FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP July 31–August 6 Read 1 Corinthians 9:20–23. ■ Explain how that passage equates to the “read option” used by quarterback Tim Tebow. ■ How does that apply to the process of pursuing intentional spiritual friendships? 33 Fri/Sat/Sun—August 4–6•Proactive Mentoring So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” (Genesis 13:8–9) Genesis tells us the story of Abram, who encountered God personally, so that his whole life changed. When Abram was 75 years old, God asked him to leave his home and everything he was used to. God didn’t even reveal the final destination. He kind of said, “I’ll tell you when you get there.” Abram gathered his household, including his nephew Lot, and he obeyed God. Eventually the two families, along with all their herds and possessions, grew to the point that one area couldn’t support them all. Abram became proactive, suggesting that the two households split. He even gave his mentee Lot the privilege of choosing the property that he wanted. Later in Genesis, Lot and his family were taken hostage, and Abram rallied his household to rescue his nephew’s family and belongings. A few chapters later, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Then God told Abraham He intended to judge the area where Lot lived. Abraham interceded. Scripture tells us God did not spare the city, but “he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived” (Genesis 19:29). Abraham’s prayers saved Lot. Abraham’s example of proactive mentoring shows a pattern for anyone who has a heart to mentor others: He served, as when he rescued his nephew; he gave, as when he allowed him to select what appeared to be the best real estate; and he prayed, as when he interceded on Lot’s behalf. MIMBS 4 Describe a time when another man served you, gave you something you didn’t expect, or prayed for you. What was the result of that, in your own life? Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 35:1–36:23, Ezra 1:1–4:23, 1 Corinthians 1:1–3:4, Psalm 27:1–28:9, Proverbs 20:20–25
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