Coachlight Bible Study – Testing of the Covenant – Lesson Abraham 4 of 6

I. The Confirmation Of The Covenant– (Genesis 15:7-21) – In response to Abraham’s faith (verse 6), God entered into a covenant with him, assuring him while revealing still more of the meaning of the divine promises concerning him and his seed.

A. The Foundation Of The Covenant – (verse 7) – The basis of the covenant was God’s character and revelation to Abraham. On this foundation everything else rested.

1. How was it introduced?By the announcement of the divine name: “I

am Jehovah.” – This is the all of all. God’s unchanging presence and character.

2. Then came the reminder of what God had already done for Abraham – “That

brought thee out of Ur of the Caldees.”

3. Then came the renewal of the divine purpose. “To give this land, to inherit it.” God again reminds Abraham of His divine purpose.

B.  The Desire For The Covenant – (verse 8) – Abraham met this new assurance of

God with an earnest desire for a proof.

1. Abraham sought for knowledge and assurance. “Whereby shall I know?” He

desired an outward guarantee.

2. But his attitude was one of belief.

a. Because he believed, he had a desire for confirmation.

b. He believed God’s Word, but wondered how and when it could be fulfilled.

c. To illustrate this, we can go to the New Testament and see two accounts of revelation, both with almost the same words, but a contrast in faith.

 

1. First of all, let’s go to the account of Zacharias, as the angel was revealed to Zacharias that his wife, Elizabeth would have a child:

 

Luke 1:18  And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.”

 

2. Notice the words are almost identical to the words of Abraham. Now, let’s look at the account of the virgin Mary.

 

Luke 1:34 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

 

3. Now let’s notice the attitudes behind these similar words:

 

a. Mary: “Be it unto me according to Thy Word.” (Luke 1:38)

b. Zacharias: “And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak…

because thou believest not My Words… “ (Luke 1:20)

c. Abraham: “And He counted it to him for righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)


C. The Preparation Of The Blood Covenant – (verses. 9&10) – God gave instructions, “Take for Me an heifer…” Abraham then proceeded with the requirements of a covenant. “Took… divided.” – (Leviticus 1:6). Having divided the animals, he places the pieces opposite each other, and one bird opposite to the other, leaving a pathway between them.

1. This was the customary form of agreement or contract. Two parties

walking in procession, signifying their agreement. (Jeremiah 34:18).

2. Underlying idea – covenant by means of sacrifice.

3. The blood covenant was a well known method in Abraham’s time for

making an agreement.

D. The Obedience Of The Covenant – (verses 11&12) - FaithfulnessAbraham did all that he was instructed. (The attitude to receive from God).

1. Kept watch.

2. Kept away the birds of prey.

E. The Message Of The Covenant – (verses13-16) – A revelation of four parts

now is given to Abraham telling him of events to come – things his seed will experience.

1. His seed to experience persecution – (verse 13) – Three elements in this

was: 1. Exile, 2. Bondage, 3. Affliction. Remember Abraham is a type of

the consecrated believer.

2. His seed to witness great power. God was going to show all of those in

Egypt many miracles. (verse 14).

3. Abraham himself is to experience great peace – (verse 15).

 

Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”

 

4. He is called to exercise patience. (vs. 16).

 

Romans 8:24, 25 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

 

F. The Making Of The Covenant – (verses 17-21) – After the revelation of God’s

will comes the divine assurance in the form of a covenant.

1. Symbolic actions – (verse 17)

a. A cylindrical firepot and a fiery torch  to symbolize the presence of God. (Exodus 19). (Smoking Mt. Sinai).

b. The symbol of God passing between the animals ratifying the covenant.

2. Divine Assurance. (verse. 18-20) – God now reveals the precise limits of the land promised to Abraham.

a. It seems pretty clear that the two rivers referred to are a wadi in West Israel, and the Euphrates, thus giving boundaries to the Holy Land that have never yet been realized.

b. God’s promises still await their fulfillment will be realized during the Millennium


II. Justification by Faith or Works - Justification is an important concept in God’s plan.  Questions that can come up are, “How am I justified?”; “When am I justified?”; “Who does the justifying?”; or “What do I have to do to be justified?”

To be justified means: to stand before God in a state of righteousness.  Just before the Reformation, Martin Luther struggled with these questions, and finally broke away from the Catholic Church

 

A. Justification by Faith or Works

1. Martin Luther before he left the Roman Catholic church, was a dedicated servant of the Roman Catholic Church and was taught Justification by works - but had no peace

a. Did many hours of pentence so God would forgive him of his sins

b. Was so afraid to take communion because he thought he was not worth - many hours in confession:

2. He was saved by reading Paul's Epistles - Didn't understand James Epistle

 

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

 

3. His confusion

a. Romans 3:28 - Paul's declaration of Justification

 

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

 

b. James 2:24 - James declaration of Justification

 

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

  

c. Both Scriptures use the same Greek word for justified - 1344 dikaiow dikaioo dik-ah-yo’-o

 

 

d. Seemingly the same context

1. Romans 4:3 - Abraham being Justified

 

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

 

2. James 2:21 - Abraham being Justified

 

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?


e. Does the Bible contradict itself?

1. When does Paul say Abraham was justified?

 

Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

 Abraham was justified when he believed

 

2. When does James say Abraham was justified?

 

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

 Abraham was justified when he offered Isaac upon the altar

 

f. A lesson in interpretation. 

1. While at first is looks like the context of the passage in Romans and the context of the passage in James are the same,

2. And using the same word for “justified”,

3. But, they are different concerning when Abraham was justified.

4. The word dikaiow has two meanings

a. To be declared righteous

b. To show one to be righteous

5. We need the context to determine the meaning in each passage

g. Faith without Works is Dead

1. James 2:14-24

2. Romans 3:23- 5:2

h. Abraham's Works Sealed or Vindicated his Justification – Romans 4:16-5:2

i. Important Exhortations about Justification in Paul's Epistle to the Galatians

1.  If we are of faith, we have the same promise as children of Abraham -

Galatians 3:6-9 

2. Admonishes to Stand fast in your liberty- Galatians 5:1-6 

 

j. Definition of Justification – Two meanings, we have to look at the context to know author’s intension for the meaning of the word used.

 

1344 dikaiow dikaioo dik-ah-yo’-o

from 1342; TDNT-2:211,168; v

AV-justify 37, be freed 1, be righteous 1, justifier 1; 40

 1) to render righteous or such he ought to be

2) to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered

3) to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be


III. Testing Of The Covenant - Abram Believed God – (Genesis 16) – But didn’t wait For God’s perfect timing

A. The story of Hagar

1. An idea to help God out – (vs. 1-3) – The idea came originally from Sarah.

The long wait was trying, but we have to also consider that came yielded at

the first mention. Important facts:

a. It had not yet been revealed that Sarah was to be the Mother of the

promised seed.

b. Hagar, as bond slave, was her mistress’s personal property. Any child

born to her would belong to her mistress, not to her.

c. There was evident faith in Sarah’s suggestion. She believed God’s promise to Abraham.

d. This was a common practice in Sarah’s time.

e. Even though Sarah’s motive was good and genuine, and even involved

self-sacrifice, the proposal was wrong.

1. Wrong against God – Whose Word had been given, and Whose time

had not yet come.

2. Wrong against Abraham – Leading him out of the path of waiting on

God’s perfect timing.

3. Wrong against Hagar – Did not recognize her rights or individuality in

the matter.

4. Wrong against Sarah herself – robbing from her a high privilege, as well

as leading to disobedience.

2. The Result – (vs. 4-6) – The outcome of Abraham’s action is soon seen in the effects:

a. Pride – Hagar’s insolence was natural, and even though her reproach of her mistress was insolent, it was also inevitable.

b. Jealousy – Now Sarah blames Abraham, an unfair attitude, stating, “My wrong be upon you.”

c. Misery – Abraham was powerless in this situation because Hagar belonged to Sarah. Not being able to interfere, he had to say, “do as it pleases you.”

d. Injustice – This came upon Hagar, and Sarah “dealt with her hardly.” Hagar was again a slave, but with treatment she had never experienced before.

 

B. The Intervention – (vs. 7-12) – Man is seen miserable and suffering, by not waiting for God’s perfect timing -  God intervenes, with His grace.

1. “The angel found her” – God had not overlooked what had happened and now intervenes in order to bring the best possible results after the error and sin of His children.

2. Submission (vs. 8, 9) – The divine command was that she should return and submit herself. Sarah was still Hagar’s mistress. This submission was the first step toward blessing in her life.

3. It is the same today. If we find ourselves in mistakes the way back is complete submission to the will of God.

4. Assurance of a blessing – God always accompanies His call of  submission with a promise. God promises to bless Hagar’s seed.


C. The far reaching effects of a believer not waiting on the Lord

1. Not waiting on God’s timing is the worst thing that can happen - It very often has wide spread effects. Islam is of course traced back to Abraham’s mistake.

2. This leaves us with two principles:

a. We must wait on God’s timing. God’s will must be realized in

God’s way. The union of faith and patience. (Hebrews 6:12).

b. A close relationship with God. - discernment would have detected the

danger in Sarah’s suggestion. The protection against this type of error

1. Communication between God and His servant.

2. Prayer and diligent - study of the Word.

 

IV.  The Covenant Renewed – (Genesis 17) – Now, 13 years after the trouble with  Hagar, Abraham is 99 years old. These 13 years were undoubtedly spent in waiting on the Lord. Now the Lord reveals Himself to Abraham again.

A. El Shaddai – “I am the Almighty God.” first mention –  root “power and ability.”

1. New Responsibility – “Walk before Me and be thou perfect.” (Maybe a hint that Abraham was satisfied with Ishmael and no longer anxious about the seed of promise?)

2. Result – “Abraham fell on his face.”

3. Privilege – “God talked with him.”

4. Assurance – “My covenant is with thee.” God reminds Abraham of an already existent covenant and then continues by adding some more of  the up coming events of this new covenant.

5. Promises of this new revelation (vs. 4-8).

a. Abraham himself.

b. The land.

c. His seed.

6. Comparison of growth in events.

a. chapter 13 – “As the dust of the earth.”

b. chapter 15 – “As the stars of heaven.”       

c. chapter 17 – “Many nations.”

B. Requirements – (vs. 9-14) – Abraham is now told his part in the matter.  Notice what he had to do was to obey God’s Word. This is another illustration that shows God’s covenant is one sided. God is the giver; man is the receiver, not the equal. There seems to be four ideas associated with the ordinance of circumcision:

1. Designation – as belonging to God.

2. Separation – unto him.

3. Believing His Word

4. Possession by Him – (lead by the Spirit.)

C. Sign of the covenant – circumcision – Abraham’s sign of obedience to God’s Word. The church is also called obedience by the Abrahamic Covenant because we are children of Abraham. The Apostle Paul tells us:

 

“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children

of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:7)


 

1. The Apostle Paul also tells us concerning circumcision, and how the Gospel of Christ calls us to circumcision. Speaking of Christ he writes:

 

Colossians 2:9-12. “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

 

2. The Apostle Paul not only tells us that we are justified by faith just like Abraham, but that Abraham was also preached the same gospel.

 

Galatians 3:8, 9 “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”.

 

D. Further Revelation – (vs. 15, 16) – Not only Abraham’s, but also his wife’s

name is now changed.

1. Abram means “exalted father,’ – whereas Abraham means “father of a

multitude.”

2. Sarah means “queen of princes” or “mother of princes” and is the

feminine of Sar, whereas Sarai means, “princely.”

3. Now is the first time Sarah is named as the Mother of the promised

seed. God’s promises become more detailed as time goes on.

E. Abraham’s immediate response – (vs. 17, 18) – He receives the new revelation of God with reverence, and yet we can detect a little trustful astonishment.

1. Appeal for Ishmael – Ishmael has grown to be a boy of 13 and naturally won a spot in his father’s heart.

2. God told Abraham that Ishmael was not the promised seed.

3. God promised Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation.

F. The Obedience Of Abraham – When this period of communication with God ended, Abraham acted in obedience in the circumcision of Ishmael, all his house, and those bought with money.

V. The Ministry Of Intercession – One of the most important and blessed factors of a believer’s walk is the duty of intercession.

A. Fellowship With God

1. The Appearance of Jehovah – God once again appeared to Abraham. only this time not in a dream or vision, but in person along with two angels.

2. Abraham’s hospitality – God and the angels had the appearance of men.

Abraham washed their feet, killed a calf, Sarah cooked dinner for them

and they “did eat.”


B. The Promise Repeated The question: “Where is Sarah, thy wife?” showed that the travelers knew her name and the words that followed told him who the speaker was. (vs. 10)

1. The Lord told Abraham that Sarah would have a son.

2. Sarah, overhearing them, laughed at the thought of a 90 years old woman having a baby.

3. God heard Sarah laugh and spoke these tremendous Words: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

C. God’s confidence in Abraham – (vs. 16-19) God’s friends are permitted to know God’s secrets… because they are God’s friends.

D. The secret told to Abraham – (vs. 20, 21) – The Lord told Abraham that He

and the angels had come down to earth to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

1. Going to be destroyed because “their sin is very grievous.”

2. The sin of homosexuality never has been tolerated by God and never will be

E. Abraham’s Intercession – He was not so much concerned about Sodom, but with the vindication of God’s character. On this we read: ”Shall the judge of all the earth, do right?”

1. Abraham was confused that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah would involve the death of the righteous, as well as the wicked.

2. Abraham did the right thing. He told God about it.

 

F. God’s Encouragement – Each time, the prayer had a divine response: “And the Lord said,” God’s Word is the compliment and response to our petitions.

1. “If I find… I will spare.” – If God could find 50 righteous, He would spare the place “For their sakes.” God’s response showed Abraham that there is power and influence in asking God.

2. Deep Humility – (vs. 27) – Abraham used a meiosis, a belittling of one thing to magnify another.

3. “Peradventure there should lack five of the righteous…” Six times Abraham intercedes for the wicked cities. Persistence in prayer is one of the most important teachings. (Romans 12:12) Six times God responded – it is always that way. God responds as long as we ask. Notice the progression:

 

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”  Matthew 7:7, 8

 

5. Abraham’s Limitation probably stopped out of ignorance.

a. Ignorance of the extent of Sodom’s sin.

b. Ignorance of the extent of God’s longsuffering and mercy.

c. It has been said, “Abraham stopped asking before God stopped giving.

d. Our Lord’s pleading on our behalf knows no limitation:

 

 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25


F. Lot’s Preservation – Directly connected with Abraham’s intercession. Abraham saved his nephew twice:

1. Once by the sword – chapter 15

2. Once by supplication – chapter 18

VI. Sin In The Believer -  The Story Of Lot -  (Genesis 19) – Started well, but  closed his life in failure and disaster. Lot came out of Mesopotamia with his uncle and continued with him in Canaan until their riches made them separate. Lot then pitched his tent toward Sodom and soon made his abode there. As a consequence, he was involved in its captivity by the kings of the east. Even his rescue by Abraham did not serve to warn him of the place because he returned.

A. The Place Of The Angels – (vs. 1-3) – While God remained with Abraham, the two angels journeyed to Sodom.

1. They meet Lot at the gate Lot probably held an official office in Sodom. (Judge)

2. Lot treated them with courtesy and offered them hospitality.

3. Angels declined at first, but finally gave into Lot’s persistent urgings.

“Abide in the street all night.”

4. They yielded and accepted Lot’s hospitality.

B. The Sin Of The CityLot knew the sin of his city. God has never tolerated the sin of homosexuality.

1. Lot wanted to deliver his visitors from the proposed wickedness.

2. His defense was worthless – The people had not been influenced by him not to do evil.

3. Pleading with his sons-in-law – Lot had not only lost his influence with the city, but also with his family.

4. Warnings – story of Lot is full of warnings:

a. First he chose selfishly.

b. Then he pitched his tent toward Sodom.

c. Then he entered in.

d. Finally he occupied a position of chief responsibility.

5. The man who attempted to compromise with principle was:

a. hated of Sodom,

b. Lost his personal peace.

c. His testimony was paralyzed.

d. He was an example to  the city or his sons-in-law toward righteousness.

C. The Escape Of Lot – Compromise is always disastrous in the life of faith.

1. The Pull Of The World – with judgment in sight, he lingered.

a. Only saved as the angel practically forced him out.

b. He made selfish arrangements for the future, pleading to go to Zoar. It was permitted.

2. Righteous Lot – The New testament describes him as “just Lot.” His deepest desire was right, but his failure was due to compromise.


D. Divine Judgment – Due to compromise

1. Judgment did not fall until the cup of iniquity was full.

2. Opportunity for the manifestation of their guilt was given in the visit of  the angels.

3. The Sodomites’ attitude toward these visitors caused the flames to come.

4. Another evil result of Lot’s compromising with “the world,” is what happened to his wife.

E. The Secret Of Lot’s Escape – Can you picture Abraham in the morning. He had interceded for Sodom, and now stood in the place he had met God. From that position of safety, and yet of pity, he saw the smoke. The deliverance of Lot did not come from Lot’s lifestyle, but from Abraham’s intercession.

 

Genesis 19:29  “And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.”

 

F. A Sad Story The final effects of the failure of Lot.

1. Lot’s daughters, no doubt from living in the environment of Sodom were utterly immoral, and guilty of incest.

2. Lot’s Legacy - In the passing centuries, -  continually trouble to Lot’s people because of the hostility of Moab and Ammon.

 

VII. An Old Sin Repeated – Abraham journeyed south and made his abode in  Gerar. The people living there were warlike people, later known as Philistines. As Abraham approached, an old fear hit him again. Abraham again practiced the dishonesty with regard to Sarah that brought him into trouble in Egypt.

A. Abimelech, king of Gerar, acting on the info about Sarah, took Sarah with the intention of making her his wife.

B. The Lord intervened to save Sarah.

C. Through a dream, God warned Abimelech of his peril.

D. Abimelech immediately knew it was God and his “not guilty” plea, probably had a remembrance of God’s destruction of Sodom.

E. The Rebuke – It is sad when a man of God has to be rebuked by a man of the world. There are points to Abraham’s statement that he used to try to justify his action.

1. He thought there was no fear of God in Abimelech’s land. (vs. 11)

2. Sarah was really his sister – that is, half sister. By suppressing the truth,

he suggested plainly that it was false.

3. It was an old covenant between Abraham and Sarah. (vs.13) Shows a believer must stay in fellowship with God or the old sins have a habit of cropping up and can bring along with them, destruction.

F. The Results – (vs. 17, 18) – In answer to prayer, God’s blessing came down upon Abimelech and his household.

1. Sarah’s position as Abraham’s wife was restored – and she would still be

the instrument of fulfilling God’s promised seed.

2. God’s protection of Abraham – mercy overruled his sin.


IX. Applications – Of the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses and Israel, and the New Covenant, each has its own characteristic features and parts, and only one is conditional. The Mosaic. The Mosaic is a covenant of works, whereas the others are covenants of grace. The Abrahamic Covenant is central to all Scripture

A. Let’s consider the meaning and message of this covenant.

1. God’s Action – God only, passed through the pieces and not Abraham.

a. This points out that a divine covenant is not a mutual agreement on equal terms between parties, but a divine promise assured and ratified by means of a visible pledge of its fulfillment.

b. This of course, takes the divine covenant out of the category of all similar human agreements.

2. The Human Attitude – What then is man’s part in the covenant? - a recipient. God gives – Abraham takes. The believer, which is the antitype of Abraham should,

a. Like Abraham, respond to the covenant by believing God’s Word, weather it makes sense or not.  We believe it because it was God Who said it;

b. Like Abraham, seek God’s guidance through testing, believing Him through the sanctifying stage and waiting for His timing, So that we are justified, and bear fruit

Eternal Covenants of God with Israel and The Gentiles

Abrahamic Covenant

Expansion Covenants

Promise of A National Land

(Land)

Genesis 12:1; 13:14-15 & 17

Palestinian Covenant – gave Israel assurance of final, permanent restoration to the land forever

Deuteronomy 30:3-5; Ezekiel 20:33-37, 42-44

Promise of Redemption National and Universal – (Blessing)

Genesis 12:3; 22:18 & 3:16

New Covenant – Israel’s Spiritual Blessing and Redemption forever

Jeremiah 31:31-40; Hebrews 8:6-13

Promise of Numerous Descendants – A Great Nation

 (Seed)

Genesis 12:3; 13:16;17:2-6

Davidic Covenant – Dynasty, Nation, Throne forever

II Samuel 7:11, 13, 16

Jeremiah 33:20 & 21; 31:35-37

Christ and the Gentiles – Based not on birth but rather rebirth

Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. {accounted: or, imputed}

Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

 

 

B. The picture of God as the guest of Abraham is a type of the spiritual relationship between the believer and God of the New Testament. It is truly an unspeakable privilege to have God as our guest:

 

John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

 

And once again in the New testament we find:

 

Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

 

1.  Knowledge Of His Will – Fellowship with God is always associated with the

knowledge of His will. Servants do not know their master’s purposes, but friends do. Our Lord taught this plainly:

 

John 15:15 “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

 

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

2. If we do not pray for others, we actually sin against God! Notice Samuel’s

teaching:

 

I Samuel 12:23 “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.”

 

Our Christian life will never really be strong until we make intercessory prayer a predominant feature of our daily lives.

 

3. . The conditions needed to be met for intercessory prayer.

a. We can only intercede in proportion as we abide in close fellowship with

God:

 

John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”     

 

b. Ask in the Lord’s Name. This is more than just using His name, but

praying in union with Christ, in all that we know of His will.

 

John 14:13 “And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the

Father may be glorified in the son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”

 

c. Pray in the Spirit

 

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

 

C. The story of Lot and his family should provide a sobering reminder that all of our decisions are significant, even that of where we should live. Our moral environment influences our lives. This was written by God as an example to the believer, showing us that compromise with the world, even on “lawful matters: is destructive to the life of faith.

At this time, Abraham still lacked an heir. He exercised very little control over the land. But his faith, in spite of his deficiencies of character was genuine and unconditional. Abraham’s deflections from faith did not occur in the greater things of his life, but in the small. It is often the failure to allow God to undertake in the small matters that a Christian falls, by depending on self.

 

Both the story of Lot and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah are for examples. Peter, in his second epistle, speaks of Lot:

 

II Peter 2:7 “And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:”

           

     He also talked of Sodom and Gomorrah:

 

II Peter 2:6 “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;”

 

A. Lessons from Sodom

1. Man’s sin. When Divine restraints are lifted, there is almost no limit to human degeneracy.

2. God’s Judgment. There is probably no fact in God’s universe more certain than God is not, cannot nor will not be indifferent to sin.

3. God’s Mercy. From the story it might not seem that Lot was worth saving.

a. His weakness amounted to wickedness and yet, again and again,

b. God saved him.

c. Is there anything as wonderful as the mercy that waits on us, follows us, hedges our path, and does everything except actually compel us to stay away from ruin?


B. Lessons from Lot – his dangers could also be ours.

1. His first danger was from things lawful. It wasn’t a bad desire for good

and for his flocks. The sin came from putting prosperity first. “It is not

wrong to have possessions, it is only wrong to let possessions have us.”

2. Compromise – He pitched his tent toward Sodom, but soon entered the

city and stayed there.

 

3. WorldlinessHe did testify and showed genuine hospitality but:

a. His character was weak.

b. His life was essentially selfish from the time he chose the best part of the land until he offered his daughters to the Sodomites.

II Peter 2:8 “…vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds…”

       

Those that put God second are the most miserable.

4. He lacked independence. He was in good shape, as long as his uncle was around. It is like that today with some Christians. By putting your trust in a man instead of Jesus will fail every time. When the “prop” falls, the weak Christian falls.

 

C. Lesson From Abraham

1. He believed God’s Word

a. Was God’s friend

b. God revealed secrets to him, so he knew how to pray

c. Deliver weaker servants of God

d. God was his shield and reward

2. Danger of sin in the life of the believer.

a. Danger to himself by not waiting on God’s perfect timing

b. Danger to fellow believers – what a terrible influence on Sarah! Younger, weaker Christians can be led into sin when they see that sin in a believer.

c. Danger to the world – The sin of a child of God dishonors God and prevents the world from being impressed with the Divine Character of God.

 

      The promise is clear. “Sin shall have no dominion over you.” God’s provision is through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Ghost. This provides eternal victory. But on the other hand, God’s provision must be used by the believer. We are to:

 

Galatians 5:25 “Walk in the Spirit.”     It also plainly tells us:

 

Galatians 5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

 

Romans 6:16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

Full surrender to the Holy Ghost will keep the inner being sensitive to the temptations of sin. We then would be conscious of Satan’s devises and continue to yield ourselves to the incoming, full possession and manifesting the power of the Holy Ghost boldness to be an example to the unbeliever. In this, the power overflows.     Jesus said:

 

John 7:37-39 “In 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. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (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.)”

 

Notice particularly the words, “out of.” The power is to flow out of the believer. - It is not enough that God has the power; His people must have it, too. God’s servants are more than empty channels, they are vessels. Jesus gave His disciples power to heal the sick and to cast out demons (Matthew 10:1).

 

Believers need and can have this same power today through the fullness of God’s Spirit.

 

We need the fullness of the Spirit for spiritual warfare.

 

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of  this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

 

Notice that spiritual weapons are provided for us:

 

II Corinthians 3-5  “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…”

 

There is no substitute for the Holy Ghost. He who refuses or resists Him is helpless.

 

 “…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”  I John 4:4

     

Remember, Abraham’s problems did not come from failure to believe God for       the greater things in his life, but rather in the application of the principles of        faith to the smaller things, and waiting for God’s perfect timing. Today the believer can have the power over the small things as well as the large thins with a close relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, power that flows out.

Abraham Not Waiting on God Was Wrong

For Everyone Involved

1. Wrong against God Whose Word had been given, and Whose perfect timing Abraham had not waited for.

2. Wrong against Abraham Leading him out of the path of waiting on God’s perfect timing.

3. Wrong against Hagar Did not recognize her individuality in the matter.

4. Wrong against Sarah herself robbing from her a high privilege, as well as leading to disobedience.

The outcome of Abraham’s action is soon seen

in the effects:

1. PrideHagar’s insolence was natural, and even though her reproach of her mistress was insolent, it was also inevitable.

2. JealousyNow Sarah blames Abraham, an unfair attitude, stating, “My wrong be upon you.”

3. Misery Abraham was powerless in this situation because Hagar belonged to Sarah. Not being able to interfere, he had to say, “do as it pleases you.”

d. Injustice This came upon Hagar, and Sarah “dealt with her hardly.” Hagar was again a slave, but with treatment she had never experienced before.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Differences in Believers - Except for II Peter 2:7-8, we would hardly credit Lot with any consecration at all.

Lot - Type of the Unconsecrated Believer

Abram - Type of the Fully Consecrated Believer

Endeavoring to stand well with God, but compromising with Sodom

A Friend of God

Although 'righteous' he is yet living by sight. - seeking his own advantage.

Acceptance of God's promises - Hope

II Peter 2:7 “… vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:”

God visited him and talked to him – Revealed secrets to him

II Peter 2:8 “…vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds…”

Had the honor of intercessory prayer on behalf of Sodom and Lot

II Peter 2:6 “...an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;”

Genesis 18:19  For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, ….. “

No Testimony  either to his family, friends, or to Sodom.

Testimony to the world

Delivered from Destruction

Sanctified through testing

Legacy – Genesis 19: 36 -38 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father… the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day…the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

Legacy – Known as friend of God to this day, father of many nations