The Brinkley argus., 1918-10-11
LESSON FoR OCTOBER 13
ABRAN's GENEROUS TREATMENT
 OF LOT.

LESSON TEXT-Genesis 13;l-11; Hl4-16.
 GOLDEN TEXT-A friend loveth at all times, and brother is born for adver- sity.-Proverbs 17:l7.
 DEVOTIONAL READING-Romans 5: 12-21
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FOR TEACHERS-Genesis 12:10-l4 24; ls:16-sS; 1929
 |. Abram and Lot Return From Egypt (vv. 1-4).
 Abram went into Egypt because of famine. No doubt the famine was sent in judgment for the sins of the people, but also for Abrams sake. He needed the graces of his heart developed. He needed to be taught the weakness Of his own heart and the faithfulness Of God. The child of God is not prom iSed exemption from trials, but grace sufficient to endure them. Abram failed. In the midst of his trials he went off to Egypt without Gods direc- tion, where he got into trouble. To take ones own way always brings him into trouble. His eXpedient to save his life was unworthy of Abra1n. He lied, and lie is never justifiable. It is much better to die than to lie. Abram by prevarication deceived the king, but as soon as the truth was known he was thrust out. Though Abram had strayed from the path. way of faith, he had the good sense to go unto the place where his tent had been in the beginning, where the altar was." This showed that he was willing to confess his mistake, and be- gin life over again. This Egypt expe- rience was loss spiritually to Abram, though he became rich there. Increase of riches is no sign that man is in fellowship with God.
 IT.. Abrsm and Lot Separate (vv. g. ID.
 The goods of both Abram and Lot greatly increased. When they attempt ed to settle down, trouble arose be- tween their herdsmen. This is the first record of trouble between relatives over financial matters. Riches often interfere with friendship. They kindle jealousy and strife between men. They engender greed and selfshness in men. Many times members of the same fam fly are estranged from each other through strife for wealth. For the chosen of God thus to quarrel is utter folly and criminal, especially when the enemy of the Lords people looks on. "The Canaanite and the PeriZZite dwelt then in the land" {v. ?. II is bad enough for Gods children to quar- rel but to do so in the presence of the world which delights therein is greatly to sin. Abrams behavior is fine ex- ample of the art of living together peaceably. The disgraceful situation was relieved by generous proposition from Abram. Lot was allowed his choice. Separation is sometimes nec- essary. Though he owed all to Abram, his selfish heart caused him to grasp for the best. Lots action shows that his stay in Egypt was ruinOus to him. Perhaps he chose the plains of the Jordan because of their resemblance to Egypt. One cannot go into Egypt without being affected by it. This was a fatal choice for Lot. The motive actuating him was worldly advantage. Though he for awhile prospered, it was an expensive undertaking for him. Lot with all his goods was taken away when the confederate kings came against Sodom. He is an example of one saved so as by fire q Cor. 3:11-15). He set his affections upon earthly things, and the time came when he had to separate from them The world and it's lusts pass away, but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever q John 2 :1517). Lot was not wholly corrupt; he was a man who allowed the world to get the better of him. Once his money and his family were in Sodom he simply endured the wick edness, longing to escape from it (II Peter :6-S).
 III. Ahram Delivers Lot Genesis 14:14-16).
 Though Lots trouble was the result of his selfish choice, Abram's smagnanim- fly of soul expressed itself, taking up arms to deliver him from the oppres- sor. This was because Abram was man of faith. Faith trusts God and fights for the right.
 While Lot suffered from his evil choice, Abram was greatly prospered. He grew rich in temporal things, while at the same time he was rich toward God. It were much better to have God and a poor piece of land, than a rich t,.. Df r was involved in the ruin of his sad choice Abram had the power to deliver him. Abrams whole life shows that those who make obedience to God first get the needed worldly gain 1T Kings