God's Testimony of Abraham (Genesis 18:16-22)
God Knew Abraham On A Personal Level
- The sermon begins with Abraham being encountered by "three men" in his tent doorway in the heat of the day.
- Abraham recognized these "men" as special, angels of God and God himself.
- They delivered a message to Abraham and Sarah that they would have their own son despite Sarah's old age.
- Sarah laughed in disbelief, and God rebuked her.
- The three angels then walked toward Sodom, with Abraham following.
- God asked his angels, "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I KNOW HIM, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." (Genesis 18:17-19)
- Abraham had a special relationship with God, who considered him a friend and shared his plans with him.
- God revealed to Abraham that Sodom was about to be judged for their "grievous sins".
- After the other two angels continued to Sodom, Abraham interceded for Sodom, concerned for his wayward nephew, Lot.
God Knew Abraham Would Proclaim His Word
- God knew Abraham would "keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment."
- Abraham was obedient to God and, although not perfect, remained God's "friend."
God Knew Abraham's Posterity Would Carry On The Lord's Work
- Abraham's family was chosen to bring the Messiah to Israel and the whole world.
- God is the God of Abraham, his son Isaac, and his grandson Jacob - "The God of Israel".
- Isaac and Jacob continued in the way of God, leading to the nation of Israel and the promised Messiah, the Son of David.
- Pastor challenges us to proclaim God's Word to our children, despite any waywardness.
- It is our duty and precious right to be good fathers, teaching our children about our loving God and His precious Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.