“Giving up to be Lifted Up; Letting Go to Go Up”

SERMON Title: Giving up to be Lifted Up; Letting Go to Go Up
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 13:8-18 ESV

Introduction

In our passage, Abram faces growing tension between his people and his nephew Lot’s people. Abram, later called Abraham, is one of the central figures of Scripture—a man of faith chosen by God to be the father of a great nation. Through him, all the families of the earth would be blessed. His life was marked by trust and obedience, leaving his homeland to follow God into the unknown.

Lot, Abram’s nephew, journeyed with him from Ur to Canaan, sharing in the blessings God gave. Both households grew so large that the land could no longer support them. Disputes arose, threatening unity. This story is not just history—it is a mirror for us, inviting us to grow in trust, discover the beauty of surrender, and follow God’s leading even when the way feels uncertain.

1. Giving Up Our Rights Creates Space for Peace (vv. 8–9)

Abram said to Lot: “Let there be no strife between you and me… If you take the left, I will go to the right; if you take the right, I will go to the left.”

By every right—socially, culturally, and spiritually—Abram could have claimed the best land. He was the elder, the covenant-bearer, and the leader. Yet he laid down his rights and gave Lot the first choice. What looked like weakness was actually faith. By letting go, Abram created space for peace and unity, trusting God’s provision.

This principle is timely for us. In workplaces, families, and even churches, we often fight for recognition, inheritance, or influence—sometimes with legitimate claims. Yet insisting on our way escalates conflict. Abram shows a higher path: surrendering rights in faith makes room for God’s peace to reign.

Brothers and sisters, when we release control, relationships can flourish and God’s blessing flows. Letting go is not loss—it is trust.

2. Holding on to What Looks Best Can Lead Us Downward (vv. 10–13)

Lot lifted his eyes and chose the Jordan Valley, lush and fertile, like the Garden of the Lord. From a worldly perspective, it was the smart choice. But Scripture warns: “Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.”

Lot chose by sight, not by faith. What looked best placed him near corruption, and it cost him dearly—his possessions, his wife, and even his family’s integrity (Genesis 19). His decision reminds us that not everything that glitters is from God.

Today, we face the same temptation.

Careers: chasing promotions or income while neglecting worship, rest, or integrity.

Relationships: valuing appearance or status over godly character.

Parenting: prioritizing education and achievement while neglecting spiritual formation.

Lifestyle: seeking bigger, newer, more comfortable things without asking God’s will.

On the surface these choices seem wise, but they can pull us away from God’s blessing. Lot’s life warns us: what looks best in the world’s eyes can lead to spiritual ruin if it’s not aligned with God’s will.

3. Letting Go Opens Us to God’s Greater Vision (vv. 14–18)

After Lot departed, the Lord said to Abram: “Lift up your eyes… for all the land you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.”

Notice—God spoke after Abram let go. Elevation in God’s kingdom often begins with surrender. Abram gave up land, but God promised him all the land. He gave up the right to choose, but God promised descendants as numerous as dust. He gave up temporary security, but God gave eternal inheritance.

Surrender is not about God taking away good things. It is about Him giving us something greater. Abraham with Isaac illustrates this: when he offered Isaac, God returned him, along with renewed blessing (Genesis 22).

God still works this way:

Releasing a secure job may lead to a calling that blesses many.

Ending unhealthy relationships may open the way for deeper, godly ones.

Letting go of comfort or overcommitments may create space for growth and joy.

Above all, God gives us Himself in Christ. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20). In Jesus we receive peace (John 14:27), forgiveness (1 John 1:9), joy (Romans 15:13), purpose (Ephesians 2:10), and eternal security (1 Peter 1:3–4).

The greatest blessing is not land, wealth, or recognition—it is Jesus Himself.

Conclusion

Abram shows us that God lifts up those who let go. When we release our rights, our control, our plans, or our comforts, God meets us with greater blessing. The ultimate gift is not better circumstances but Christ Himself.

So, brothers and sisters, what are you holding onto? What rights, comforts, or plans keep you from trusting Him fully? Today, take a step of faith. Let go and allow the Lord to lift you into His promises, His purposes, and the fullness of life in Jesus.

Reflection and Response

As we close, consider:

What am I holding on to that keeps me from trusting God?

What “best-looking” choice am I clinging to instead of seeking His will?

What step of faith is God calling me to take so He can lift me up?

Let go, and let God lift you higher.