Abraham

Scripture: Genesis 14

Sermon preached at Gospel Light Christian Church, Singapore
by Pastor Dr Paul Choo
on 20 February 1994

Introduction: Abraham is, spiritually-speaking, the "Father of us all" (ROM 4:16) and we are, spiritually-speaking, his children (GAL 3:7). And if ye are "Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham" (JOH 8:39) - most importantly we must have Abraham's faith in God's provision (ROM 4:16 "also which is of the faith of Abraham"). From today's passage, we will learn also of his other commendable characteristics - that we may indeed be his spiritual children.

Lessons from Genesis 14:

v. 5 Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him - Chedorlaomer and his allies were very powerful, ruthlessly conquering their enemies (v.5-12). He typifies Satan and his agents, or the world or self - each of which seem to be so powerful.

v. 8 king of Sodom...king of Gomorrah... - This well organised opposition is raised up against Chedorlaomer and his allies. This typifies mere human efforts to fight against Satan, the world and self.

v.10 full of slimepits - The battle-field was full of tar-pits - which typify the many unseen snares in this world which we fail to recognise in our earthly battles against sin until it is too late.

they that remained fled into the mountains - When they saw many of their compatriots fall into the slimepits and being massacred, they were demoralised and fled. This typifies the demoralised attitude of well-meaning people who seeing their friends defeated by Satan, the world and self, "flee" without a fight.

v.12 took Lot.. and his goods - Lot sought wealth at the expense of godliness (GEN 10: 1 0-13) and ended up losing everything. Abraham never sought earthly wealth - so he had much of it (GEN 13:2 & MAT 6:33)!

v.13 for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre - ie, far from the gates of Sodotn. Abraham feared sin, unlike many who chose to dwell at the fringe of temptations.

v.14 And when Abraham heard that his brother was taken captive - Abraham loved his nephew though he was foolish and ungrateful. We must love not only the good but even our enemies (MAT 5:43-48). Abraham wasted no time doing what needed to be done. We often cover our disobedience by delaying to obey - hoping that God's commandment will be "forgotten" in the delay.

he armed his trained servants - Peace-loving Abraham was ready for war. We must be ready for spiritual battles because we never know when we will need to fight them. We must not shirk from the unpleasantness of contending for the faith when the time comes (Jude 3).

three hundred and eighteen - He was hopelessly outnumbered by the armies of the five kings!
Dan - His little army had to chase them from the south to Dan which was in north Israel. Abraham's faith that God would help him as he did right, gave him the godly courage that does the impossible (1 JO 5:4).

v.15 divided … by night - Faith in God should not absolve us of our responsibility to do our best - and then leave the rest (to God).

smote them...Damascus - Abraham had to chase them into Syria to finish them off. We must do our utmost for God and not be half-hearted in His service.

v.16 brought back all - We aim for total victory in His service - and expect it.

v.19 Blessed be Abraham - Abraham sought to help Lot but ends us being blessed (ACT 20:35)
Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth. - Abraham's life was such that there was no doubt that he served God and depended on Him (v.20):

v.20 tithes -In his moment of victory, he did not forget God.

v.21 king of Sodom said … take the goods - The great wealth of Sodom is offered to Abraham.

v.22 I have lift up mine hand - But Abraham had already resolved not to take anything from the King of Sodom, not even a shoelatchet lest he be obliged in any way to this evil king (v.23) and be tempted to compromise his principles. Abraham was totally unworldly (HEB 11:10 ).

v.23 even a shoelatchet - Abraham was an extremist against sin.

Conclusion: May we aim to be like our "father" Abraham - fearing sin, compassionate to the undeserving, courageous through faith, wise in God's service, shining testimonies, unworldly and uncompromising.