Guess Who's Coming for Dinner?

Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner? Genesis 18 June 30, 2019 The Big Idea: God appeared to Abraham in the form of a man, showing His deep love for the man and his wife that God had chosen. We see the friendship of God with Abraham, as they talk about important matters of life and faith. God, in His great mercy, offers this intimate relationship to you. Genesis 18 (ESV) 18 9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 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.” 23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 33 And the LORD went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place. 8 MORE LESSONS FOR GOD’S PEOPLE 1. God loves to reveal Himself to us with the goal that we would know Him and live in intimate fellowship with Him (vv. 1, 8) 2. God comes to us, in our distress and disappointment, and speaks words of promise, power, & hope – Remember, He is El Shaddai – He has no limits on what He chooses to do. (vv. 9-15) 3. Men and women of God must decide what they believe about God’s power – does He have limits? (v. 14) 4. A related question is: Do we understand the distinction between “Can He?” and “Will He?” in our lives? 5. The “way of the Lord” (v. 19) means that we are on a journey with Christ. The journey is marked by “doing righteousness and justice.” 6. We should wrestle with the great questions of our faith. Abraham is concerned with the tension between God’s justice and His mercy. God is infinitely merciful – 2 Peter 3:9 God is completely holy and just – Romans 6:23 7. Do we go before the Lord and plead with Him on behalf of those under His judgment? God stirs us to intercession by knowing His thoughts. (v. 19) Do you know God’s attributes and ways? Do you believe them? Matthew 7:13-14 8. I need to know what Scripture says about “righteousness.” Romans 3:10; 21-23 "You can do more after you pray, but you cannot do more until you pray." S.D. Gordon