Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
I. God Spills The Beans of Justice (v.16-21)
II. Abe Intercedes For Sodom (v.22-26)
III. How Low Can You Go (v.27-33)
IV. God’s Justice and Jesus (Genesis to Revelation)
Updated Alternate Outline
I. What Happened Here
II. Questions Of What God Is Teaching Us
1 Why does God decided to tell Abraham his plan to destroy SoGo? (v.16-19)
2. What exactly does it mean, God heard the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah? (v.20)
3. What’s God mean by, I will go down and check? Doesn’t he already know? (v.21)
4. Why does Abe ask, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” And “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (v.23-25)
5. Will God Do Justice still today? (Whole Bible)
6. What can we learn about prayer by how Abraham intercedes for SoGo? (v.22-33)
7. Why the weird deduction from 50 to 10 people? (v.22-33)
8. Can a man or woman change God’s mind? (v.22-33
III. A Question of One, would God have shown mercy for one righteous? (New Testemant)
Genesis 18:16-33
“Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. 17 The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen him, 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 to Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”
22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. 23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” 26 And the LORD said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.”
Sermon Discussion questions
For The Sake of 10: Genesis 18:16-33
Ice Breaker: What is something a friend or spouse would say is quirky about you?
This Week Specific
Abraham's Compassion and Prayer
Abraham intercedes for a city he knows is filled with sin, asking for God's mercy. Who are the people or communities in your life that you feel called to pray for, even though they may be far from God? How can you cultivate a heart of compassion like Abraham for those around you?Boldness in Prayer
Abraham boldly negotiates with God, moving from 50 righteous down to 10. How bold are you in your prayers, especially for others? Can you think of an example in your life where you need to approach God with greater boldness and persistence in prayer?Responding to a Corrupt Culture
Abraham lived in a culture that was decaying morally, yet he remained righteous and sought God’s will. What practical steps can you take to remain faithful to God in a culture that often rejects biblical values, especially in your workplace, school, or neighborhood?God’s Justice Today
We see that God is both just and merciful in His dealings with Sodom and Gomorrah. In your day-to-day life, how do you reconcile the concept of God's justice with His mercy? Are there ways you can trust God's justice more deeply when you see injustice around you?Humility in Approach to God
Abraham humbly acknowledges his position as "dust and ashes" (v. 27) while boldly praying to God. How can humility in your relationship with God help you when you pray, work, or relate to others in your daily life?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?