GENERATION GAP--ABRAHAM AND LOT

Introduction:
   1. For the past few lessons, we have been studying lessons
      directed primarily toward our Young People.
   2. (1) Timothy
      (2) Pleasure and Recreation
      (3) Yield Not to Temptation
      (4) Responsibility of Older to Young; Young to Older
      (5) The Home-- Responsibilities of Wife -- Husband
      (6) What Young People Need
   3. In the lesson this morning, I wish to speak about the
      Generation Gap.
   4. Heard a great amount of discussion (pro and con) about whether
      or not there is a generation gap.
   5. But, this problem is NOT NEW!!!
   6. So often this simply means that the path of the younger and
      the path of the older lead in different directions.
   7. Young people have always wanted to choose their own ways.
   8. And, unless a great amount of preparation and effort have gone
      into guiding the young -- THEY WILL DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO
      REGARDLESS!!
   9. What a tremendous responsibility those of us have, who are
      older, to seek to understand and guide those who are younger.

 I. LOOK AT WHAT HAS THE PAST FEW YEARS HAS BROUGHT:
    1. McCray, La. -- Festival of Life -- Rock Festival.
       Some 30 years ago, yet followed by many since then.
       Claimed 50,000 in attendance; at $30 per person.  ($1.5 mil.)
    2. Look at what happened: Drownings, dope, wine, shootings,
       filth, illness, immorality; you name it and no doubt there it
       was found.
    3. The END RESULT OF REBELLION: It begins so innocently with the
       dress, appearance, hair, customs, etc.
           Eventually BASE IMMORALITY.
    4. This type of activity has been repeated over and over.
    5. Some now call them RAVES.
    6. Young People -- Beware of the dangers in these activities.
    7. They might seem so innocent, yet sin has always been
       inviting, pleasurable.

II. GENESIS 13 -- ABRAHAM (older) AND LOT (younger).
    1. (vs 2) "very rich" -- God was keeping His promise.

    2. Riches can be a burden:  1 Tim. 6:6-10.
       (1) Burden of care in getting them
       (2) Fear in keeping them.
       (3) Temptation in using them.
       (4) Guilt in abusing them.
       (5) Sorrow in losing them.
       (6) Burden of accounting for use of them (in the end).

    3. (vs 3-4) A former altar. Abram worshipped Jehovah.
       His earlier vows were quickened;
       Abraham did not leave his religion behind as he travelled.

    4. Contention between Lot and Abram's herdsmen (vs 5-9).
       Riches the occasion of the quarrel.
          Poverty and travail did not separate them.
          Cf. Few are separated from God because of poverty, but
               riches or self-sufficiency lead many away from God.

    5. Abram led the way:
       No place for contention among brethren.
       Necessary often to give our feelings up for the benefit of
          PEACE -- NOT TALKING ABOUT TRUTH, but human judgments.
          John 8:32; 17:17 -- No compromise in truth.
       Abram could have made the choice, but allowed Lot.
          Youth today wants to make their own decisions, but young
              people, allow age and experience to assist you.
       NOTE: "We are brethren."  NOT brutes, not children, brethren.

    6. LOT WAS GUIDED BY THE FLESH:
       Allowed his eyes to deceive him.
       All he could see was the material, fertile land.
       What will be best for ME; What "I" want to do.
          And generally we mean BEST MATERIALLY; not best
               spiritually.
       Lot lost his wife, almost lost daughters.
       Did not consider the influence of evil.
          HOW OFTEN OUR EYES DETERMINE OUR CHOICE; RATHER THAN OUR
               HEART!!!
       1 Cor. 15:33 -- "Be not deceived, evil companionship corrupt
               good morals.
       YOUNG PEOPLE (and older) You will never be strong enough to
               play with sin.

    7. LOT PITCHED HIS TENT TOWARD SODOM:
       Got close to sin.
       Many today want to get as close to sin as possible.
       PETER make the same tragic mistake. "Warmed by fire of the
               enemies of his Lord."

    8. SODOMITES:
       The sin later connected with idolatrous worship: Very common
               among the Gentiles
       Rom. 1:26-32--Homo-sexualism, Lesbianism--gross sin.

III. APPLICATIONS: We have seen from this example:

    1. Young people do not be so fast to want to do your own thing.
       Allow those who are older to assist you in the decisions of
          life. They have gone the path before you. They can help
          you in missing the heart aches;

    2. Do not allow the material desires to override the spiritual
           needs of your soul.
       This is a very difficult thing to practice.
       When it comes to choices, be sure that you ask yourself,
          "Will this be good for my soul?"

    3. Young people, do not pitch your tent toward Sodom. Keep your
          bodies pure, clean, wholesome. You do not have to sin.

Conclusion: Keep yourself for God's Service.

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