LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Genesis 13:2–18, we see Abram and his nephew Lot growing prosperous with flocks and servants, but their blessings lead to strife among their herdsmen. To keep peace, Abram graciously allows Lot to choose the land first. Lot picks the lush Jordan Valley, settling near the sinful city of Sodom, while Abram remains in Canaan. Though Abram received the less fertile area, his faith in God’s promise was unwavering—and God rewarded him with a vision of future blessings.
This passage highlights how wise choices are not always the most obvious or attractive ones. Lot chose based on what looked good, while Abram chose to trust God. Teaching this to children sets the foundation for learning how to make decisions rooted in faith and kindness, not just personal gain.
OPENING ACTIVITY 6:00–6:15 | Make a Tent Craft
Items Needed:
- Abram’s Tent Craft (Printed on Cardstock)
- Crayons
- Camping Stickers
- Glue or Glue Tape
- Playdoh (Optional)
Have kids color their tent. Help them use glue tape to hold it together (or glue sticks if you don’t have glue tape). Then have them put stickers on it to decorate it.
If there is extra time, they can use playdoh to make people to put inside of the tent.
SONGS 6:20–6:30
PRAYER 6:30–6:40
- Song: “Whisper a Prayer”
- Prayer Circle: Sit in a circle, holding hands. Let children thank God for helping them make good choices.
- Suggested Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for helping us choose what is right. Help us to be kind and make good choices like Abram. Amen.”
BIBLE STORY 6:40–6:50
Where is this story in the Bible?
1. What book of the Bible is this story from? (Genesis)
2. Is Genesis in the Old or New Testament? (Old Testament)
Story (Preschool Version):
Abram and Lot were family. They had many animals—so many that their helpers started arguing about the grass and water. Abram said, “Let’s not fight. You pick where to live, and I’ll go the other way.” Lot saw the green grass near a city and picked it quickly. But the city had people who didn’t follow God. Abram went the other way, where the land wasn’t so green. But Abram trusted God. And God told Abram, “All this land will belong to you and your family.” Abram made a good choice by trusting God.
Theological Questions:
- Who gave Abram the land? (God)
- Did Abram trust God to take care of him? (Yes)
Life Application Questions:
- Did Lot choose the best land? (It looked good, but it was near bad people)
- How can we choose God’s way today? (By being kind, sharing, praying, and obeying)
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, help us choose what is right and trust You like Abram did. Thank You for always keeping Your promises.”
BIBLE VERSE GAME 6:50–7:00 | Sheep Herding Game
Items Needed
- Cotton balls
- Straws
- Sheep
- Box
Have children divide into two teams (Team Abram and Team Lot). Each team forms a line. Each child is given a straw. One at a time, children race to blow their cotton balls into the box. The team with the most cotton balls when the song playing ends wins.
BIBLE CRAFT 7:00–7:10 | Put Others First Jar
Items Needed
- Put Others First Jars
- Crayons
- Glue Tape or Glue Sticks
Have children decorate their jars. (For really young kids, have them cut out and taped together already). Hand out one “coin” at a time to the kids. As they color it, ask them for ideas of what it means. Repeat for all 12 coins. (Older kids could draw a picture of what it means on the back of each coin).
SNACK TIME & COLORING 7:10–7:25
Items Needed
- Coloring Page
- Crayons
- Snack
Children sit down for snack while coloring a page of Abram and Lot choosing land. Leaders can ask review questions during this time.
BIBLE STORY VIDEO: 7:20-7:25
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (KJV)
Genesis 13:14–17
“And the Lord said unto Abram…Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.”
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway: Choose God’s way
What I Learned Today:
- Abram let Lot choose first.
- Lot picked the green land, but it was near bad people.
- Abram trusted God, and God blessed him.
Questions to Ask Me:
Theological Questions:
- Who gave Abram a promise? (God)
- What did God say Abram would have? (All the land)
- Did Lot make a good choice? (Not really, it looked good but had bad people)
- What book of the Bible is this story from? (Genesis)
- Why is it important to trust God? (He always keeps His promises)
Life Application Questions:
- How can I make good choices? (Pray, ask parents, listen to God)
- What should I do when I want something someone else has? (Share, take turns)
- Who helps me choose what is right? (God, parents, teachers)
- What do I do when I see someone making a bad choice? (Pray, be kind, ask an adult)
- How can I be like Abram? (Trust God, be kind, let others go first)