Book of Genesis: The Book of Foundations

The Bible Teacher's Commentary

Paul J. Bucknell

Three Steps for a Growing Faith

Genesis 14:1-24

Genesis 13 setting | Step #1 Observe | God's Protection | Application | Step #2 Utilize | Hebrew | Abram's Decison | God's Love | #3 Secure -1 | Secret Prayer 2-3 | King Melchizedek 14:18-20 | Spiritual Picture | Melchizedek in Bible | Closing Application

Genesis 14:1-24 provides three special insights into getting closer to God by observing God's blessings, Utlizing God's blessings for others and securing God's blessings. Special sections discuss God's blessings on us as well as the importance of King Melchizedek.

God’s training ground

The first section of Genesis shows how God shapes the world at large while Genesis 12 and onward takes a more personal focus on how God shapes individuals. The assumption is that people need training, not just in knowledge and skills but in making priorities, decisions, setting values and especially in relating to God their Maker.

God is greatly interested in shaping His new family just like any good father would. God is the builder of all things, “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4).

Many of us take courses on sociology but are not seriously introduced to the fundamental part marriage and the family have on society. God is interested in building a people who are devoted to Him and share in His blessings. He wants to care for them, but He expects them to be faithful to Him. Just as in a marriage, we covenant together for the other’s good. One does not gain what he wants and then run off.

Genesis gives us special insight into how God works with individuals to train and develop their character and faith. Peter affirms this special interest that God has in the lives of His people.

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17).

Exodus is the place where we will see God training leaders and a nation, but here God provides special insight into how He works with individuals for they soon will become the heads of that nation–the people of God.

God has special life goals for each one of us and so gives us opportunity to grow in our faith. As a sovereign God, it is easy for Him to provide carefully governed circumstances to test and increase our faith.

Genesis 14 gives us one of those settings where He has highlighted His dealings with Abraham and provide a way through which we can gain perspective into how God works in our lives too.

God gives insight into three specific steps to growing our faith in Genesis 14.

=> Next: Step #1 Observe God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:1-10)

#1 Observe God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:1-10)

#2 Utilize God’s Blessings for others (Genesis 14:11-16)

#3 Secure God’s Blessing (Genesis 14:17-24)

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This is just a sample of the great amount of materials found in the book: Genesis: The Book of Foundations. Only some of our Genesis materials have been put on the web.

Or better yet, for a little bit more get the Old Testament Library which has this book along with powerpoints, videos and hundreds of other articles, all presented with understanding and applying God's Word to our lives. Great deal!

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell