Introduction: The Bible is filled with people who, if we examine their lives carefully, can be fantastic examples of faith and Christian characters for all believers. Abraham, the Father of Faith, is just one of these people.
As we examine the life of Abraham, we can and will see that all of us have some things in common with faithful Abraham. Everyone in this room, just like Abraham, wears many different hats. For instance, I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a Pastor, a friend, among many other things.
This passage reveal three sides of the life of this man named Abraham. In this passage, he is visited personally by the Lord. During this visit, we are given a glimpse at three sides of this great man’s life. As Abraham is revealed to us here, we see some characteristics in his life that need to be seen in every life in this room. For a few minutes, I want to look into this personal encounter between the Lord and Abraham. I want to preach to you about THREE SIDES OF A MAN NAMED ABRAHAM. Let us examine our lives so we may be able to determine whether or not we are made of the same stuff as this great man of faith was.
I. The ministry of a servant (Vs. 1-8)
A. The quickness of his ministry.
1. Genesis 18:1-6 reads, (KJV) “1And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3And said, My LORD, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: 4Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 5And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. 6And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.” (NASB) “1Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 3and said, "My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. 4"Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; 5and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant." And they said, "So do, as you have said." 6So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes."” (AMP) “1NOW THE Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks or terebinths of Mamre; as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day, 2He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood at a little distance from him. He ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the ground 3And said, My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant, I beg of you. 4Let a little water be brought, and you may wash your feet and recline and rest yourselves under the tree. 5And I will bring a morsel (mouthful) of bread to refresh and sustain your hearts before you go on further--for that is why you have come to your servant. And they replied, Do as you have said. 6So Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah and said, Quickly get ready three measures of fine meal, knead it, and bake cakes.” (NLT) “1The LORD appeared again to Abraham while he was camped near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day about noon, as Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent, 2he suddenly noticed three men standing nearby. He got up and ran to meet them, welcoming them by bowing low to the ground. 3"My lord," he said, "if it pleases you, stop here for a while. 4Rest in the shade of this tree while my servants get some water to wash your feet. 5Let me prepare some food to refresh you. Please stay awhile before continuing on your journey." "All right," they said. "Do as you have said." 6So Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah, "Quick! Get three measures of your best flour, and bake some bread."
2. Abraham springs into action speedily trying to supply every need of his heavenly visitors.
3. He may be 100 years old, but there is not hesitation as he flies from one task to the next, until all is completed. Here is a man who recognized his duty and set about to do it as quickly as possible!
4. Abraham was eager to show hospitality to these three visitors.
5. In Abraham’s day, a person’s reputation was largely connected to his hospitality—the sharing of home and food.
6. Even strangers were to be treated as highly honored guests.
7. Meeting another’s need for food or shelter was and still is one of the most immediate and practical ways to obey God.
8. It is also a time-honored relationship builder.
B. The quality of his ministry
1. Genesis 18:7, 8 reads, (KJV) “7And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. 8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.” (NASB) “7Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. 8He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate.” (AMP) “7And Abraham ran to the herd and brought a calf tender and good and gave it to the young man [to butcher]; then he [Abraham] hastened to prepare it.
8And he took curds and milk and the calf which he had made ready, and set it before [the men]; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.” (NLT) “7Then Abraham ran out to the herd and chose a fat calf and told a servant to hurry and butcher it. 8When the food was ready, he took some cheese curds and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them there beneath the trees.”
2. Not only was Abraham swift in his service to the Lord, but he was also sacrificial in his service to the Lord.
3. He went to his flock and personally selected, killed and prepared a calf for their meal.
4. You have not really become a servant until your service costs you personally.
5. Being willing to sacrifice for your master is a sign that you are possessed of a servant’s heart.
6. Whether the service is time, tithe or talents, it is willingly rendered at the request of the Master and for His glory.
7. The greatest sacrifice you can offer, of course, is yourself.
8. Romans 12:1 reads, (KJV) “1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (NASB)* “1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (AMP)* “1I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.” (NLT)* “1And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?”
9. That is a sacrifice that no one else can give to Him! By the way, when He has you, He has everything you have anyway!
10. May I just remind you that the Lord deserves the best service we can give Him!
a) When we are serving Him, regardless of how menial the task, we should do our best to recognize whom we are serving and we should seek to do the best possible job for the glory of the Lord!
11. Colossians 3:23 says, (KJV) “23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (NASB) “23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” (AMP)* “23Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.” (NLT) “23Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
12. Since the creation, God has given us much work to do.
13. If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God, such an attitude would take some of the drudgery and boredom out of it.
14. We could work without complaining or resentment if we would treat our job problems as the cost of discipleship.
15. If it is worth doing for the Lord, it is worth doing right.
C. The quietness of his ministry
1. Genesis 18:8 says, (KJV) “8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.” (NASB) “8He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate.” (AMP) “8And he took curds and milk and the calf which he had made ready, and set it before [the men]; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.” (NLT) “8When the food was ready, he took some cheese curds and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them there beneath the trees.”
2. While his visitors were eating their meal, Abraham stood quietly by to serve them in any way they might need.
3. He simply stood beside them, adopting the pose of a servant, listening for the voice of his Lord!
4. Imagine the reaction of Abraham’s servants as they watched him assume the role of a servant to the Lord.
5. What a powerful testimony it was to them!
6. By the way, others are watching!
7. Make sure your service and testimony is all it should be!
8. Real servants of God are those individuals who make themselves ever available to the Lord and His work.
9. They are ready and willing to serve Him on a moments notice.
10. When there are no orders to follow, they continue to do the last thing He told them until new orders come.
11. They are His and they have no will of their own, but they are lost in His will for their lives!
12. That is a servant’s heart!
D. God always rewards the faithful service that is rendered to Him.
1. In Abraham’s case, He does this by reassuring Abraham regarding the birth of Isaac.
2. Genesis 18:17-19 reads, (KJV) “17And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” (NASB) “17The LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? 19"For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him."” (AMP) “17And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do, 18Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through him and shall bless themselves by him? 19For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him.” (NLT) “17"Should I hide my plan from Abraham?" the LORD asked. 18"For Abraham will become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. 19I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD and do what is right and just. Then I will do for him all that I have promised."”
3. These verses (17-19) tell us of the great affection, knowledge and care God possessed for this man Abraham.
4. God knew what caliber of man Abraham was.
5. He knew that Abraham would stand the test and be all that God wanted him to be.
6. He is clearly pictured as God’s saint in these verses.
II. The message for a saint
A. A message about a child
1. Genesis 18:9-15 says, (KJV) “9And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. 10And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? 13And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 14Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. 15Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.” (NASB) “9Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" And he said, "There, in the tent." 10He said, "I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. 12Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" 13And the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ’Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ 14"Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son." 15Sarah denied it however, saying, "I did not laugh"; for she was afraid. And He said, "No, but you did laugh."” (AMP) “9And they said to him, Where is Sarah your wife? And he said, [She is here] in the tent. 10[The Lord] said, I will surely return to you when the season comes round, and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son. And Sarah was listening and heard it at the tent door which was behind Him. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in years; it had ceased to be with Sarah as with [young] women. [She was past the age of childbearing]. 12Therefore Sarah laughed to herself, saying, After I have become aged shall I have pleasure and delight, my lord (husband), being old also? 13And the Lord asked Abraham, Why did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I really bear a child when I am so old? 14Is anything too hard or too wonderful for the Lord? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes around, I will return to you and Sarah shall have borne a son. 15Then Sarah denied it, saying, I did not laugh; for she was afraid. And He said, No, but you did laugh.” (NLT) “9"Where is Sarah, your wife?" they asked him. "In the tent," Abraham replied. 10Then one of them said, "About this time next year I will return, and your wife Sarah will have a son."
Now Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent nearby. 11And since Abraham and Sarah were both very old, and Sarah was long past the age of having children, 12she laughed silently to herself. "How could a worn-out woman like me have a baby?" she thought. "And when my master--my husband--is also so old?" 13Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, `Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ 14Is anything too hard for the LORD? About a year from now, just as I told you, I will return, and Sarah will have a son." 15Sarah was afraid, so she denied that she had laughed. But he said, "That is not true. You did laugh."”
2. God had given this promise repeatedly to Abraham.
3. The last time, in Genesis 17:17, Abraham had laughed for joy when he heard again the glorious promise of hope from the Lord.
4. This time, the promise is repeated for the benefit of Sarah.
5. All she had heard was second hand promises from Abraham, this time she hears the promise directly from the mouth of God.
6. Her reaction is vastly different from that of her husband.
7. He laughed for joy.
8. She laughs from doubt!
9. She is confronted and rebuked.
10. This episode is a reminder that God knows everything there is to know about you and me.
11. He knows our motives, our secret sins and all things that we do.
12. Nothing is hidden from His eyes.
13. Hebrews 4:12, 13 says, (KJV) “12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (NASB)* “12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” (AMP)* “12For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. 13And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” (NLT)* “12For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. 13Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.”
14. The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, a vehicle for communicating ideas; it is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us.
15. With the incisiveness of a surgeon’s knife, God’s Word reveals who we are, what we are, who we are not, and what we are not.
16. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life.
17. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil.
18. The demands of God’s Word require decisions.
19. We must not only listen to the Word of the Living God; we must also let it shape our lives.
20. Nothing can be hidden from God.
21. He knows about everyone everywhere, and everything about us is wide open to his all-seeing eyes.
22. God sees all we do and knows all we think.
23. Even when we are unaware of his presence, he is there.
24. When we try to hide from him, he sees us.
25. We can have no secrets from God.
26. It is comforting to realize that although God knows us intimately, he still loves us.
B. A message about a city.
1. Genesis 18:16-21 says, (KJV) “16And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. 17And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. 20And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.” (NASB) “16Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. 17The LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? 19"For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him." 20And the LORD said, "The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. 21"I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know."” (AMP) “16The men rose up from there and faced toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. 17And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham [My friend and servant] what I am going to do, 18Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through him and shall bless themselves by him? 19For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him. 20And the Lord said, Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, 21I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether [as vilely and wickedly] as is the cry of it which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” (NLT) “16Then the men got up from their meal and started on toward Sodom. Abraham went with them part of the way. 17"Should I hide my plan from Abraham?" the LORD asked. 18"For Abraham will become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. 19I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD and do what is right and just. Then I will do for him all that I have promised." 20So the LORD told Abraham, "I have heard that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah are extremely evil, and that everything they do is wicked. 21I am going down to see whether or not these reports are true. Then I will know."”
2. This is a precious point in Abraham’s relationship with the Lord.
3. Because of Abraham’s servitude and obedience to God’s commands God is determined to share His heart with Abraham.
4. Imagine being in a position of closeness to the Lord that motivated Him to share His heart with you.
5. God wants to have that same kind of relationship with every one of us this morning!
6. When we are in a position of closeness to Him, He will share His heart and His will with us.
7. Never feel that this kind of relationship is only for the super saints!
8. I will remind you of the great truth that as we seek to get closer to Him, He responds by moving closer to us.
9. James 4:7, 8 says, (KJV) “7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (NASB) “7Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (AMP) “7So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. 8Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].” (NLT) “7So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites.”
C. The message that the Lord had shared with Abraham was a difficult message to hear.
1. It had been revealed to him that his kinsmen, Lot and his family, were in danger of death and destruction.
D. "The cry" of Sodom and Gomorrah and their "grievous sin" was the reason for the coming destruction.
1. Too many people in Sodom must have been viewed as a showplace and a success story.
2. They probably bragged about how it had been rebuilt after the great war of Genesis 14.
3. Abraham knew different. He knew the city was slated for destruction.
4. Those of us who know the Bible know that our world thinks very highly of itself.
5. However, it too is slated for destruction!
6. May we learn to pray as Abraham did so that we can see our world saved!
7. He received the message and it motivated him to action before the Lord.
8. Perhaps this was a factor in God’s desire to share the message with Abraham!
9. Perhaps he wanted to motivate Abraham to move deeper in his relationship with God.
10. We have seen Abraham the servant.
11. We have seen Abraham the Saint.
12. Now, we are given a chance to see Abraham the son speaking with his heavenly Father!
III. The mediation of a son
A. The distance between them
1. Genesis 18:22, 23 says, (KJV) “22And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 23And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” (NASB) “22Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD.
23Abraham came near and said, "Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (AMP) “22Now the [two] men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23And Abraham came close and said, Will You destroy the righteous (those upright and in right standing with God) together with the wicked?” (NLT) “22The two other men went on toward Sodom, but the LORD remained with Abraham for a while. 23Abraham approached him and said, "Will you destroy both innocent and guilty alike?”
2. Abraham stood before the Lord and when the angels departed, he drew near to the Lord.
3. You and I have the same invitation to draw as near to the Lord as we please just as Abraham did.
4. Matthew 11:28-30 says, (KJV) “28Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (NASB) “28"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."” (AMP)* “28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] 29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” (NLT) “28Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."”
5. John 7:37-39 says, (KJV) “37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (NASB) “37Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. 38"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ’From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’" 39But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (AMP)* “37Now on the final and most important day of the Feast, Jesus stood, and He cried in a loud voice, if any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! 38He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, from his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. 39But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).” (NLT) “37On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "If you are thirsty, come to me! 38If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within."39(When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)”
6. Hebrews 4:15, 16 says, (KJV) “15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (NASB) “15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (AMP)* “15For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” (NLT) “15This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. 16So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.”
7. Jesus is like us because he experienced a full range of temptations throughout his life as a human being.
8. We can be comforted knowing that Jesus faced temptation—he can sympathize with us.
9. We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced temptation without giving in to sin.
10. He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive lure of temptation.
11. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived.
12. Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come “with confidence.”
13. Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask him to meet their needs.
14. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say.
15. Come with reverence because he is your King.
16. Also, come with bold assurance because he is your Friend and Counselor.
B. The dialogue between them.
1. Genesis 18:24-33 says, (KJV) “24Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 27And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes: 28Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. 29And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake. 30And he said unto him, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. 31And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. 32And he said, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. 33And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place. (NASB) “24"Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? 25"Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?" 26So the LORD said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account." 27And Abraham replied, "Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes. 28"Suppose the fifty righteous are lacking five, will You destroy the whole city because of five?" And He said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there." 29He spoke to Him yet again and said, "Suppose forty are found there?" And He said, "I will not do it on account of the forty." 30Then he said, "Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak; suppose thirty are found there?" And He said, "I will not do it if I find thirty there." 31And he said, "Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord; suppose twenty are found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it on account of the twenty." 32Then he said, "Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?" And He said, "I will not destroy it on account of the ten." 33As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the LORD departed, and Abraham returned to his place.” (AMP) “24Suppose there are in the city fifty righteous; will You destroy the place and not spare it for [the sake of] the fifty righteous in it? 25Far be it from You to do such a thing--to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as do the wicked! Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth execute judgment and do righteously? 26And the Lord said, If I find in the city of Sodom fifty righteous (upright and in right standing with God), I will spare the whole place for their sake. 27Abraham answered, Behold now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken upon myself to speak to the Lord. 28If five of the fifty righteous should be lacking--will You destroy the whole city for lack of five? He said, If I find forty-five, I will not destroy it. 29And [Abraham] spoke to Him yet again, and said, Suppose [only] forty shall be found there. And He said, I will not do it for forty’s sake. 30Then [Abraham] said to Him, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak [again]. Suppose [only] thirty shall be found there. And He answered, I will not do it if I find thirty there. 31And [Abraham] said, Behold now, I have taken upon myself to speak [again] to the Lord. Suppose [only] twenty shall be found there. And [the Lord] replied, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. 32And he said, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again only this once. Suppose ten [righteous people] shall be found there. And [the Lord] said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. 33And the Lord went His way when He had finished speaking with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.” (NLT) “24Suppose you find fifty innocent people there within the city--will you still destroy it, and not spare it for their sakes? 25Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the innocent with the guilty. Why, you would be treating the innocent and the guilty exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" 26And the LORD replied, "If I find fifty innocent people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake." 27Then Abraham spoke again. "Since I have begun, let me go on and speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. 28Suppose there are only forty-five? Will you destroy the city for lack of five?" And the LORD said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five." 29Then Abraham pressed his request further. "Suppose there are only forty?"
And the LORD replied, "I will not destroy it if there are forty." 30"Please don’t be angry, my Lord," Abraham pleaded. "Let me speak--suppose only thirty are found?" And the LORD replied, "I will not destroy it if there are thirty." 31Then Abraham said, "Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue--suppose there are only twenty?" And the LORD said, "Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty." 32Finally, Abraham said, "Lord, please do not get angry; I will speak but once more! Suppose only ten are found there?" And the LORD said, "Then, for the sake of the ten, I will not destroy it." 33The LORD went on his way when he had finished his conversation with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his tent.”
2. Abraham’s prayer to the Lord arises out of several burdens he carries because of the revelation he has just received.
3. First, he is concerned about God’s reputation.
4. If the Lord simply destroys the people of Sodom out of hand, Abraham is concerned that people will get the wrong impression of God and of His love for sinners.
5. Secondly, he is thinking about Lot and his family, who live in Sodom.
6. He wants to see them spared, at the very least.
7. Therefore, he begins to talk to God about the situation and gets God to agree to spare the city if just 10 righteous people can be found there.
8. In Lot’s family, there was Lot, his wife, two unmarried daughters and at least two married daughters and their husbands.
9. This was a total of at least eight people in that family.
10. Abraham must have thought that Lot would have at least won his family and a few others.
C. Although Abraham did not know it at the time, his prayer was answered!
1. God did spare the righteous when He destroyed the wicked.
2. When the morning came and Abraham looked toward Sodom and saw the smoke of that place, (Genesis 19:27-28), he must have been discouraged.
3. However, his prayer had been heard and it had been successful, (Genesis 19:29).
4. Sometimes, our prayers seem to be very ineffective and weak, but only in eternity will know the full impact of our personal ministry of prayer in the lives of others.
5. Therefore, do not be discouraged, just pray and trust the Lord to bring it to pass!
Conclusion: If there is anything that you need to take away from this service, it is this: a close, personal relationship with God is possible for anyone who desires it and is willing to pay the price! Your willingness to pay the price to have this kind of relationship with The Heavenly Father is demonstrated in your attitude of service and humility. In your heart, are you honestly as close to the Lord as you would like to be? Are you His servant, running eagerly and speedily to do His will? Are you His saint, listening intently as He reveals His will and ways to you? Are you His son, His child, interceding before the throne of the Heavenly Father on behalf of those who do not have access to Him? Do you need to work on one or more of these areas of your relationship with the Lord? If so, there is help to be found in His altar!
