Message Notes

(I) RIGHTEOUSNESS TRULY DELIVERS FROM DEATH

Genesis 18

1. Impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah

2. Intercession from Abraham

3. Basis of Intercession- For the sake of the righteous

“If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” Genesis 18:26

“…And He said, ‘I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.’ ” Genesis 18:32

(II) THE PRINCIPLE OF “DELIVERANCE”

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,But righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 10:2

“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,But righteousness delivers from death” Proverbs 11:4

“The righteousness of the upright will deliver them,But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust.” Proverbs 11:6

“The righteous is delivered from trouble,And it comes to the wicked instead.” Proverbs 11:8

“…But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.” Proverbs 11:9

1. What is “deliverance?”

a) A way of escape

b) A way out of trouble

2. How does this deliverance come about?

a) Through knowledge

b) Through avoidance of wickedness

c) Through the grace of God, the righteous are spared

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO PRACTISE RIGHTEOUSNESS

1. He will be guided along the path of life

“The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright,But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.” Proverbs 11:5

a) Guidance

b) Direction

2. He is a blessing to many

“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted,But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” Proverbs 11:11

a) Exaltation

b) Overthrown (by contrast)

3. It brings great reward

“…He who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.” Proverbs 11:18

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,And he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30