October 8, 2006
“God’s Favor or Fire”
Genesis 18
In Genesis 18, God presents us with a stark contrast. First, we see Abraham, preferred and loved by God. In sharp contrast, we see the Sodomites, in this chapter, almost ripe for God's furious fiery wrath!
Would you rather have favor than fire? Let us contemplate Abraham's faithful example:
I. Abraham is characterized by faith – Genesis 15:6
1. He is the father of Faith
2. Faith is the key to the treasure chest of God –Hebrews 11:1
3. Faith is essential in our relationship with God – Hebrews 11:6
II. Abraham is known also as one who found favor with God – Genesis 18:3; Genesis 12:2-3
1. I have listed favor here second, after faith but it actually precedes faith, even in Abraham’s story – Genesis 12:2-3; Jeremiah 31:3
2. Yet, God’s favor should be sought after –
A. Through faith – Hebrews 11:6
B. Through study -2 Timothy 2:15
C. Through obedience –Genesis 17:1 & :23-27
III. Abraham parleys this favor into sweet fellowship –Genesis 18:3b -5
IV. Abraham maximizes his opportunity of fellowship –
1. He prepares for it enthusiastically, enlisting the help of Sarah and others – Genesis 18:6-8
2. He listens and rejoices in God’s good plans, which involve him and his wife Sarah, who listens also, rejoicing – Genesis 18:9
V. Abraham’s sweet fellowship with God leads next to friendship with God, even then fervent prayer –
1. Jesus defines friendship – John 15:15
2. Here God is sharing His specific plans of judgment with Abraham, because:
A. Abraham will become a great nation – Genesis 18:18
B. All nations will be blessed in him – Genesis 18:18
C. Abraham is known – “chosen him in love” – for a purpose -
Genesis 18:19 "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."
VI. A description of Sodom and Gomorrah –Genesis 18:20-21
1. The outcry against them is great –:20
A. In spite of the fact they were blessed to live in a luxurious land – Genesis 13:10
B. In spite of the fact they had been saved in battle by Abraham – Genesis 14:8-24
2. Their sin was grave – serious - :20
3. The impending judgment was enough to set Abraham to prayer, probably more for Lot than for the people of Sodom – Genesis 18:22-33 (This is the first recorded prayer in Scripture)
4. Their judgment was great – Genesis 19:23-25
5. Yet, there will be greater judgments – Matthew 11:23-24
Application:
1. Draw near to God, make your calling and election sure, seek His favor – 2 Peter 1:10
2. Pray for your friends and relatives that they might escape the wrath to come / teach your children – Genesis 18:19; 22-33
3. Fear God, whoever you are – Psalm 111:10
