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Genesis 18

 

 

  1. Again, we are not told how much time passes.  This time we find Abraham doing what?

 

 

Why would Abraham be found sitting at the door of his tent?

 

 

What does this tell us about Abraham’s life in this place?

 

 

Verse 1 tells us that Who visited Abraham?

 

 

Then, verse 2 tells us that three men came to Abraham’s tent.  Putting these two pieces of information together, what can we infer?

 

 

Read Hebrews 13:2.  What does this mean to you?

 

 

  1. How did Abraham react when he first saw the strangers?

 

 

Abraham is the head of this family and has numerous servants. Why does Abraham run to meet them himself?

 

 

How does Abraham treat these strangers?

 

 

  1. Abraham exhibits great hospitality.  What does it mean to you to be hospitable?

 

 

Why do you believe God places such a high priority on hospitality? 

 

 

What can rue learn about entertaining strangers from Abraham's actions?

 

  1. As another act of hospitality, Abraham sends for water so the strangers can wash their feet.  Why do you think he does this? 

 

 

Do Abraham's actions remind you of anyone else?

 

 

How would you feel if someone offered to wash your feet?

 

 

How would you feel if God asked you to wash someone else's feet?

 

  1. In verse 5 how does Abraham refer to himself?

 

 

What does this show us about Abraham?

 

 

What are some ways we can refresh others?

 

  1. To whom does Abraham go to get bread?

 

 

Why does Abraham pick out the calf himself?

 

 

Abraham and Sarah are involved with the meal, but they don't prepare it personally.  Why?

 

 

How do their actions illustrate what Jesus said to Martha and Mary?

 

 

  1. What question do the strangers ask Abraham in verse 9?

 

 

What does Abraham answer?

 

 

Why do you think Sarah was not with them?

 

  1. Verse 9 tells us ''they" asked the question.  Yet, verse 10 shows a shift.  Who is speaking in verse 10?

 

 

How do you explain the LORD's talking and eating with Abraham?

 

 

 

  1. What does God tell Abraham?

 

 

God knows Sarah is listening. Why doesn't God tell Sarah herself?

 

 

Up to this time, God fells what He is going to do for Abraham. Why does God mention Sarah this time?

 

 

  1. What do we learn from verse 11? 

 

 

Why do you think God waited until they were old and past the age of childbearing before giving them a child?

 

 

If something like this happened today, how do you think people would react?

 

 

 

  1. According to verse 12, what was Sarah's reaction?

 

 

What does Sarah think to herself?

 

 

At first glance, we may judge Sarah harshly.  However, does her reaction seem out of place?  Please explain.

 

 

Also, notice carefully what she says.  What does she say about herself?  About Abraham?

 

 

What does she mean when she says she is “worn out”?

 

 

  1. In verse 13, the LORD addresses Abraham.  Why doesn’t the LORD address Sarah since she is the one who laughed?

 

 

The LORD repeats what Sarah thought.  What does this mean to you?

 

 

What does the LORD say to Abraham in verse 14?

 

 

What does this mean to you?

 

 

Why might be one reason the LORD waited so long to give Abraham and Sarah a child?

 

 

  1. Remember, Sarah can hear the exchange.  When she hears what the LORD says, what is her reaction in verse 15?

 

 

What does it mean to you that they use the word “lied” in this verse?

 

 

What does this tell you about Sarah?

 

 

How does God respond?

 

 

What can we learn from this exchange about being honest with God?

 

 

 

          Now begins one of the most interesting and discussed stories of the Bible.  By now Abraham knows that he is speaking with God.  Following God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah, God turns His attention to Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

  1. Why do you believe verse 16 states that the “men” got up to leave?

 

 

Based upon the fact that they could look down upon Sodom, what can you determine about where Abraham is living?

 

 

Why did Abraham go along with them?

 

 

  1. What does God say in verse 17?

 

 

What does this verse mean to you?

 

 

Read Amos 3:7.  What does this verse mean to you?

 

 

Why would God not do something without first telling us through His prophets?

 

 

Can you think of a recent example where God first told His prophets about what He was going to do?

 

 

How do you feel about prophets and prophecy?

 

 

What would you say to those who do not believe this gift exists any more?

 

 

  1. What does God say about Abraham in verse 18?

 

 

What does it mean to you that all nations will be blessed through Abraham?

Do you still think this will be fulfilled? 

 

 

If so, what does this mean will have to happen?

 

 

  1. According to verse 19, what is one of Abraham’s greatest responsibilities?

 

 

Do fathers still share this same responsibility?  Please explain.

 

 

What are the consequences for Abraham if he does not direct his children to follow the LORD?

 

 

God also says that Abraham is to teach his children what is right and just.  Could the LORD be involving Abraham so Abraham can see what happens when people are not right and just?  Please explain.

 

 

  1. What does God say about Sodom and Gomorrah in verse 20?

 

 

Who do you think raised this outcry?

 

 

What does it tell you about God that their sin was so great and so grievous?

 

 

Why do you think God did not act before this?

 

 

  1. Verse 21 tells us that God is going to go down and see if the people are really that bad.  How do you explain this since God is omniscient?

 

 

What does this tell you about God and His justice?

 

 

  1. As the two “men” leave for Sodom, Abraham stays behind.  Why?

 

 

Verse 23 says that Abraham approached God.  Some versions read that Abraham drew near to God before speaking.  What does this mean to you?

 

 

How comfortable would you be staying behind to speak to God about such a matter?

 

 

Have you ever interceded for a city?  Please explain.

 

 

Why would Abraham care about a city filled with sinful people?

 

 

  1. Read verse 25.  What does this verse mean to you?

 

 

Is Abraham treading on dangerous ground?  Please explain.

 

 

  1. Look carefully at Abraham’s question to God in verse 23.  Is he saying God is not just?  Please explain.

 

 

What does this question show us about Abraham’s relationship with God?

 

 

Does this “fit” with most people’s understanding of God?  Please explain.

 

 

  1. The rest of chapter 18 contains a dialogue between God and Abraham.  Briefly, what is going on?

 

 

Some people have said that Abraham is changing God’s mind.  Do you agree or disagree?  Please explain.

 

 

Was God being unfair in that He was going to kill the righteous with the unrighteous?  Again, please explain.

 

 

Is Abraham convincing God that God had made a mistake?

 

 

  1. What does this exchange reveal to us about God and His nature?

 

 

What do these verses teach us about prayer?

 

 

Based upon this exchange, how would describe Abraham’s relationship with God?

 

 

Can we have that same type of relationship?

 

 

  1. Now read the following verses:  I Peter 3:18; Matthew 5:45.  Along with this exchange between God and Abraham, what do these verses teach us about the righteous and the unrighteous?

 

 

Based upon what we have studied in this chapter, how would you explain what happened to New Orleans?

 

 

Was God being unjust?