What principles from Abram's life can guide our stewardship of God's blessings? Abram’s Overflowing Blessing “Abram was very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold.” (Genesis 13:2) God Is the Source • Every item in Abram’s herds, every coin of silver and gold traced back to the promise in Genesis 12:2–3. • Deuteronomy 8:18 reinforces the truth that it is God “who gives you the power to gain wealth.” • Recognizing divine ownership keeps pride away and gratitude alive. Worship Before Wealth • After traveling, Abram built an altar and “called on the name of the LORD” (Genesis 13:4). • Wealth did not crowd out devotion; it amplified it. • Psalm 29:2 urges the same order: “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name.” Pursuing Peace Above Possessions • Strife rose between Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s (Genesis 13:5-7). • Abram valued harmony more than acreage. “Let there be no quarreling between you and me” (Genesis 13:8). • Romans 12:18 echoes the principle of choosing peace even when it costs. Generosity Grounded in Faith • Abram let Lot choose first (Genesis 13:9-11), trusting God’s promise rather than jockeying for the best land. • Proverbs 11:24 portrays this counter-intuitive generosity: “One gives freely yet gains even more.” • After Lot’s choice, God reaffirmed the land grant (Genesis 13:14-17), showing that faith-filled giving never diminishes divine provision. Integrity in Every Gain • When the king of Sodom offered spoils, Abram replied, “I will accept nothing… so you can never say, ‘I have made Abram rich’” (Genesis 14:22-23). • Refusing questionable profit guards testimony and keeps dependence on God alone. • Proverbs 10:22: “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.” Returning a Portion to the Lord • Abram gave Melchizedek “a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:20). • This predates the Mosaic Law, revealing a heart reflex of gratitude. • Malachi 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 both affirm proportional, cheerful giving as timeless stewardship. Living to Bless Others • The original covenant purpose was that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 urges the wealthy to be “rich in good works,” storing treasure for the coming age. Holding Resources Lightly • Years later God tested Abram with Isaac, showing that even promised blessings must never replace the Blesser (Genesis 22:1-12). • Luke 12:15 warns, “Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Stewardship Includes Wise Management • Abram’s separation plan relieved overgrazed pastures and preserved relationships, a model of practical administration (Genesis 13:6-9). • Proverbs 27:23 counsels: “Know well the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your herds.” Takeaway Principles • See wealth as God-given, not self-made. • Let worship steer every financial decision. • Choose peace and generosity over territorial instinct. • Keep integrity non-negotiable. • Return a first portion to the Lord. • Use blessings to bless, not to hoard. • Hold treasures loosely, clinging to God tightly. • Manage resources responsibly for God’s glory and others’ good. |
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