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SERMON NOTES

Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
Genesis 18
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: Abraham’s interaction with the three visitors reveals much about his relationship with the Lord. His instant concern for their welfare reveals generosity of character on his part and superiority of identity on their part. The revelation he receives regarding the birth of Isaac affirms the power of God and confirms the fulfillment of God’s promise. The conversation Abraham has with the Lord about Sodom demonstrates the nature of intercessory prayer and highlights the goodness of God’s character. These events are tied together by a single thread, namely, that Abraham lived in relationship with the Lord. He communed with God, hoped in God, heard from God, prayed to God, and rested in God. These lessons are instructive for us today as we grow in our relationship with the Lord and one another.

01. Living in relationship with God includes saving faith and a sanctified life, meaning we are justified in a moment of time, and we grow in the Lord over time.

02. Living in relationship with God includes communion with God and invites questions about God, meaning we enjoy time with the Lord and we can discover more about the Lord.

03. Living in relationship with God includes hoping in God and resting in God, meaning we rely on the power of the Lord and believe in the goodness of the Lord.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. Note how the Lord appears to Abraham twice in two chapters (17:1; 18:1). How can we know God apart from such spectacular appearances? In what other ways does God make Himself known to us today? How does the Word of God give us greater access to God than Abraham had in his day?

2. What evidence from the text indicates that Abraham gradually became aware of the identity of the three visitors? How does his growing awareness parallel our growth as believers? What are you learning about the Lord as you continue to walk with Him?

3. Why did Sarah laugh when she heard that she would bear a child the next year? What does her reaction reveal about her loss of hope over time? Are you mindful of God’s faithfulness in the long term for issues that you have prayed about and hoped for?

4. What prompts the Lord to reveal to Abraham His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (verses 17-19)? How would this statement impact the original audience with respect to their obligation to honor the Lord with their lives? How should we live in light of our present graces and future judgment for those who do not believe? See 2 Peter 3:1-13 for further insight.

5. Why was Abraham so concerned about the pending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (verses 22-33)? What does his persistence in asking questions reveal about the nature of intercessory prayer? Are you praying for the salvation of others in your family, friends, or workplace? How does our knowledge of the power of God and the goodness of God add fuel to our prayers?

For Further Reading: David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Seeking the Face of God (Crossway, 2005)