Sermons

Transcript

Explore
Genesis 13:14-18
United Baptist Association Youth Rally
June 12-13, 2026

Introduction
There is more to life than we know. Things that are highly beneficial abound around us. Unfortunately, we hardly see them. That necessitate exploration. God in His infinite wisdom intentionally hid valuable resources in the ground, under the sea and in the air (Isaiah 45:3). None of them is easily found on the surface of the earth. Man has to search for them, process them and make them useable and useful. Nigeria, despite the large volume and quantity of natural resources God has graciously blessed her with, remains the world capital city of poverty whereas countries with little quantity of natural resources are thriving. The difference lies in their ability to explore and Nigeria’s inability to explore and add value to the wealth around her.

The Life of Abram is a perfect motivation for any youth that aspires greatness in life. God guided him through the journey of life. Abram explored under divine guidance and his life became better for it. He became what he saw. What will you become? The passage provides factors that can facilitate productive exploration. A few of them are discussed below.

Factors that Facilitate Productive exploration
1. Clear Vision (Genesis 13:14): Abram was to look around from east to west, south to north. The scope of his exploration covers how far he could see. We broaden the scope of our knowledge and understanding by reading, listening, watching, traveling and through research. When you look what do you see? The question speaks to the issue of content. The material you read, listen to or watch, places you travel to or areas of your research will determine the content you will explore. Consequently, this will form the basis for your discovery, findings and conclusions. Many youths spend the larger percentage of their precious time exploring ungodly and unproductive materials. Definitely, they will have nothing to show for it.
2. Divine Promise (Genesis 13:15): God promised to give Abram and his descendants the land he could see. This promise implies that Abram was moving from barrenness to fruitfulness. From Abram – great father to Abraham – father of many. From homelessness to having a nation. God was putting an end to his hopelessness. Unguided exploration cannot produce beyond superficial findings. With divine guidance one can access hidden treasure.
3. Divine Perspective (Genesis 13:16): “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.” “God can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” Ephesians 3:20. Youths should be able to view life’s goals and aspirations from divine perspective and decide never to settle for less since they have a God who can perform human imagination.
4. Possessing Your Possession (Genesis 13:17): God commanded Abram to arise and walk through the length and brength of the land before him. God gave him the land, but Abram had to arise and walk through the land. Youths have the duty to possess whatever God has graciously given them. Don’t just see, possess. You have interest in a sister. After prayers and convictions what are you waiting for? Delay is dangerous. Arise and possess your possession. You discovered a suitable location for your business. Don’t waste time. Possess the land.
5. Worship (Genesis 13:18): After the exploration and claiming its attached blessings, Abram built an altar unto God. He worshiped God who gave him a fruitful and glorious future. Worship is believers’ response to the person and wonderful works of God. The manifold blessings that come through divinely guided exploration should prompt our hearts to worship God. We should not turn our back at God after He has led us to the Promised Land. Our lives should reflect his faithfulness at all times.

Conclusion
How much of the beneficial things around you do you see? How much of the materials that can fetch you good grade in your academics do you read? How much of the Scripture do you know? How well do you understand the labour market? How much of the opportunities inherent in your chosen career have you explored? Have you taken time to explore the beauty of the sisters and brothers around you? Your life partner can be the person seated near you. Don’t say there are no opportunities around. Pray that God will Open your eyes to see beyond the surface.