Title: Neighbors of Good Faith
Content Lee should be a good neighbor to make friends with neighbors who have good faith and to make people believe if there are neighbors who are not believers while checking what kind of neighbors they are having fellowship with. In the text, Abram (Abraham) and Lot were arrogant rather than neighbors (Genesis 11:27-28). Abram set an example for Ruth with generosity, lack of materialism, and faith-centeredness.
1. A really good neighbor benefits others 2~4
(1) Shows an example of wealth 2~ “Abram was rich in livestock and silver and gold” Abram was originally a wealthy man (Gen. 12:5), but he suffered a loss of faith in Egypt for a while (Gen. 12:15- 15), and in return, he acquired a lot of wealth (Genesis 12:16). The original meaning of “abundant” is “heavy,” and it means the state of being so full that it is impossible to manage them all. However, the example of Abram's wealth was that he had no desire for material things (verse 9). Wealth itself is not a bad thing in our religious life, but if we love them, it becomes a sin (1 Tim. Revealing that Abram is a wealthy man has a cause to reveal that it is an absolute blessing from God. When we know that God has given us material things, we believe that the ownership belongs to God and we can use them according to God's will.
(2) Demonstrates an example of faith 3-4 “He departed from male clothing and arrived at Bethel...” Abram's party went through the South to Bethel. This is a typical nomadic way of traveling (Gen. 33:13-14). They set out on their way to their destination, revealing that it was the place where Abram had worshiped God (Gen. 12:8). Predicting that “he called on the name of the Lord”, we can recall that Abram repented of his mistakes in Egypt (Genesis 12:12-15) and offered a sincere prayer with praise and thanksgiving to God. This kind of life signifies a new determination (Ps. 18:49, 50:5). Thinking about the passionate experience of meeting God for the first time when we sinned, we need the determination and courage to restore our lost faith (Rev 2: 4-5). Abram's life is a good example for his nephew Lot, so we should be a good example for our neighbors today as well.
2. To imitate and follow a good neighbor 1,5
3. You must not leave a very good neighbor 6~
[Conclusion] In the last days, it is a very harsh world, and parents, children, and brothers give up to kill and become enemies (Matthew 10:21, 35-36). We must keep our faith and love. If your faith is weak, you must follow a good neighbor even at a loss. Saints with good faith, like Abram, if they give up bathing for their neighbors, they will meet God and be blessed (Gen. 13:14~18)