This is the 4th in the series.
Jas 2:17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Our faith cannot be disconnected from our life.
God gives us victory
God put the enemies in our hands. Abram recognized this. God helped him to win an amazing battle.When Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land, they first arrived at the city of Jericho. They conquered this city by marching around it. However, when they came to Ai, they lost. This is because they did not have faith.
We pay the price with our efforts but the results are from God.
That we can serve and minister to others is due to God’s help. We should be humble.
Abram recognized that God gave the enemies into his hand. He responded by giving one tenth to Melchizedek.
(Here, Pastor Dr Ling reminded the congregation that Dr. Wong has preached about giving tithes twice last year. She also quoted Malachi 3:10-12 to support tithing.)
Why did God want us to give? Pastor Dr. Ling thinks this is because God wants us to trust him. She further mentioned that the Bible teaches us two kinds of giving, the mandatory tithes and alms to the poor.
2Co 6:10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
(The sermon has turned into a plea to give peppered with stories of how those who give will receive more in return.)
Believe that God will bless
Abram chose not to keep any of the spoils from Sodom. He believes God would bless him. He did not want to be associated with the evil ways of Sodom. He refused to keep any of the spoils from Sodom. He did not want his wealth to be from sin.We should desire only blessings from God. Reject any good stuff from the evil ways.
Jas 1:12-15 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (13) Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (14) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (15) Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
God promises not to subject us to temptation beyond our ability to withstand.
1Co 10:12-13 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. (13) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Cut it off!
We need to severe all ties with anything that may tempt us to sin. It could be as simple as taking back a pen from the office. God sees everything.An American tourist visited a pet shop and marveled at the various species of snakes. He asked the owner whether they are venomous. The shop owner said as long as they don’t get bitten, they are not venomous.
Lot chose to go to Sodom and Gomorrah. Abram did not want to be near those places.
Be Well Prepared
Gen 14:22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,We do not know when Abram made this oath but he was prepared going into the war.
Likewise, before we even face temptations, we must be prepared to stand firm. We must decide and determine to live a righteous life.
What are the things that may cause us to fall? What is our position and stand when we face those temptations? What are some of the things we should not touch? What are some of the places we should not go? What are the things we should not see? Is there anything we need to be clear about? Are we clear about what is right (appropriate) and what is wrong (inappropriate)?
Mat 10:16 "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
We need to be pure AND wise. We can overcome when we are well prepared. We hide God’s Words in our heart and pray daily for God’s help and guidance.
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