Scripture Reference: Genesis 14
2. Abraham the Warrior
Please read Genesis 14:13-16 for the background to this section.
His attitude.
Abraham didn’t get involved in the war until he heard that Lot had been captured, and it was then he began to act. Abraham was separated, but not isolated; he was independent, but not indifferent. In fact, he and some of the local sheiks had formed an alliance for just such emergencies. He was “Abram the Hebrew,” which means “the outsider, the person with no secure place in society.” He was not “Abraham the hardhearted.” He was a “pilgrim and stranger” in the land, but for him that was no excuse for inaction.
While believers must not compromise with the unsaved in matters of spiritual walk and ministry (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1), they may cooperate when it comes to caring for humanity and “promoting the general welfare.” When you see that people are in trouble, you don’t ask them for a testimony before helping them (Luke 10:25-37; Galatians 6:10). Sacrificial service, expecting no praise or reward, is one way of showing the love of Christ to others (Matthew 5:16). If Christians don’t carry their share of the common burdens of life, how can they be the salt of the earth and the light of the world?
For example, Joseph served in Egypt, and God used him to preserve his family and the Jewish nation. Nehemiah served a heathen king, yet God used the authority and resources of that king to enable Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem. Esther was a Jewess married to a Gentile ruler, and God used her to protect the Jewish people from almost certain annihilation. Daniel in Babylon never compromised his convictions, but he did assist several rulers and was greatly used by God. We may cooperate with different people at different times to achieve different purposes, but we should always be conscious of our obligation to glorify God in the actions we do take.
Abraham treated his nephew with love, both when he gave Lot first choice of the land (Genesis 13:9) and when he risked his own life to rescue him. Lot hadn’t truly been that kind to Abraham, and Abraham had every excuse to let his nephew suffer the painful consequences of his own stupid decisions. But Lot was his “brother,” so Abraham practiced brotherly love and overcame evil with good (Romans 12:17-21; Galatians 6:1-2).
His army.
Though a man of peace, Abraham was prepared for war. He didn’t fight from selfish motives to get personal gain; he fought because he loved Lot and wanted to help him. When you consider the characteristics of Abraham’s army, you see what it takes in the spiritual realm to have victory over the world.
(1) They were born in his house (verse 14). Spiritually speaking, this reminds us that “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4). Our first birth made us children of Adam, and he was a loser; but our second birth makes us children of God, and Jesus Christ is the Victor. He has overcome every enemy (Ephesians 1:19-23), and He shares His victory with all who will trust Him. “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).
(2) They were armed (verse 14). It takes more than zeal and courage to win a war; you must also have effective equipment. The Christian soldier must wear the whole armor of God and use the spiritual weapons God has provided (Ephesians 6:10-18). Our weapons are spiritual, and not based on the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:3-5); and we use them in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Word of God and prayer are our two of the believer’s most effective weapons (Acts 6:4), and we must use them by faith.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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