Honoring God When All Is Well
Faith of Our Fathers
June 26, 2022
Rev. Darin Stone
The sermon on Genesis 14:17–24 calls us to trust Christ above prosperity or suffering—using Melchizedek as a type of Christ and Abram’s refusal of Sodom’s plunder to show that true faith rejects pride and clings to God’s promises and provision.
Summary
Opening with prayer and a brief note about John Calvin, the sermon examines Genesis 14:17–24 to argue that both catastrophic suffering and sudden prosperity are decisive tests of faith; Melchizedek is presented as a type of Christ who displays God’s favor toward Abram, Timothy Stanley’s reflection on God’s daily provision is invoked to remind listeners that God is always at work for their good, and Abram’s refusal of the king of Sodom’s plunder models faith that rejects pride and values the surpassing beauty of Christ above all worldly gain.
Key Points
- Invitation to read Genesis 14:17–24 and opening prayer asking God to soften hearts
- Suffering and prosperity are both tests that can strengthen or destroy faith
- Melchizedek functions as a type of Christ, pointing to God’s favor and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus
- Timothy Stanley’s point: God provides daily and works all things for our good, leaving no room for pride
- Abram refuses the king of Sodom’s plunder as an example of faith that rejects worldly reward and temptation
- Application: no earthly gift compares to the beauty and glory of Christ; believers are called to trust and delight in him above all
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