Hi, I'm Robert Jeffress and I'm glad to serve as your Bible teacher every day on this great radio station on today's edition of Pathway to Victory.

You know what's interesting? This is the first time this is the first chapter in the Bible where wealth is mentioned and it's in the negative context.

Now, it's not saying wealth is necessarily simple, but just be aware that wealth can cause conflict and today we're going to look at the episode in Abraham's life that best illustrates the problem with prosperity.

Welcome to Pathway to Victory with author and pastor Dr. Robert Jeffress. You know money in and of itself, it's not a bad thing. Money only becomes evil when it sabotages our relationship with God.

Today on Pathway to Victory, Dr. Robert Jeffress talks about two wealthy men in Scripture. One allowed his riches to draw him closer to God, the other allowed his wealth to push God away.

Now here's our Bible teacher to introduce today's message. Dr. Jeffress?

Thanks David and welcome again to Pathway to Victory. If we could actually visualize the private thoughts of our friends, we would quickly discover that some of us have harbored a secret dream.

A dream to become rich. We might be too embarrassed to admit it, but honestly now, wouldn't it be fun to have a bottomless bank account? Think of the vacations. Imagine the extravagant gifts we could give.

Well, talk to anyone who's received a windfall inheritance. Speak with a tycoon or the recipient of a huge settlement.

Wealthy people will be quick to admit that money doesn't solve everything. Sometimes money even complicates our lives.

And today I want to provide a biblical reminder that prosperity comes with a unique set of problems.

As a resource for those who are chasing a false dream, I've written a book for you. In fact, it's brand new. It's called Walking by Faith.

And it contains a complete chapter on today's topic. Whether you're enjoying a season of prosperity or you're barely making ends meet, these biblical principles will help you experience a satisfied life.

Again, my book is a study of the life of Abraham, and it's called Walking by Faith. And you can request your copy right now by going to ptv.org and giving a generous gift to support the ministry of Pathway to Victory.

David and I will give more details later, so be prepared to jot down our contact information.

But right now I'm asking you to turn in your Bibles to Genesis chapter 13. I title today's message the problem with prosperity.

Turn to Genesis chapter 13, beginning with verse 1. So, Abraham went up from Egypt to the Negev, and he and his wife and all that belonged to him.

And a lot, his nephew was with him, underlying that warning sign. This is going to be a problem.

Now, Abraham was very rich in livestock and silver and in gold, and he went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning between Bethel and I, to the place of the altar which he had made there formally and their Abram called on the name of the Lord.

Now, a lot who went with Abram also had flocks and herds and tents. A lot was Abraham's nephew. Look at verse 6. And the land that is Canaan could not sustain Abraham and Lot while dwelling together for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together.

They were wealth had grown so much, especially the livestock. There wasn't enough land to feed them on. And that produced strife. Look at verse 7. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock.

You know what's interesting? This is the first time this is the first chapter in the Bible where wealth is mentioned. And it's in the negative context.

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