Text: "And Abraham drew near and said, 'Will you destroy the righteous also with the wicked?'" — Genesis 18:23
Introduction.
Genesis 18 records one of the greatest moments of intercession in the Bible. God revealed to Abraham His intention to judge Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great wickedness. Instead of remaining silent, Abraham drew near to God and pleaded on behalf of the righteous who might be living in those cities.
This passage reveals God's justice, mercy, and the power of standing in the gap for others.
God is perfectly just. He knows how to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked.
1. Abraham drew near to God
"Abraham drew near..."
Before Abraham spoke, he first came near to God. Effective prayer begins with a close relationship with God.
The Bible says:
James 4:8 – "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
Hebrews 4:16 – "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace."
Those who want to influence heaven must first walk closely with God.
Illustration:
A child confidently approaches his loving father because he knows he is welcome. Likewise, believers can come boldly before God through Christ.
2. God Is a God of Justice
Abraham asked,
"Will You destroy the righteous also with the wicked?"
Abraham knew that God's character is righteous.
The Bible declares:
Genesis 18:25 – "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
Deuteronomy 32:4 – "All His ways are justice."
God never makes mistakes. His judgments are always righteous and true.
3. God Knows How to Deliver the Righteous
Although Sodom was judged, God rescued Lot before destruction fell.
The Bible says:
2 Peter 2:9 – "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment."
Psalm 34:19 – "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all."
God is able to preserve His people even in difficult times.
Illustration:
Just as Noah was preserved in the ark while the flood destroyed the world, and Israel was protected during the plagues in Egypt, God knows how to keep those who trust Him.
4. The Ministry of Intercession.
Abraham stood before God on behalf of others.
God still seeks intercessors today.
Ezekiel 22:30 – "I sought for a man among them... who should stand in the gap before Me."
1 Timothy 2:1 encourages believers to pray for all people.
Many lives can be changed because someone prayed.
5. Judgment Is Certain, but Mercy Is Available
Sodom rejected God's ways and eventually faced judgment.
Likewise, the world is moving toward God's final judgment.
Hebrews 9:27 – "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."
John 3:16 reminds us that God offers salvation through Jesus Christ.
Today is still the day of grace. Everyone who repents and believes in Christ can receive mercy.
Conclusion.
Abraham's question reminds us that God is both just and merciful. He does not treat the righteous and the wicked alike. Those who belong to Christ have the assurance of His salvation, while those who reject Him face judgment.
Let us:
•Draw near to God.
•Live righteous lives.
•Intercede for others.
Trust God's justice and mercy.
Be ready for the coming judgment by remaining faithful to Christ.
Altar Call
Have you truly surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? If not, today is the day to repent and receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Christ died for your sins and rose again so that you might be saved. Come to Him in faith, and He will give you new life.
Prayer Points
1. Lord, draw me closer to You every day.
2. Father, help me to live a righteous and holy life.
3. Make me a faithful intercessor for my family, church, and nation.
4. Deliver me and my household from every form of judgment.
5. Let Your mercy triumph over judgment in my life.
6. Give me grace to remain faithful until the return of Jesus Christ.
Closing Scripture:
"The LORD knows how to deliver the godly out of trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment." — 2 Peter 2:9
-Kunle Solomon.
Minister.
SheepGate Evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t
Or call +2347051874707
Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com
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