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APPEARANCES OF THE LORD

Text: Genesis 18
4 October 2011

(I) APPEARANCES OF THE LORD

1. First appearance

When Abram arrived in Canaan (Genesis 12:7)

2. Second appearance

When he was 99 years old (Genesis 17:1)

3. Third appearance

In Mamre, en route to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:1)

(II) ABRAHAM’S SPIRIT OF SERVANTHOOD

1. Consciousness of being a servant

a) Declared (Genesis 18:3, 5)

b) Demonstrated (Genesis 18:6-8)

2. Cultural practice

a) Entertainment of strangers

b) Exemplary

(III) A SPECIAL WORD TO ABRAHAM AND SARAH

1. Promise of a son reiterated (Genesis 18:10-12)

2. Laughter

a) Of Abraham (Genesis 17:17)

b) Of Sarah (Genesis 18:12)

3. Question

“Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14

(IV) INTERCESSION FOR SODOM AND GOMORRAH

1. High regard for Abraham (Genesis 18:17-19)

2. Disclosure of the reason for this visit to earth (Genesis 18:20-21)

3. Abraham’s Intercession to spare Sodom and Gomorrah

a) For the sake of 50 people (Genesis 18:24)

b) For the sake of 45 people (Genesis 18:28)

c) For the sake of 40 people (Genesis 18:29)

d) For the sake of 30 people (Genesis 18:30)

e) For the sake of 20 people (Genesis 18:31)

f) For the sake of 10 people (Genesis 18:32)

4. Spirit of Intercessor

a) Concern about the righteous being destroyed with the wicked (Genesis 18:23-28)

b) Concern for Lot and family who lived in the region of Sodom and Gomorrah

i) Not stated

ii) But well within the context

c) Deep humility (Genesis 18:27)

i) But dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27)

ii) Let not the Lord be angry (Genesis 18:30, 32)

5. God’s gracious response

a) Openness

b) Willingness to hear every plea

c) Consideration for every plea

d) Promise to heed each prayer

“I will not destroy it for the sake of ten” Genesis 18:32