Some time after Abram and Lot separated, an enemy invaded the land. Four kings from Persia and Babylon in the far east, led by Chedorlaomer, swept down from the north conquering all those in the path. Eventually there was a great battle near Sodom. Chedorlaomer won the battle and Lot’s family was among the captives carried off as slaves (v.11-12).

Abram, who was back in fellowship with God, heard of the defeat (v.13). The rest of the chapter records his response.

Transition

In this account, we will see three characteristics of Abram’s piety (close walk with God) that are a challenge to us.

He Had Compassion, v.14

  1. He responded tenderly
    1. He could have said, “Lot deserves this punishment because he is not walking with God.”
    2. Instead, he tenderly considered Lot as his “brother” and determined to help him.
  2. He armed his 318 servants and pursued
    1. Abram prepared his servants for battle. God had blessed Abram with many servants, but they formed a very tiny army. The four kings with their huge military had defeated many fortified cities. Humanly speaking, Abram and his 318 men and the allies who gathered with him (v.24) did not have a chance against such a powerful foe.
    2. He set out on this difficult journey for one reason – God gave him compassion for Lot. I believe this was more than just a loyalty to family ties. Because of his close walk with God, Abram was not bitter toward Lot nor had he deserted his backslidden nephew.Compassion is a characteristic of piety. In the N.T. we read that when a Christian is in close fellowship with God that the Holy Spirit produces unnatural fruit in his life. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

He Depended on God, v.15-16

  1. Depending on his little band would be foolish
    1. Humanly speaking, there is no way that 318 men and a few allies could defeat four powerful armies.
    2. The trip was long and dangerous.
    3. This reminds me of Gideon’s army in Judges 7:7. With just 300 men, God enabled him to defeat a huge army.
  2. Depending on God, he gained the victory
    1. God gave Abram the victory, v.15.
    2. We will see that Abram gave the glory to God.
    3. God enabled him to rescue all the captives. He brought back all, v.16. The mercy of God should have brought Lot to repentance, but it did not! Instead of repenting, Lot returned to Sodom.Each of us faces an enemy that is far too strong for us. Satan is a real being and our mighty enemy. The Bible calls him the Accuser of the brethren, Rev 12:10; our Adversary, 1Pe 5:8; the Deceiver of the whole world, Rev 12:9; our Enemy, Mat 13:39; the Father of lies, Joh 8:44; the Prince of devils, Mat 9:34; Prince of the power of the air, Eph 2:2; a Roaring lion, 1Pe 5:8; and the Wicked one, 1Jn 5:18. In our own strength, we cannot possibly defeat the devil. We must depend fully on the Lord for victory. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

He Was Grateful to God, v.17-24

  1. Abram is welcomed by Bera king of Sodom, v.17.
    1. Bera must have been among those who escaped to the mountain and hid, v.10. He offered Abram all the goods that he had recovered in battle, v.21.
    2. Abram refused to take anything as a reward because of a promise he had made to God, v.22-23.
    3. He took only the food they had eaten and a portion for the three allies who helped him, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.Certainly, Bera’s offer must have been a genuine temptation after all the effort. The devil is a ceaseless foe. He often attacks us after a victory. He seems to know our weak areas and when we off guard. We must remember Peter’s warning in 1Peter 5:8-9.

      1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

  2. Abram is welcomed by Melchizedek king of Salem, v.18-20.
    1. Who was Melchizedek king of Salem?
      1. Salem is an old name for the town Jerusalem.
      2. Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”. He is called the king of Salem and a priest of the most high God, v.18. In the book of Hebrews, we learn that he is a type of Christ. Some people think he was an O.T. appearance of Christ or an angel. However, God does not tell us.
      3. “But the safest and most probable opinion is that which considers Melchizedek as a righteous and peaceful king, a worshiper and priest of the most high God, in the land of Canaan; a friend of Abraham, and of a rank elevated above him.” – Dictionary of the Holy Bible, ATS
    2. Melchizedek gave Abram bread and wine. This was for refreshment and Abram took it.It is good for us to note that the word “wine” in the Bible often does not refer to alcohol. William Patton in his thorough book entitled “Bible Wines” makes this statement in chapter 17. “In the Hebrew Scriptures the word yayin, in its broadest meaning, designates grape-juice, or the liquid which the fruit of the vine yields. This may be new or old, sweet or sour, fermented or unfermented, intoxicating or unintoxicating.”
    3. Melchizedek blessed Abram, v.19.
    4. Melchizedek also blessed God, v.20.
    5. In gratefulness to God, Abram gave tithes of all to Melchizedek. A tithe is 10% of the total received. Tithing in the Bible has two purposes.
      1. Tithing is an act of worship and thankfulness to God.
      2. God later ordained tithing as a means of supporting the work of the Lord at the temple.
      3. The principle of the tithe remains today. God does not command N.T. Christians to tithe, but He does not suggest another method of supporting His work. It is also the most tangible way to express thankfulness to God.
      4. Since God required a tithe of His people in the O.T. to support His work, Christians ought willingly to give no less to support their local church.Melody and I have been married for 34 years. We have never had a large income, but we have always given at least a tithe to our local church. We can both assure you that God has always met our needs. He is always faithful! If God can do that for us, he can do it for you.

Conclusion

This morning we have looked at three characteristics of Abram’s piety. 1) He had compassion. 2) He depended on God. 3) He was grateful to God. As God looks at your life, does He see the same characteristics of piety? Are the fruits of the Spirit truly evident in your life? Are you walking close to the Lord so He will help you in time of temptation? Do you express your gratefulness to God by tithing to support His work in this church? If God has identified a need in your life, get it right with God before you leave.

Abram was a man of piety because of his faith in God. If you have never placed your faith in the Lord to save your soul, these characteristics of piety cannot exist in your life in the same way. Your greatest need is to trust the Lord for salvation. Why not do it today.

Song: Have Thine Own Way – 388
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Characteristics of Piety
22 June 2014 AM – Genesis 14:1-24 – Gen 14 – Scott Childs