness is not passivity
Not his fight, but compassion moves him
Firm against those who wish to harm Lot. Would not allow those he loved and felt responsible for to be taken advantage of, like Jesus and the apostle Paul
Sign of a mature leader & Christian - compassionate, merciful, generous and courageous, sacrificial
Strength and warmth. Jesus - grace and truth. John 1:14
Strength in his leadership:
Prepared - 318 men trained, equipped and ready
Takes initiative
Cost in risk to his life, time, money (men on the battlefield not in the harvest field etc), lives (if some die or wounded)
Emotional/spiritual - Lot getting what he 'deserved'? Yet, Abram self-controlled and spiritual enough not to abandon him
King of Sodom, vv21-24
Handles his ingratitude and arrogance well, "give me...". Very strong in the Hebrew.
Integrity - could have become more rich, but God is the focus
Lets king of Sodom know about God - he should have been impressed!
When we are in a secure place with God (we are nothing, but God has chosen us), we are able to live a courageous faith.

How do you know if you are meek?

When you fight for the benefit of other people
In prayer
Practically, for example, injustice

Conclusion, Gen 14.18-20
Each God-like act brings a blessing from God (13:14-17; 14:19-20)
Two-way relationship voluntarily offered - blessing and tithe
Mel came to bless him because he saw God was with Abram
People see this when we are generous and courageous in faith
Meek in dependence on God
Meek in generosity
Meek in courageous action
People who's faith inspires them to live this way change the world and leave a spiritual legacy
Impact multi-generational:, Rev 7:9–10
Bread and wine: Royal banquet

Discussion Questions
What do you find attractive/unattractive about meekness?
What do you find inspiring/challenging about Abram's faith?
In which quality of meekness are you stronger in - grace/generosity/mercy/warmth, or, courage/confrontation/strength?
What could help you to grow in the weaker area?
How might you exercise your strength to its potential capacity?
In what way do you sense God inspiring you to act in meekness this coming week?