Genesis 13

Arguments cause worry and trouble in the family.

Has your family ever faced a problem that caused worry and trouble.

Have you ever become involved in an argument with another member of your family over something that you both wanted? Most families have experienced this.

If this has happened in your family, you will understand better the experience of the two families in today’s Bible study. The Bible passage relates how two families felt and acted when they were confronted with a serious problem.

“The herdsmen schemed to outsmart each other. Arguments and fights developed among them. Arguing did not settle the disputes. A bad spirit existed among the families of the herdsmen.

Here are some possible solutions to the problem between the herdsmen: (Remember Abram was the chief of the tribe.)

1. Ask Abram to command Lot and his servants to leave and find other pasturelands. Abram already owned the land according to God’s earlier promise.

Abram could have ordered his herdsmen to fight until they defeated Lot and his men. Not only would this have given Abram more grazing lands, but he could have taken what remained of Lot’s flocks, also. There isn’t much doubt that Abram had more men to fight for him.

2. Ask Abram simply to issue a command that the fighting must stop and that those who disobeyed would be punished. He was the chieftain of the tribe and had the authority to do such.

3. Suggest that Abram divide the land and give Lot that portion that he wanted Lot to have and take the rest for himself. By doing this Abram could have assured himself of adequate grazing lands.

However, Abram did not use any of these possible solutions. Abram made this suggestion to Lot to settle the problem. Abram said, “Let there be no strife or fighting between us and our herdsmen.” Abram solved the problem by doing what God planned for families to do when they have problems. Abram acted unselfishly in the situation. Genesis 13:5-18 contains the solution Abram offered. As you read this passage, you will discover how Abram acted unselfishly to overcome trouble.

In many families today there is strife similar to that which Abram faced: fighting, quarreling, and disagreement. Does today’s scripture passage offer some helpful approaches to solving problems within your family as well as outside your family? How?

Lot made his choice. His choice was greedy. He selected the best land, filled with large areas of grassy grazing land and an oversupply of water. Thinking only of himself was the tragedy. Lot had learned many lessons from his Uncle Abram. But Lot forgot the most important lesson— in times of trouble, think about the other fellow.”

Note: The lesson today was printed in 1971 from the Sunday school department of Convention Press, Nashville, TN.

A forty-nine year old Sunday school lesson that is very applicable in 2020.