As a person, Isaac was the type of man that hated to deal with conflict. This chapter shows him dealing a lot with what he liked the least—conflict. He has to be warned against going down into Egypt in order to avoid the troubles of famine. He then tells the same lie his father did in order to protect himself—except with Isaac, it was a complete lie. He makes a fortune, but has to deal with the envy of those who are jealous of him. Finally, he digs the wells of Abraham and has to battle over them. But…he prospers in the end. Watch this story and see how Isaac learns to deal with conflict in his life and how God blesses him in the end.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Practically speaking, this chapter is a wonderful illustration in how to fulfill God’s will in our lives. Abraham knows that Isaac needs a wife. However, he is determined that he have the right wife. He will not compromise by sending Isaac away from the land of promise (Genesis 24:6), but he has confidence that God will go before his servant and prepare the way (Genesis 24:7).
God’s covenant with Abraham shows us how God establishes a relationship with man. As He does with the Jewish people, God will always keep His promises to man. This is why we are eternally secure in our salvation.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Though Lot is a righteous man in his personal life (2 Peter 2:7-8), he runs with the wrong crowd (Genesis 13:12-13). Abram rescues his nephew but he keeps a good distance from the king and goods of Sodom. We should do the same.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The early history of Abraham (here, Abram) is a striking picture of what it means to leave the world and follow after God. He has delays and setbacks. He sometimes partially obeys and sometimes falls back from where he was. But he always finds a way with God’s help to get back on track. There is much we can learn from him.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The tower of Babel is the sight of man’s first and (to date) only one world government. Man has dreamed of renewing a universal government since that time. All the empires of the past have been attempts to establish it. He believes that if man would just stop fighting himself and unite, he could accomplish anything and would no longer need God. God has therefore allowed divisions in language, geography, culture, etc., to keep man from uniting as one. Bible prophecy tells of a time when man will have his one world government and will use it to fight God and God’s people, the Jews. This is the time of the tribulation.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The days of Noah are especially important to us because Christ told us that the day of His coming would be like them (Matthew 24:37-39). This story warns us against falling into the corruption of the world in which we live. Every student should make it their goal to be like Noah and live holy, separated lives before our God.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Abel and Cain give the original contrast between good and evil. Abel obeyed God and was accepted of Him. Cain came up with a better idea and displeased God. But instead of getting things right, Cain took matters into his own hands and murdered his own brother. This world is still divided into those who submit to God’s plan and those who are determined to do things their own way. This lesson teaches obedience and the importance of doing things God’s way.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The Israelites are delivered from Egypt but they are not yet delivered from the Egyptians. So it often is with us today. We are delivered from the world but the world follows us into the wilderness. In fact, the wilderness time is a time to cast off the remaining vestiges of the world. And sometimes, as with the Israelites, it is a slow and difficult process. Yet, God is always available to conquer the foe—if we will only trust in Him.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
