Introduction
Memory Text: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35, NKJV).
Abraham became
personally involved in God’s mission when He showed hospitality to three men
and interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. He revealed hospitality, love, and
prayer-qualities that can greatly aid in mission,
as well.
How does Abraham show that God had called him for mission?
He took the initiative to first run to meet the guests even
before they came to him. He fulfilled this mission by showing hospitality
towards these strangers, who seemed to have just appeared on the horizon.
Abraham's influence also extended beyond his household, he led many people to
knowledge of God. Abraham understood that his going to the Promised Land was
not for vacation but to be a blessing to those around him and, through his
seed, to the world.
What is the second quality of Abraham drawn from Genesis 18?
The second quality of Abraham drawn from Genesis 18 was his
love for people, even those he did not personally know. Abraham hoped to save all the people in these cities through his love.
What key elements can we learn from Abraham’s second quality for ourselves?
We should love everyone irrespective of who they are to
us, Abraham did so. Abraham knew that human beings could still repent and come to
God, so he based his request to save Sodom and Gomorrah on God’s love for sinners,
knowing that when there is life, there is hope for salvation.
What is the type of dialogue between Abraham and God?
The dialogue between Abraham and God is a type, a representation,
of intercessory prayer.
What are the realities in Abraham’s prayer for Sodom and Gomorrah?
Abraham had learned to love the people of Sodom and Gomorrah,
thus he prayed for them. Abraham exercised humility and perseverance in his
prayers.
What do Abraham’s intercessory prayers teach us?
Our mission cannot be successful without prayer, intercessory
prayer. After meeting someone, after giving a sermon or a Bible study, we must
pray for the people we have been in contact with. God is heedful of these prayers in touching the hearts of the people we have contacted.
What was the result of Abraham’s hospitality, love, and prayer?
Lot, his wife, and two daughters left Sodom and Gomorrah.
However, only Lot and his two daughters were saved.
What are the parallels between Genesis 18 and Genesis 19?
Abraham and Lot were each sitting at an entrance or gate (Gen.
18:1, Gen. 19:1); Abraham and Lot each invited strangers to rest in their abode
(Gen. 18:3, 4; Gen. 19:2); Abraham and Lot each prepared food for their
visitors (Gen. 18:4-8, Gen. 19:3).
What lesson can we learn from the small number of residents of Sodom that
were saved?
Not everyone will be saved by our mission. Our task is to
invite everyone, show love, and pray for everyone, but ultimately it all comes down
to each individual’s choice.
What other main quality did Abraham possess in his relationship with God?
His submission to God’s will.
Where do we see Abraham’s submission to God?
His calling: Abraham submitted to God’s will when he was
called out of his “ ‘father’s household to the land I will show you’ ”.
Choice of the land: Abraham submitted to God’s will when a
quarrel erupted between the servants of Lot and his servants.
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: Abraham, full of love was
ready to save these cities, he submitted to the will of God and accepted God’s
judgments of these cities.
What should Abraham’s submission to God mean to us?
The Lord was able to use Abraham because of his submission
to God in all circumstances. It must be the same with us today.
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