Following Directions

June 23, 2024

Studies have shown that more than half of those who use GPS ignore the directions they get from it. It is probably no surprise that men ignore the directions far more than women! Ignoring directions may not be a big deal when navigating to a new restaurant or assembling furniture from Ikea. But it can have serious consequences when the directions come from God. Join us for part two of The Pursuit of God, where we will learn that you cannot ignore God’s direction and walk in His ways.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Genesis 13

Principle

You cannot ignore God’s ##directions## and walk in God’s ##Ways##.

Small ##deviations## today require major course ##corrections## tomorrow.

God’s ##silence## does not equal God’s ##approval##.

##Green## pastures do not always indicate God’s ##direction##.

Practice

Prayerfully consider your answers to the following questions:

Have you ignored God’s direction and taken a detour from His ways?
Have you ever mistaken God’s silence for His approval?
Have you confused a green pasture with His direction?

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

“If you show me your friends, I’ll show you your future.” What does that mean? Do you agree? How important to our spiritual well-being are the associations we make and keep?

HEAR

Read Genesis 14:1-12

According to Genesis 14:4, what caused the war? What was the outcome (Gen. 14:11)? What is significant about Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 13:10-13)? What is the significance of Shinar (Genesis 11:1-4)?
Where did Abram “pitch his tent” (Gen. 13:18)? Where did Lot “pitch his tent” (Gen. 13:12)? Why was Lot taken captive according to Gen. 14:12?
Have you ever been caught up in another person’s conflict because of where you chose to pitch your tent?

Read Genesis 14:13-16

“The men who live the life of separation and devotion towards God, are they who act with most promptness and success when the time for action comes.” Who is F.B. Meyers describing in this commentary on Genesis 14?
How did the places where Abram and Lot “pitch their tents” impact their ability to respond to this crisis?
What warnings and lessons should we take from this passage?

Read Genesis 14:17-24

What did Abram give Melchizedek? Why wouldn’t Abram take anything from the kings?
What did Melchizedek bring out to Abram (Gen. 14:18)? What significance did Jesus attach to bread and wine?
Read Hebrews 7:1-3. Based on these verses and Genesis 14:17-24, what do we know about Melchizedek?

HUDDLE

Are any of your tents pitched too close to Sodom and Gomorrah? Are you living a life of “separation and devotion towards God” so that you can “act with promptness and success when the time for action comes”? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: Genesis 11
Day 2: Genesis 12
Day 3: Genesis 13
Day 4: Genesis 14
Day 5: Psalm 23
Day 6: Romans 8
Day 7: Hebrews 7