Genesis 18:16-33
BACKGROUND NOTES
DOCTRINAL POINT(S)
The Lord enjoys close fellowship with the believer.
The Lord encourages the believer to pray for others.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Are you the friend of Jesus?
QUESTIONS
What was the basis for Abraham’s intercessory prayer?
Would God hold back His judgment for the sake of a few righteous?
Did the Lord share His plans with Abraham?
Was it a bargaining process on the part of the Lord as Abraham reduced the quota of righteous persons in Sodom?
Refer to 2 Chronicles 20:7, Isaiah 41:8 and James 2:23. What does this tell us about Abraham?
ANSWERS
It was based on Abraham’s concern for Lot and the righteous in Sodom. (Genesis 18:23) It was also based on biblical principles and the way God has revealed Himself, “Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25).
Yes. Read Genesis 18:26.
Yes. See Genesis 18:17 and Amos 3:7.
No. The Lord was encouraging intercessory prayer.
Abraham is called the friend of God. He is the only believer in the Bible who is referred to in this way.
DISCUSS/CONSIDER
God did not hide His plans from Abraham. The Lord wanted to share His ways with Abraham. This is part of having close fellowship with the Lord. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. What degree of fellowship do you have with the Lord? How can you have even closer fellowship with Him?
Analyze your prayer life. What percentage of your praying is for others? Review Abraham’s intercessory prayer. Read 1 Samuel 12:23.
CHALLENGE
Are you the friend of Jesus? See John 15:14. Are you obeying Him in your personal life, your thought life, in your relationships? Jesus said, “You are my friend if...”
KEY VERSES
“The Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?’“ Genesis 18:17
“...Abraham stood still before the Lord.” Genesis 18:22
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Genesis 18:25