Through It All Part 5

When People Problems Test Your Faith Luke 6:26 3 Steps in Abraham's Restoration ● There Was Repentance — Genesis 13:1 ● There Was Remembrance — Genesis 13:3 ● There Was Restoration — Genesis 13:4 Some of life's greatest tests do not come from circumstances come from relationships. I. The Problem A. Prosperity Genesis 13:5-6 In verses 3-4, Abraham had both a tent and an altar. In verses 5-6, Lot had a tent but no altar. Genesis 13:10 √ Outlook determines outcome. B. Pressure Genesis 13:6; Luke 6:45 √ Many people problems are not caused by pressure; they are revealed by pressure. C. Pride Genesis 13:7 √ At the heart of every conflict is usually a problem in the heart. Genesis 13:7-8; Romans 2:24 II. The Peacemaker Genesis 13:8 A. His Pursuit of Peace Genesis 13:8; Matthew 5:9; Psalm 34:14 Three ways to pursue peace in conflict 1. Can I avoid it? 2 Timothy 2:23 Proverbs 26:20 2. Can I overlook it? Proverbs 19:11 3. Can I wait on it? Ecclesiastes 3:7 Ask yourself: "Is this a moment of weakness or a pattern of wickedness?" B. His Protection of the Relationship Genesis 13:8 √ People matter more than possessions. Relationships matter more than rights. C. His Practice of Humility Genesis 13:9; 1 Corinthians 6:7 √ Peace does not mean being a pushover. Romans 12:18 III. The Parting A. Lot Looked Genesis 13:10 B. Lot Lusted Genesis 13:10 C. Lot Left Genesis 13:11 D. Lot Leaned Toward Sodom Genesis 13:12 E. Lot Lived Near Sodom Genesis 13:13 √ Lot got what he wanted, but he lost what he needed. IV. The Promise A. God's Reassurance Genesis 13:14 √ There is no lasting harmony between the flesh and the Spirit. B. God's Reward Genesis 13:15 √ What Lot grabbed for, he eventually lost. C. God's Revelation Genesis 13:16-17 D. God's Renewal Genesis 13:18 √ The best place to take your people problems is to the altar. The Problem The Peacemaker The Parting The Promise √ Lot grabbed. Abraham trusted. √ You can fight for your rights and lose your blessing, or you can trust God with your rights and receive His blessing. Keys for Handling People Problems ● Pursue peace. ● Protect relationships. ● Practice humility.