Abram Gives Lot First Choice

Abram and his nephew, Lot, both prospered while living in the land of Canaan. Their servants began to argue over whose flocks and herds should have the small amount of grass that was available. To solve the problem, Abram told Lot to choose an area for himself. Abram would take what was left. Lot chose the more fertile land and moved near a place where very bad people lived. Abram began living in a less fertile area, but God blessed him and told him that all that land would someday belong to his descendants.

Remember to make careful choices because choices have consequences.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Genesis 13:2-18
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Proverbs 19:21
• Matthew 6:33
• James 1:5

Outline:

1. A crowding problem (Genesis 13:2-7)
2. Abram suggests Lot to choose new territory (Genesis 13:8-13)
3. God restates land promises to Abram (Genesis 13:14-18)

Tips for teaching children:

• Place upright dominoes in a row. Push over one domino and watch all of the dominoes fall, one by one.  Talk about decisions and how they set off consequences.
• Draw or paint a map of the places where this story takes place. Use this simple map as a guide. 

Tips for teaching adults:

• Here are some conversational questions to stimulate discussion:
  • Although the text doesn’t explicitly tell us, why do you think Abram let Lot choose first?  
  • Would there be any way for either Abram or Lot to know what the consequences would be of Lot’s choice? 
  • Although Lot got the lushest land, what two things does God promise Abram?  
  • If you were faced with a similar choice, would you have followed Abram’s example or Lot’s? Why? 

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Abram Gives Lot First Choice

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org