WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.319 Please do open up your Bibles again to Genesis 13. 00:00:03.140 --> 00:00:03.980 Genesis 13. 00:00:08.300 --> 00:00:11.000 The main sport I grew up playing was basketball. 00:00:11.480 --> 00:00:15.280 ! So when some of you were playing football or rugby or cricket, I was playing basketball. 00:00:16.219 --> 00:00:18.519 And Paul Levy always rips it out of me for playing basketball. 00:00:18.660 --> 00:00:20.500 I don't know why, he's a big rugby man. 00:00:21.100 --> 00:00:23.460 But basketball is one of the best sports out there. 00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:24.719 I love it. 00:00:25.240 --> 00:00:27.620 And one of the first things that I was taught in basketball, 00:00:27.800 --> 00:00:29.560 and I still do to this day whenever I can play, 00:00:30.179 --> 00:00:34.659 it's when you shoot, you keep your eyes on the back of the hoop. 00:00:35.619 --> 00:00:37.740 So you don't look at your hands when you shoot, 00:00:37.840 --> 00:00:39.939 you don't look at the ball, you don't look at the defender, 00:00:40.019 --> 00:00:41.159 you don't look at what's around you. 00:00:41.340 --> 00:00:45.219 From catch to release, you keep your eyes on the back of the hoop. 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:49.560 And when you do that, just everything else falls into place. 00:00:49.719 --> 00:00:52.799 The ball, your hands, your feet, your positioning, 00:00:53.340 --> 00:00:55.859 it all just falls into the right place when your eyes are there. 00:00:56.659 --> 00:00:58.480 But if you take your eyes off it, 00:00:58.479 --> 00:01:01.179 your shot can go all over the place. 00:01:01.899 --> 00:01:03.459 Your hands will start to move, 00:01:03.619 --> 00:01:04.920 the ball goes in a weird direction, 00:01:05.140 --> 00:01:07.200 but look where you want it to go, 00:01:07.700 --> 00:01:08.920 and that's where it's going to land. 00:01:08.920 --> 00:01:12.060 The same is true in farming. 00:01:12.700 --> 00:01:14.240 So before they had GPS, 00:01:14.960 --> 00:01:17.340 if farmers wanted to plow a straight line, 00:01:18.019 --> 00:01:22.439 they would lock their eyes onto a point at the other end of the field, 00:01:23.099 --> 00:01:25.159 stare at it, head in that direction, 00:01:25.159 --> 00:01:27.859 and the plow would just kind of stay on course. 00:01:28.340 --> 00:01:29.359 The line would be straight. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:31.679 Everything would fall into place. 00:01:32.019 --> 00:01:33.459 But if he took his eyes off it, 00:01:33.879 --> 00:01:35.519 and just started looking at the soil, 00:01:35.659 --> 00:01:37.479 looking what's going down below him, 00:01:38.039 --> 00:01:40.159 the line would end up being a mess. 00:01:40.920 --> 00:01:42.060 He could end up in a ditch. 00:01:43.400 --> 00:01:45.879 And so just look where you want to go, 00:01:46.299 --> 00:01:47.659 and that's where you're going to land. 00:01:47.659 --> 00:01:51.099 And it will shape everything as you go. 00:01:52.579 --> 00:01:53.979 Well, here in Genesis today, 00:01:54.119 --> 00:01:55.319 we see exactly that. 00:01:56.479 --> 00:01:58.519 Where you set your eyes 00:01:58.519 --> 00:02:01.560 shapes the whole course of your life. 00:02:02.859 --> 00:02:04.359 We have here two men 00:02:04.359 --> 00:02:08.240 with their eyes set on two very different things. 00:02:09.079 --> 00:02:10.659 And that shapes their lives 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:12.939 in two very different ways. 00:02:13.519 --> 00:02:16.579 One man with his eyes fixed on heaven, 00:02:16.580 --> 00:02:19.920 and one man with his eyes fixed on earth. 00:02:21.120 --> 00:02:23.240 And just like in basketball and in farming, 00:02:23.920 --> 00:02:26.400 that shapes the course of their lives. 00:02:27.920 --> 00:02:29.340 And so I want us to see in this chapter 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:32.500 that the two mindsets that we can have in this life, 00:02:32.900 --> 00:02:34.880 two places that we can fix our eyes, 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:38.500 there is the heavenly mindedness of Abraham, 00:02:39.380 --> 00:02:42.560 who fixes his eyes on the world beyond, 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:45.020 and that shapes his decisions and his life 00:02:45.020 --> 00:02:46.200 in all the right ways. 00:02:47.480 --> 00:02:50.560 And then there is the earthly mindedness of Lot, 00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:53.960 who keeps his eyes on the soil here, 00:02:54.280 --> 00:02:56.280 and the course of his life, as we will see, 00:02:56.600 --> 00:02:58.100 it does not become a straight line. 00:02:59.760 --> 00:03:01.260 And so I want us to look at these two men, 00:03:01.340 --> 00:03:02.920 these two mindsets, 00:03:03.140 --> 00:03:04.580 these two sets of eyes, 00:03:04.580 --> 00:03:10.800 and I hope you will see where exactly our eyes needs to be fixed. 00:03:12.560 --> 00:03:13.820 Because without a doubt, 00:03:13.920 --> 00:03:17.200 where you look will change the course of your life. 00:03:17.199 --> 00:03:22.659 And so, just two minds and eyes to look at today. 00:03:23.319 --> 00:03:25.659 And the first set of eyes I want us to look at is this. 00:03:26.159 --> 00:03:28.259 Lot's earthly mindedness. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:30.619 Lot's earthly mindedness. 00:03:30.620 --> 00:03:35.360 So last week was a near disaster for Abraham, wasn't it? 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:38.759 Canaan is where the promises are for Abraham. 00:03:39.200 --> 00:03:43.420 That's why God said to go and wait for all the blessings and greatness. 00:03:43.419 --> 00:03:45.679 But Abraham walked away. 00:03:46.959 --> 00:03:47.979 A famine hit Canaan. 00:03:48.099 --> 00:03:48.739 He got scared. 00:03:48.839 --> 00:03:50.119 He doubted what God had promised. 00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:53.079 And he went to Egypt and settled for something else. 00:03:53.080 --> 00:03:57.140 But we saw graciously that the Lord brought him back. 00:03:58.100 --> 00:04:01.140 Brought Sarai back and brought Abraham back to the promises. 00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:02.340 Back to the land. 00:04:03.760 --> 00:04:05.900 And that is where we pick it up this week. 00:04:06.780 --> 00:04:09.800 Abraham begins this chapter with a fresh start. 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:12.600 In fact, he's doing really well, isn't he? 00:04:12.660 --> 00:04:13.439 Look at verse 2. 00:04:14.600 --> 00:04:17.600 Now Abraham was very rich in livestock. 00:04:18.160 --> 00:04:19.580 In silver and in gold. 00:04:19.579 --> 00:04:24.500 So Abraham has been promised greatness in this land. 00:04:25.099 --> 00:04:26.159 Promised blessing. 00:04:26.659 --> 00:04:29.079 And now we're starting to see it. 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:33.740 With these possessions, his name is slowly becoming great. 00:04:34.099 --> 00:04:35.939 And these are the blessings in action. 00:04:37.079 --> 00:04:38.819 But it also comes with a problem. 00:04:39.360 --> 00:04:40.659 A good problem, you could say. 00:04:41.419 --> 00:04:44.120 He's living in Canaan with his nephew Lot. 00:04:44.839 --> 00:04:47.360 And Lot is doing really well for himself too. 00:04:47.360 --> 00:04:51.199 The blessings are emerging for both of them. 00:04:52.900 --> 00:04:57.379 And you might wonder, why is this Lot character given so much time here? 00:04:58.439 --> 00:05:01.819 Well, Lot is a bit like Abraham's son. 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:06.420 So remember, Abraham and Sarai at this point don't have any children. 00:05:06.420 --> 00:05:11.420 And so when they went to Canaan, they took Lot with them. 00:05:11.520 --> 00:05:13.340 Kind of like a son. 00:05:14.860 --> 00:05:18.780 And when you stick close to Abraham, when you become part of this stream of blessing, 00:05:19.200 --> 00:05:20.200 what do you get? 00:05:20.840 --> 00:05:22.580 You get blessing along with him. 00:05:23.700 --> 00:05:25.759 You get all the promises of God. 00:05:26.180 --> 00:05:27.060 But what did God say? 00:05:27.180 --> 00:05:29.139 I will bless those who bless you. 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:33.180 And so Lot is actually really significant here. 00:05:33.279 --> 00:05:36.300 Because Lot is an heir of the promise. 00:05:37.639 --> 00:05:40.560 You could say he's just like any Christian here today. 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:43.000 We are the children of Abraham, aren't we? 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:46.199 We are the inheritors of the promise. 00:05:46.639 --> 00:05:49.500 And Lot, in that sense, he is a child of Abraham. 00:05:50.919 --> 00:05:53.519 You could say, as we look at Abraham and Lot, 00:05:53.519 --> 00:05:58.419 these are two Christian men building their lives on God's promise. 00:05:59.759 --> 00:06:03.339 And so that's why the blessings are emerging for Lot as well. 00:06:04.279 --> 00:06:05.359 But there's a problem. 00:06:06.719 --> 00:06:09.319 Abraham and Lot, they're next door neighbors. 00:06:10.479 --> 00:06:12.500 And they have so much stuff. 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:14.459 Animals, flocks, tents. 00:06:15.459 --> 00:06:16.859 They can't all fit together. 00:06:17.240 --> 00:06:17.699 Verse 5. 00:06:18.919 --> 00:06:22.379 And Lot, who went with Abraham, also had flocks and herds and tents. 00:06:22.379 --> 00:06:26.319 So that the land could not support both of them dwelling together. 00:06:27.120 --> 00:06:30.240 For their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. 00:06:31.759 --> 00:06:34.199 Don't you hate it when you have so many cars? 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:36.339 You can't fit them on the driveway to your mansion. 00:06:36.519 --> 00:06:37.680 It's such a pain, isn't it? 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:39.920 Well, that's the problem here in Canaan. 00:06:40.920 --> 00:06:43.959 So much stuff they can't live together. 00:06:45.899 --> 00:06:50.000 And so it goes to show money doesn't make your problems disappear, does it? 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:52.959 It just creates different problems. 00:06:53.819 --> 00:06:55.939 So money in itself is not bad. 00:06:56.339 --> 00:06:58.560 In fact, it's a blessing from God here, isn't it? 00:06:58.800 --> 00:07:01.839 Money opens up more opportunities for us. 00:07:01.980 --> 00:07:05.259 But at the same time, it opens up more problems. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:09.660 And so the problem here, it isn't famine anymore. 00:07:09.740 --> 00:07:10.180 It's the opposite. 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:12.040 It's overabundance. 00:07:12.040 --> 00:07:13.040 It's overabundance. 00:07:13.040 --> 00:07:15.100 Abraham and Lot can't fit together. 00:07:16.379 --> 00:07:20.480 Which presents a key decision for both of them. 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:22.939 We have the promises. 00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:25.300 We have the money. 00:07:26.320 --> 00:07:29.180 But what are we going to do with both of them? 00:07:30.620 --> 00:07:34.259 How are we going to handle these two things together? 00:07:34.720 --> 00:07:36.660 God's promises and money. 00:07:36.660 --> 00:07:46.180 And it's a key decision because if land is the issue here, this might turn out to be another Egypt situation. 00:07:47.500 --> 00:07:52.960 Maybe it's looking like the promises and a comfortable lifestyle are clashing here. 00:07:54.140 --> 00:07:55.760 And so they're at a crossroads. 00:07:56.320 --> 00:07:58.560 And so how are they going to make this work? 00:08:00.040 --> 00:08:02.560 Well, thankfully, Abraham comes up with a solution. 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:04.540 Verses 8 and 9. 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:10.760 He says to Lot, let's stay in the land, but just spread out. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:14.300 And in fact, he gives Lot all the options. 00:08:14.439 --> 00:08:14.860 Verse 9. 00:08:15.760 --> 00:08:17.860 Is not the whole land before you? 00:08:18.200 --> 00:08:19.120 The whole land of Canaan. 00:08:20.220 --> 00:08:21.439 Separate yourself from me. 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:24.140 If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right. 00:08:24.700 --> 00:08:27.280 Or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left. 00:08:28.860 --> 00:08:30.500 Abraham presents Lot with a choice. 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:32.200 In fact, all the choices, really. 00:08:32.200 --> 00:08:36.379 He basically says, Lot, take whatever you want. 00:08:37.080 --> 00:08:40.379 But let's just make sure we stay here in Canaan. 00:08:40.379 --> 00:08:44.740 So Abraham presents Lot with this generous offer. 00:08:45.939 --> 00:08:49.059 And with all his money, he really can do anything. 00:08:49.179 --> 00:08:49.899 Move anywhere. 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:52.279 The world is his oyster at this point. 00:08:52.939 --> 00:08:54.139 But what does Lot choose? 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:55.080 Verse 10. 00:08:56.559 --> 00:09:03.080 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord. 00:09:03.840 --> 00:09:05.059 Like the land of Egypt. 00:09:05.659 --> 00:09:07.000 In the direction of Zoar. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:08.340 Verse 11. 00:09:08.460 --> 00:09:11.700 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:13.220 And Lot journeyed east. 00:09:14.980 --> 00:09:20.100 Lot looks up and he spots a nice bit of land in the Jordan Valley. 00:09:20.919 --> 00:09:24.360 So that's on the very east border of Canaan. 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:31.899 So it's like if I give you the choice of you can live anywhere in England and you choose the white cliffs of Dover. 00:09:32.019 --> 00:09:33.720 You're just hanging on the very edge, right? 00:09:33.779 --> 00:09:35.000 You pitch up a house there. 00:09:36.220 --> 00:09:38.960 He's on the very edge of the promised land. 00:09:40.200 --> 00:09:43.840 And what did you notice about how Lot makes this choice? 00:09:44.480 --> 00:09:45.320 What does he use? 00:09:45.399 --> 00:09:45.800 Verse 10. 00:09:47.240 --> 00:09:52.460 Lot lifted up his eyes and saw the Jordan Valley. 00:09:52.460 --> 00:09:58.540 As he takes his next steps in life, where are his eyes set? 00:09:59.500 --> 00:10:00.660 It's down here. 00:10:01.540 --> 00:10:04.180 At the visible stuff here on earth. 00:10:05.300 --> 00:10:07.480 And look why he picks the Jordan Valley verse 10. 00:10:08.120 --> 00:10:09.320 It's well watered. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:11.780 It's prime real estate. 00:10:11.900 --> 00:10:13.639 It's paradise here on earth. 00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:15.799 It has the driveways. 00:10:15.919 --> 00:10:16.580 It has the space. 00:10:16.679 --> 00:10:18.779 It has a big playroom for the kids. 00:10:19.199 --> 00:10:22.559 It's simply just a nicer life than Canaan. 00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:25.559 And so he picks up the basketball. 00:10:25.919 --> 00:10:30.159 As he picks up the basketball and he picks up his plow, where are his eyes? 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:32.319 They are set down here on earth. 00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:37.259 And can you see it in the language in verse 11? 00:10:37.659 --> 00:10:40.100 He chose for himself. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:43.180 He's not thinking about the promise. 00:10:43.300 --> 00:10:44.639 He's not thinking about eternity. 00:10:45.159 --> 00:10:47.320 He's thinking for himself. 00:10:48.460 --> 00:10:51.519 He's thinking about what he can get now. 00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:58.560 Which means, as he moves to the edge of the promised land, 00:10:59.220 --> 00:11:02.360 he's really moving to the edge of the promise. 00:11:02.360 --> 00:11:07.539 It's like he's pushing God's promise to the side, 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:10.279 and now he's kind of teetering on the edge of it. 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:18.419 And so this move is actually a move toward a spiritual wasteland. 00:11:20.320 --> 00:11:22.180 In fact, look how the land is described. 00:11:23.159 --> 00:11:25.220 It's like the garden of the Lord. 00:11:26.279 --> 00:11:27.960 Like the land of Egypt. 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:30.840 He sees it. 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:31.940 It looks like Eden. 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:33.600 And it looks like Egypt. 00:11:35.300 --> 00:11:38.060 And what are those two places associated with? 00:11:39.060 --> 00:11:40.600 Well, Eden, it's the fall. 00:11:41.960 --> 00:11:43.740 And think of last week, Egypt. 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:46.519 It means walking away from God's promises. 00:11:48.980 --> 00:11:51.220 You know in films, when the bad guy approaches, 00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:54.700 and you hear the sinister music in the background. 00:11:54.700 --> 00:11:57.200 So like Darth Vader walks into the room, 00:11:57.280 --> 00:11:58.960 and you get the imperial march, don't you? 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:00.940 And so you hear the music, 00:12:01.080 --> 00:12:03.020 and you know something is bad up ahead. 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:06.620 Well, as Lot looks at the Jordan Valley, 00:12:07.220 --> 00:12:09.180 the dark theme tune is playing. 00:12:10.540 --> 00:12:11.940 But he doesn't hear it. 00:12:13.500 --> 00:12:15.280 And so without even realizing it, 00:12:15.320 --> 00:12:16.920 he packs up his bags, 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:18.900 heads towards it, 00:12:19.180 --> 00:12:22.160 and heads toward a spiritual wasteland. 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:24.299 Look at verse 11. 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:25.360 What direction does he go? 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:27.480 East. 00:12:28.199 --> 00:12:29.240 Just like Adam and Eve. 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:32.179 And he heads to a place called Sodom. 00:12:32.740 --> 00:12:34.000 And how is Sodom described? 00:12:34.079 --> 00:12:34.559 Verse 12. 00:12:34.679 --> 00:12:37.039 Now the men of Sodom were wicked. 00:12:37.939 --> 00:12:39.620 Great sinners against the Lord. 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:42.439 It's a spiritual wasteland. 00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:46.779 With the decision of money or promises, 00:12:47.439 --> 00:12:49.439 he puts money first, 00:12:49.440 --> 00:12:51.160 and sidelines the promises. 00:12:52.660 --> 00:12:53.200 He says, 00:12:53.300 --> 00:12:55.280 I won't leave the promised land, 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:57.520 but I won't put it out of the center. 00:12:58.880 --> 00:13:00.080 I'll live on the edge of it. 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:03.660 That way I can have my paradise as well, 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:07.000 but I don't need to sacrifice anything. 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:09.860 But what does that mean for him? 00:13:09.860 --> 00:13:12.740 He ends up in a spiritual wasteland. 00:13:14.560 --> 00:13:15.779 Just like the farmer, 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:17.399 his eyes are on the ground, 00:13:17.820 --> 00:13:19.980 and he heads toward a spiritual ditch. 00:13:22.279 --> 00:13:25.100 And this may seem like a far-off story for us. 00:13:26.259 --> 00:13:27.279 We may think, 00:13:27.360 --> 00:13:30.560 well, there is no promised land like this anymore, 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:33.980 that the promises aren't attached to a place in the Middle East anymore. 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:37.159 This may seem far off, 00:13:37.320 --> 00:13:37.980 but actually, 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:41.759 we can be far more like Lot than we realize. 00:13:43.480 --> 00:13:44.639 A few years ago, 00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:47.000 I knew a Christian and his family 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:49.680 who went to a good church. 00:13:50.139 --> 00:13:53.000 They were cared for and loved by their church, 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:56.180 but they struggled for space in their house. 00:13:56.980 --> 00:13:59.360 And they lived in a pricey part of the country, 00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:02.360 and they just longed for that mini paradise. 00:14:03.800 --> 00:14:06.100 And so they found a nice big house 00:14:06.100 --> 00:14:07.500 in a cheaper part of the country. 00:14:08.320 --> 00:14:11.360 They got their own lovely little garden of the Lord. 00:14:12.320 --> 00:14:14.200 And you take a photograph of it, 00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:15.200 and it's beautiful. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:19.180 But it was actually a spiritual wasteland. 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:22.019 They moved there 00:14:22.019 --> 00:14:24.740 without really thinking about church. 00:14:26.220 --> 00:14:28.320 They knew one was kind of nearby, 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:31.379 but it was all just kind of an afterthought. 00:14:32.780 --> 00:14:33.400 But really, 00:14:33.520 --> 00:14:34.840 there were no good churches nearby, 00:14:35.340 --> 00:14:38.580 and so they just started to attend the nearest church, 00:14:39.060 --> 00:14:40.900 which was pretty bad for them. 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:44.660 And he and his wife really spiritually declined. 00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:46.640 And even today, 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:48.840 they're still not in a good place. 00:14:49.920 --> 00:14:50.340 Why? 00:14:51.940 --> 00:14:53.960 Because they were at a crossroads, 00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:57.620 and their eyes weren't set on heaven. 00:14:58.320 --> 00:15:01.860 But they were staring at the dirt of this world. 00:15:03.020 --> 00:15:04.340 And it's subtle. 00:15:05.300 --> 00:15:08.120 They didn't walk away from the promises altogether. 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:10.020 They didn't abandon the faith. 00:15:10.400 --> 00:15:12.160 They knew they were heirs of the promise, 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:15.660 but they thought that they could push the promise to the side 00:15:15.660 --> 00:15:17.360 and just kind of live on the border. 00:15:18.760 --> 00:15:22.560 Paradise here mattered more than paradise ahead. 00:15:22.559 --> 00:15:26.179 They were farmers staring at the ground. 00:15:26.179 --> 00:15:29.839 When I was graduating from uni, 00:15:30.199 --> 00:15:33.059 I was wondering where to live and what to do. 00:15:33.959 --> 00:15:37.759 And my minister said something which I wish Lot could have been told. 00:15:38.819 --> 00:15:40.799 He said to me, 00:15:40.799 --> 00:15:43.279 you wouldn't go to Mars without oxygen, 00:15:44.039 --> 00:15:46.479 so don't move somewhere without a good church. 00:15:47.839 --> 00:15:49.740 Well, this family forgot the oxygen. 00:15:51.579 --> 00:15:54.539 And there is that temptation in all of us. 00:15:54.539 --> 00:15:58.459 We want paradise here, don't we? 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:03.779 Especially when space is such an issue here in London, isn't it? 00:16:04.579 --> 00:16:08.319 It's just like Abraham and Lot in many ways. 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:11.279 And what do we do with that issue? 00:16:11.279 --> 00:16:13.480 We lift up our eyes. 00:16:14.399 --> 00:16:16.159 We can look on right move. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:20.199 And we see the house prices anywhere else in this country. 00:16:20.639 --> 00:16:23.419 And we realise we can get a mini paradise 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.919 compared to what we can afford here. 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:27.539 The kids could have their own rooms. 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.399 We could have an office. 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:29.319 We could have a garden. 00:16:30.519 --> 00:16:32.720 And our eyes want it, don't we? 00:16:34.399 --> 00:16:35.699 But too many times, 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:37.439 Christians have made that move 00:16:37.439 --> 00:16:39.679 at the expense of the promise. 00:16:39.679 --> 00:16:43.439 Heading to a nice house first and foremost, 00:16:43.719 --> 00:16:46.620 but church has come further down the list of priorities. 00:16:47.319 --> 00:16:49.439 And sadly, too many Christians have moved 00:16:49.439 --> 00:16:51.339 to a spiritual wasteland. 00:16:53.679 --> 00:16:55.899 Now, please don't mishear me here. 00:16:56.979 --> 00:17:00.419 This doesn't mean we all just have to stay in Ealing now 00:17:00.419 --> 00:17:01.859 and now we're stuck here forever 00:17:01.859 --> 00:17:04.099 and you're going to be like Lot if you move, right? 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:04.819 It's not that. 00:17:04.899 --> 00:17:05.460 Definitely not. 00:17:06.139 --> 00:17:08.419 There are other great churches out there. 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:11.640 And sometimes it is good to move. 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:12.660 It's the right choice. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:15.620 It was right for Lot to move somewhere. 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.800 Abraham suggested it. 00:17:16.820 --> 00:17:18.200 It was the right thing to do. 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:21.460 People here in this church will be moving on soon. 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:25.560 And they have prayerfully and wisely made that choice. 00:17:25.560 --> 00:17:27.360 And it's a good, good move. 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:30.420 So please don't mishear me here. 00:17:30.519 --> 00:17:32.519 This isn't saying we can't move. 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:37.759 But the question is, what kind of spiritual land are we moving to? 00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:44.000 Where are our eyes fixed when we make these decisions? 00:17:44.639 --> 00:17:49.900 Are we putting the promises first or are we putting this world first? 00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:55.340 And this applies to all sorts of decisions we make in life. 00:17:55.620 --> 00:17:58.480 We can see the job with the highest salary, 00:17:58.840 --> 00:18:02.220 but will we take it if it means working every Sunday? 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:06.600 We can see the place where there are people my age 00:18:06.600 --> 00:18:08.240 and are more likely to get married, 00:18:08.380 --> 00:18:12.640 but will we choose that at the expense of being an heir to the promise? 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:16.280 Whenever we make decisions in life, 00:18:16.340 --> 00:18:20.980 we always have to have both heaven and earth to think about, of course. 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:25.800 But the question is, what will we prioritize first? 00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:28.940 Which one is guiding us in these decisions? 00:18:31.060 --> 00:18:32.580 Now, again, let me be clear. 00:18:33.600 --> 00:18:35.460 Sometimes you can have both. 00:18:36.480 --> 00:18:40.340 Sometimes there is a great job with cheap houses and an amazing church 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:42.899 and it's near extended family, maybe, 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:44.839 and it's just a no-brainer. 00:18:45.899 --> 00:18:48.639 Of course, go and take the job in that case. 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:49.139 Move there. 00:18:49.220 --> 00:18:50.879 Tell me where it is and I'll join you. 00:18:51.679 --> 00:18:52.659 Of course. 00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:54.959 But the question is, 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:58.319 when heaven and earth are at loggerheads, 00:18:58.959 --> 00:19:00.879 what will our eyes be set on? 00:19:02.419 --> 00:19:05.619 And God calls us, keep your eyes on heaven. 00:19:07.319 --> 00:19:10.079 And like the farmer, the line of your life will follow. 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:13.240 Which is what we see with Abraham. 00:19:14.139 --> 00:19:15.939 And this is what I want us to look at next. 00:19:16.179 --> 00:19:17.939 Abraham's heavenly mindedness. 00:19:19.039 --> 00:19:20.459 Abraham's heavenly mindedness. 00:19:21.659 --> 00:19:25.339 In one sense, Abraham is in the exact same situation as Lot. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:28.379 All the money, all the choices, the world is his oyster. 00:19:28.799 --> 00:19:30.519 But look how he responds, verse 9. 00:19:31.959 --> 00:19:35.899 He's doing whatever he can to make it work, isn't he? 00:19:36.700 --> 00:19:37.820 Just look what he's saying. 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:40.980 Lot, whatever we do, we need to stick here. 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:43.220 We have to live in peace. 00:19:43.540 --> 00:19:45.360 These promises are for both of us. 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:48.019 And so, what do you want to make this work? 00:19:48.880 --> 00:19:50.200 You want north Canaan? 00:19:50.360 --> 00:19:50.620 Fine. 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:51.040 It's yours. 00:19:51.140 --> 00:19:51.540 Take it. 00:19:52.580 --> 00:19:53.740 You want the south? 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.100 Great. 00:19:54.160 --> 00:19:55.000 It's all yours. 00:19:55.880 --> 00:19:57.759 You want the best part of Canaan? 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:58.599 The biggest section? 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:58.880 Fine. 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:00.519 I'll get rid of some of my sheep. 00:20:00.579 --> 00:20:01.500 I'll get rid of all my sheep. 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:02.319 I'll have less. 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:02.819 Fine. 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:06.200 Just whatever it takes, Lot, this is where the promises are. 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:11.039 And why is he so determined to make this work? 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:14.840 It's because of where Abraham's eyes are set. 00:20:16.519 --> 00:20:17.980 He could have moved back to Egypt. 00:20:18.120 --> 00:20:20.120 He could have forced Lot out of the way. 00:20:20.799 --> 00:20:22.400 He could have said, let's just pack our bags. 00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:23.539 This land isn't big enough. 00:20:23.900 --> 00:20:24.900 But we have the money now. 00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:25.920 The world is our oyster. 00:20:27.319 --> 00:20:30.980 But his eyes are set on heaven, on the unseen world to come. 00:20:30.980 --> 00:20:37.980 And so Abraham knows this land and these possessions and all these riches and all this greatness, 00:20:39.120 --> 00:20:41.360 this isn't the end goal. 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:47.059 He knows life on this land isn't all that there is. 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:53.880 He's living with his eyes set on the heavenly kingdom to come, a better land, a new creation. 00:20:54.360 --> 00:20:58.220 And he's staring at what is about to come over the horizon. 00:20:58.220 --> 00:21:07.980 And as he approaches this crossroads, this decision, his eyes are shaping the course of his life and decisions. 00:21:09.180 --> 00:21:10.960 Yes, space is a problem here. 00:21:11.100 --> 00:21:13.839 But one thing is sure, I'm sticking with God's promises. 00:21:14.660 --> 00:21:15.620 That's the priority. 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:21.960 He's living his life with this heavenly mindedness which just shapes everything. 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:26.539 Just like shooting the basketball, just like plowing that line. 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:28.940 It shapes how he's living. 00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:32.859 And it makes him prioritize God. 00:21:33.980 --> 00:21:37.119 It makes him prioritize the spiritual state of his family. 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:43.180 And also, it transforms how he thinks about his possessions. 00:21:45.119 --> 00:21:50.420 Because Abraham shows such incredible generosity here, doesn't he? 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:56.800 He's just so quick to give up his property and sheep and land and money and profits. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:22:00.539 He's not tight-fisted in this moment, is he? 00:22:01.080 --> 00:22:03.779 He just happily hands over what he can. 00:22:05.300 --> 00:22:10.400 He basically says, I don't care what I have here, just as long as we have God's promises. 00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:15.400 And that is what heavenly mindedness will do to you. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:23.940 It makes you live holding on to the things of this world very loosely in your hands. 00:22:25.380 --> 00:22:28.320 Because you know this isn't your real home. 00:22:28.319 --> 00:22:34.639 Which is why the generosity in this church is just so encouraging. 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:42.460 People are so generous with their time and their finances and opening up their homes and serving in so many ways. 00:22:43.399 --> 00:22:46.359 And that generosity, it shows all sorts of things. 00:22:46.419 --> 00:22:47.339 A love for God. 00:22:47.700 --> 00:22:48.659 A love for people. 00:22:49.099 --> 00:22:51.099 But it also shows the same thing as Abraham. 00:22:51.099 --> 00:22:54.879 It shows a heavenly mindedness. 00:22:56.679 --> 00:23:02.500 That is the church holding on to the things of this world very loosely. 00:23:03.319 --> 00:23:05.379 Because we know this isn't our home. 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:12.539 Why else would you give up your time to help out with language classes and kids clubs, 00:23:12.639 --> 00:23:15.959 unless you know you have an eternity of time to come? 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:21.819 Why else would you tithe and use your money for the sake of the gospel, 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:24.819 unless you know there are infinite riches stored up for you in heaven? 00:23:26.299 --> 00:23:29.440 Why else would you open up your home week after week, 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:32.539 unless you know your real home is to come? 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:36.460 There's a phrase you might have heard. 00:23:37.420 --> 00:23:43.000 People might say, oh, he's so heavenly minded, he's of no earthly good. 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:46.180 That phrase is a bunch of baloney. 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:52.779 It is the most heavenly minded who are of the most good here on earth. 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:56.799 Because it makes us live with hands open. 00:23:59.079 --> 00:24:02.980 And so heavenly mindedness, living with this constant view of eternity, 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:05.200 it is liberating. 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:12.140 Heavenly mindedness breeds a deep, peaceful contentment in life. 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:17.500 Just like setting your eyes at the end of the field straightens out the line, 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:20.640 well, eyes on heaven straightens out our desires. 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:23.380 And it's liberating. 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:26.819 I don't have to grip tightly to the things of this world. 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:30.400 It's okay if I don't get the right house, 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:32.359 or those cars in the driveway, 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:33.779 or that six-figure promotion. 00:24:33.779 --> 00:24:38.200 I don't have to be plagued with this discontentment of, 00:24:38.839 --> 00:24:40.299 but I still need more. 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:44.139 Because our eyes are set on heaven. 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:48.180 Which is a real challenge to us as well. 00:24:48.339 --> 00:24:52.639 Because when that discontentment does bubble up, 00:24:53.639 --> 00:24:54.819 and we look at our lives, 00:24:54.920 --> 00:24:55.480 and our house, 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:56.180 and our flat, 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:56.960 and our finances, 00:24:57.079 --> 00:24:57.519 our clothes, 00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:58.379 even our bodies, 00:24:58.380 --> 00:25:00.820 and we see on Instagram, 00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:03.100 and what we could have, 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:05.460 and we're not happy, 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:07.480 it should make us think, 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:09.300 where are my eyes focused? 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:14.320 Do I realize I have a home somewhere else? 00:25:14.320 --> 00:25:17.200 Or are my eyes really set here on earth? 00:25:19.200 --> 00:25:22.040 When our eyes are down here, 00:25:22.780 --> 00:25:24.540 heaven starts to dim, 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:27.700 and houses start to glow. 00:25:29.039 --> 00:25:30.940 But if you keep heaven in your sight, 00:25:31.319 --> 00:25:33.220 everything else starts to dim, 00:25:33.579 --> 00:25:37.240 and your true home starts to outshine everything else. 00:25:38.639 --> 00:25:39.819 And it's liberating. 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:44.180 We can hold on to the things of this world loosely. 00:25:45.379 --> 00:25:47.779 We can be content with the imperfect house, 00:25:47.879 --> 00:25:48.779 or the smaller garden, 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:49.680 or no garden. 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:52.359 Because this isn't our real home. 00:25:52.359 --> 00:25:55.240 And so let this be an encouragement. 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:57.219 As we wait for the world to come, 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:59.339 and you are very aware, 00:25:59.959 --> 00:26:02.179 that this life now isn't paradise. 00:26:03.899 --> 00:26:04.379 Realize, 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.519 that's okay. 00:26:06.859 --> 00:26:08.859 This isn't meant to be paradise. 00:26:10.379 --> 00:26:12.219 And so you can let go, 00:26:12.219 --> 00:26:14.099 of whatever you are gripping to, 00:26:14.179 --> 00:26:14.899 very tightly. 00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:17.000 You can let go of that, 00:26:17.079 --> 00:26:19.639 because God has promised you so much more. 00:26:19.640 --> 00:26:23.860 You get to live looking toward heaven. 00:26:25.280 --> 00:26:26.800 That's what God says to Abraham, 00:26:26.900 --> 00:26:27.440 verse 14. 00:26:28.880 --> 00:26:29.920 Lift up your eyes, 00:26:30.360 --> 00:26:31.100 and look. 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:35.220 Look to everything that is about to be yours. 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:38.759 Keep looking to that world unseen. 00:26:40.200 --> 00:26:43.620 The Lord Jesus has riches stored up for you in heaven. 00:26:43.920 --> 00:26:45.460 He's waiting for you there. 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:48.920 And it will outshine everything else. 00:26:51.180 --> 00:26:53.220 And so if you are exhausted, 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:56.299 trying to find paradise here on earth, 00:26:56.340 --> 00:26:57.460 and it is exhausting, 00:26:58.340 --> 00:26:59.600 you can stop looking. 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:03.920 The Lord Jesus has opened the way to heaven, 00:27:04.380 --> 00:27:06.500 and the true paradise awaits. 00:27:08.039 --> 00:27:09.500 So set your eyes there. 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:12.559 Live your life walking there, 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:14.960 and you will never go off course. 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:16.859 Let's pray. 00:27:16.859 --> 00:27:46.839 Thank you.