Genesis 14:21-24 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to yourself.… This superiority to the world may be manifested in various ways — as in the case of Abram. I. BY REFUSING TO INSIST UPON LAWFUL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES. 1. When it brings them into dangerous association with the world. 2. When they might appear to countenance sin. II. BY REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE WORLD AS THE SOURCE OF TRUE GREATNESS. Two thoughts supported Abram in this spirit of noble independence. 1. He was chosen of God. 2. He was heir to the promises. III. BY SHOWING THAT HE STANDS ON A DIFFERENT FOOTING AND HAS BETTER HOPES THAN THE CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD. Ready to give up his own rights, he will not prevent others from asserting theirs. He allows his young men to take their subsidence, and the allies their portion. But he himself stands upon a higher plane, and has a wider horizon. He can afford to think lightly of every earthly good. So the believer, though in the world, is not of it. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.WEB: The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and take the goods to yourself." |
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