Message Notes

AM BETHANY 19 October 2019
Text: Genesis 18:16-33

AN APPROPRIATE FAREWELL

1. The Heavenly visitor arose to leave

2. Abraham went with them to send them on the way (Genesis 18:16)

THE LORD’S COMMUNION WITH ABRAHAM

1. Commendation of Abraham (Genesis 18:17-18)

a) Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?

b) Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation

c) And all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

2. Choice of Abraham (Genesis 18:19)

a) I have known him

b) In order that he may command his children and his household after him

c) That they may keep the way of the LORD

d) To do righteousness and justice

e) That the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him

3. Revealing the reason to visit Sodom (Genesis 18:20-21)

a) Because of the great outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah

b) Their sin is very grave

c) This outcry would be checked out carefully

d) The Lord will examine and know the situation there thoroughly

THE JOURNEY OF THE TWO ANGELS TO SODOM

1. The two angels made their way to Sodom and Gomorrah

2. Abraham detained the Lord in further conversation

THE PLEAS OF ABRAHAM

1. Abraham stood still before the LORD

2. Then he came near to Him (Genesis 18:22-23)

3. The Pleas made to the Lord
Would not the Lord spare the cities if:

a) 50 righteous people were found there? (Genesis 18:24-26)

b) 45 righteous people? (Genesis 18:27-28)

c) 40 righteous people? (Genesis 18:29)

d) 30 righteous people? (Genesis 18:30)

e) 20 righteous people (Genesis 18:31)

f) 10 righteous people (Genesis 18:32)

4. The LORD would spare

a) For the sake of the righteous few

b) He would not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their sake

LESSONS ON PRAYER

1. Closeness to God

2. Concern for the Lord’s name and for the righteous

3. Humility in prayer

“I am but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:28)

4. Boldness

Far be it from You to do such a thing as this,
To slay the righteous with the wicked (Genesis 18:25a)

Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25b)

5. Perseverance
From 50-10 (Genesis 18:24-31)