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Lesson 19

Inevitable Changes in Life

Genesis 23  

Me-

One of the things that I have learned over my life time is that change is inevitable.  All I have to do is look in the mirror to see the results of the aging of my body.  No longer can I do the things that I once took for granted.  I once was able to run a mile in less than six minutes now I would be fortunate to walk a mile in twice that time. 

There are some decisions that have dramatically affected my life.  Accepting Christ ranks at the top of list.  When my wife and I got married who knew that we would now be celebrating our fiftieth wedding anniversary.

As I reflected on the lesson that we will be discussing today, I have been reminded of the finiteness of life.  As we get older we begin to lose family and friends.

Spiritually, I am a much different person than I was when I accepted Christ at nine years old.  Over the years as I have grown in my walk, God’s word has taken on greater importance.  What started with many starts and stops has become a passion as I try to spend time in His word every day.

We-

The church is not exempt from changes.  Although many would like for everything to remain static, there has never been a time from the beginning of the church to the present when it is facing many new challenges. If we think about it, the reason the church has flourished has been its ability to take the unchangeable truth found in God’s Word and adapt it to the ever changing culture in history.

We are now members of a church that is built on the foundation of the faith of those who have gone before us.  Each of them faced challenges and upheaval taking place in society and held firm to his or her faith that we might have the place where we worship, study and serve.  What is the legacy that we are going to leave the next generation?  The only thing that should never be altered is God’s Word.  Other than that one immutable thing all else is up for adaptation to the world in which it will serve and proclaim the message of Christ.

God-

The lesson will begin with the death of Sarah.  Next week the marriage of Isaac will be covered as he moved from the relationship with his parents to taking on a new role of husband to Rebekah.

Genesis 23:1-2

Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years.  The marriage of Abraham and Sarah had lasted for sixty-two years. The family at some point during that time had moved from the land of the Philistines and came to live in the city of Hebron.  Hebron later would play an important part in the lives of Caleb and David.  It was while they were living in Hebron that she died.   

Abraham went into her and mourned her passing with weeping.  The loud lament that is seen in the New Testament at the death of Lazarus and others was a formal way of expressing grief.  Once this, for lack of a better term, ceremony was complete Abraham rose and went about the task of finding a proper burial place for Sarah.

1. Why are we given Sarah’s age?
2. What had happened since we last left the family?
3. What was the importance of the city of Hebron in the history of the Israelites?
4. In what ways have we not changed much in the way we mourned for our love ones?
5. What is different for us?

Genesis 23:3-4

Abraham had no other option but to go to the people living in the land to find a place to bury Sarah.  He approached them with the acknowledgment that he was dependant on them because he was a stranger and sojourner in their land.  In this statement he admitted that he had no property and was living in their land temporarily as an outsider.  Hebron was not his home in contrast to the Hitites to whom he was about to request for final resting place for the dead. 

Even though the text reads, “Give me a burial site,” this did not imply that Abraham expected to receive anything for free. He fully intended to enter into a contractual agreement for the land.

1. Why did Abraham go to the Hitites to obtain a burial spot for Sarah?
2. What did he mean by using the terms stranger and sojourner?
3. What kind of attitude did he exhibit before the citizens of Hebron?

Genesis 23:5-6

The answer given by the Hitites reflected the high regard they had for Abraham.  They first addressed him as lord which would be equivalent to sir today.  Then he was called a mighty prince.  There are two possible translations of the word.  Both prince and Elect of God would show the recognition by the people that Abraham was truly blessed by God.

Out of respect for him they offered him the best of the land.  They went so far as to tell him that no one would deny him the right to bury his dead wherever he desired.

1. How do we know that the Hitites respected Abraham?
2. What did they mean by calling him “Mighty prince?”
3. Why did they offer him the best of the land?

Genesis 23:7-9

Out of gratitude Abraham rose up from the place where he had been sitting as he spoke to the men in the gate and bowed before them as he made his formal request.  The spot he had chosen belonged to a man named Ephron. He asked for the cave of Machpelah located at the end of a field. Here Abraham made it clear that he expected to pay full price for the land.

1. Why would the Mighty prince bow before the people of Hebron?
2. What was his request?
3. What did Abraham say that indicated that he did not expect the cave be given to him?
4. Why did he not name a price?

Genesis 23:10-16

Although Ephron made an offer to give Abraham the cave, everyone in that day would have known that was not his intention.  In fact he would have probably become angry if Abraham had taken him up on his offer.  Both Ephron and Abraham knew that Abraham did not have other options.  He had to bury Sarah.  Rather than haggling Abraham immediately said again that he would pay the full price. 

What appeared to be generosity on the part of Ephron was really a ploy to get the price he wanted for the land.  Whether it was a fair price, Abraham paid it willingly before witnesses so there would be no question of ownership later on. It was a practice at that time that if partial payment was made on a piece of property that the original owner could come back and reclaim it.  Abraham wanted to make sure that he had the title free and clear.

1. Why did Ephron offer to give Abraham the cave if he did not really plan to do so?
2. What did Abraham do by refusing the gift and stating once again that he plan to pay for it?
3. Why did Abraham not haggle over the price of the land?

Genesis 23:17-18

The entire contents of the field including the cave and all vegetation were deeded over to Abraham.  All of the people of Heth who entered the gate of the city witnessed the transaction. God had promised that He would give all of the land to Abraham as a possession and yet he now owned one little strip of land.  Here was the man whose family would one day control all of the land and he had to pay for the one small spot in all the land to bury his wife.

1. Why are we given such a complete description of the land Abraham bought?
2. Why was it important for so many people to witness the transaction?
3. What is the irony of this whole event?

Genesis 23:19

After the transaction was complete, the writer indicates that only then did Abraham bury Sarah.  The exact location of the burial site was given.  It was in the field of Machpelah facing towards Mamre which was the other name for Hebron.

1. Why did the Moses give such a detail description of the place where Sarah was buried?

Genesis 23:20

Moses repeated the fact that Abraham had bought the land and it was deeded over to him.  The land was to be used as a burial site and nothing else. Abraham had a possession in the land that God would one day give to His people. 

1. Why did Moses tell us once again about the sale of the property?
2. Why did Moses write that the land was deeded over as a burial site by the Hitites?
3. What does this transaction indicate about His plans for His people?

You-

• Think back on the events that stand out in your life both good and bad.  In what ways do you believe God was working through them?
• What changes are you willing to make that others may benefit from your actions?
• What have been some of the most difficult times in your life? How did you handle them?
• Be willing to continue to grow in God’s grace.
• When your time is finished on earth, what would you like your legacy to be.

We-

Abraham faced a very difficult time in his life with humility and courtesy.  By doing so he was able to work out the solution.  We can learn from him.  Remember, that people who are our guests every Sunday are looking to see how we behave.  If we are courteous to each other and show genuine love then they will respond in a positive way. Our actions do truly reflect the character of our church.  Let us keep it as our responsibility to show that we truly have a relationship with God and are thankful for what He has for us.  One last thought that comes from looking at Abraham.  More than any other attribute of our church the world is watching to see how we handle adversity and conflict. May the world recognize that God is truly living in our lives.  We may not be called The Prince among men. Better than that let us all to be called little Christs.

Additional Notes-

BL- The lesson last Sunday began with a brief look at Chapter 23 which covered the death and burial of Sarah, Abraham’s wife and Isaac’s mother. Sarah was 127 years old when she died in Hebron, Canaan. This meant that Isaac was 36 years old (127-91).

            Abraham approached the Hittites living there about purchasing a lot for the burial site. A deal was struck and Sarah was buried in a cave there. This was the first time Abraham became a legal landowner in the Promised Land. This also was the beginning of Israel’s roots as a nation being planted in Palestine.

C-Sarah died at the age of 127 in Hebron. (Gen. 23:1-2)

C-As with all of mankind, Abraham mourned the loss of his life-long companion.                  (Gen. 23:2)

C-Abraham became a land owner upon purchasing the field and the cave of Machpelah near Mamre became his.  There he buried Sarah and there he and Jacob would also be buried.  This piece of land is all that he, Isaac or Jacob ever owned in the land which his descendents would possess as their inheritance from God.  (Gen. 23:6-17, 20)

 

 

 

Lesson 18

The Test of Faith

Genesis 22  

Me-

My wife and I have often said that we just cannot imagine what it would be like to lose a child.  Experts say that second to the loss of a spouse, the death of a child is the second most devastating thing that can happen to a family.  Fortunately, I have never experience such an event in my life. 

 Because we live in a fallen and broken world where so much evil is taking place, many families have seen their sons and daughters go off to war never to return.  Others have seen their children gunned down in the streets.  Whether a person has sacrificed his or her life for our country or a principle does not lessen the pain. 

Even with the tragedies listed above, I am thankful that I live in a country where I am not required to put my family in harm’s way.  I am also blessed that I still have religious freedom to worship as I please without the fear of persecution of me or my family.  If that day ever comes, I pray that I will remain faithful and leave the results in God’s hands.

We-

We are beginning to see the day when we as followers of Christ are being called on to make choices about our faith that we have never seen before in our nation.  No longer is the church or its members respected as it has been in times past.  In many parts of the country we are being demeaned by politicians, educational institutions from grade schools through colleges and universities.  Society is slowly eating away at the foundations upon which the country was built. It does not take much imagination to see the day when we will have to make choices and sacrifices that will affect the future of our families and nation.

Abraham found himself having to make a choice.  Some of the decisions he made in the past were questionable and showed a lack of faith on his part.  Today we will see how he handles the most difficult choice that any man is called to make.

God-

Genesis 22:1

The author starts this chapter by referring to all of the events that had occurred previously.  What was done before in the life of Abraham will now stand in stark contrast to what was about to take place.  None of the past decisions on his part would come close to the one he would be required to make.  God was about to test his faithfulness as never before.

1. What are the events to which the writer is referring?
2. Why did he mention them at all?
3. What does it mean when Moses said that God was about to test Abraham?
4. What is the difference between a test and a temptation?

Genesis 22:2

Abraham was told what the test was to be.  He was to take Isaac on a three day journey to the land of Moriah and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering. Here is seen the foreshadowing of the events in the life of Christ. 

• He spent three days in the tomb after His death.
• Mount Moriah is the place where David made the offering to stop the plague, where the temple was going to be built in the heart of the city of Jerusalem.  Sacrifices were continually made in that place as part of the Jewish religion.
• Jesus was offered up as the perfect sacrifice for us.

The question was to be how he would respond to the command of God?  The test was greater than any he had faced before.  It would cost him everything that was dear to him.

1. What the test to be for Abraham?
2. How was this different than anything he had experienced before?
3. In what way does this foreshadow the events in Christ’s life?
4. In what ways do you believe that you have been tested by God?
5. What would be your response to a command from God to do something akin to the act He commanded Abraham to carry out?  Of course we would not be commanded to sacrifice a child as he was, but the test would fit who we are and the circumstances of our life.

Genesis 22:3-5

Abraham put into motion all of the actions necessary to carrying out God’s command. Along with Isaac, two of the servants made the trip with Abraham.  Of course neither of the other three knew the purpose for the journey.  Leaving nothing to chance he took the wood for the sacrifice with him. 

Arriving at Moriah, Abraham instructed the two servants to remain with the donkey.  He then shared with them that he had come to that place for worship.  Only Abraham and Isaac were to take part in the worship.  Although he had been commanded to sacrifice Isaac, he indicated that he expected that both he and Isaac would return for the trip home.

1. Why do we have no indication that Abraham ever questioned the command of God but immediately set out on the journey?
2. Why did he not include the others in on the purpose for the trip?
3. What was the purpose for carrying the wood for the sacrifice with him?
4. Why should Abraham expect that he and Isaac would return after worshipping God?
5. When your faith has been tested how did you show that you trusted God with the results?

Genesis 22:6-8

If the narrative is a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Christ, the first picture that is given is that Isaac bore the weight of the wood upon which he would be placed in the same way that Christ carried the cross upon which he would be crucified.  Abraham also took a knife and the material with which to start the fire. Then Abraham and Isaac proceeded to the place where the sacrifice would be made.  Although at that point it became obvious that some kind of offering was to be made, he asked his father about the lamb that was normally sacrificed, since they had no animal with them.  His answer provides another picture of Christ.  He said, ”God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering.” Having had his question answered they went on together.   

1. What are some of the parallels in this narrative to the death of Christ?
2. What are some of the thoughts that may have been going through Isaac’s mind?
3. How could Abraham say that God would provide the lamb when he had been distinctly told to sacrifice Isaac?
4. What did Abraham believe?
5. Why did he not just say to God, “I get it, we don’t have to go any further with this event.”
6. Why would that not have been enough for God?

Genesis 22:9-12

Even though Abraham may have believed that God would intervene and provide him with an alternative he prepared Isaac as the offering.  He first built an altar for the sacrifice, put the wood on it and then laid Isaac on the wood.  As with other offerings Abraham was about to kill his son with the knife when the angel of the Lord, the very one who would one day suffer and die for man’s sin, called out to Abraham commanding him to spare the life of Isaac.

The test was over and Abraham had passed.  He had been willing to give up the one who was the most precious to him, the one in whom he lay all hope for posterity because God had called him to do so.  The faith that began in chapter 12 was fully manifested in this chapter.  God then said to him, “I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”  God, The Father, would one day allow His only Son to die on the cross.  He did not even withhold His own Son from that horrible death because of His love for mankind.

Salvation for all men who choose to follow Christ is summed up in John 3:16 where the writer said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”  Unlike the offering of Isaac, The death and resurrection of Christ has impacted mankind down through the ages.

1. Why did Abraham continue with the preparations even thought he believed that God was going to intervene in some way?
2. What did he believe that God was going to do?
3. How had Abraham passed the test even though he did not complete the sacrifice?
4. How does his actions compare with what God did with His own Son?
5. Why is John 3:16 so important to each of us?

Genesis 22:13-14

God did provide the lamb for the offering.  All Abraham had to do was look around to find the ram caught in the thicket.  What Abraham had hoped for had come to fruition.  The ram became the substitute sacrifice in place of his son. In the same way Christ became the substitute for every man who deserves to die because of sin.

He then named the place, “the Lord Will Provide” which in the Hebrew is YHWH- jireh. God had indeed provided what Abraham could accomplish on his own.

1. Why was it necessary for there to be a substitute for Isaac?
2. What did Abraham discover when he looked around?
3. How does the ram symbolize Christ?
4. Why did Abraham name the place, YHWH-jireh?
5. What had God really provided for Abraham?
6. Why does man need a substitute?

Genesis 22:15-18

When God again spoke to Abraham a second time, He once again affirmed the importance of Abraham’s faith as shown by his willingness to give up Isaac.  God repeated the covenant components that Abraham had heard before.  This time it would take on a new meaning.  He had an heir through whom the blessings could take place.  Because of his obedience:

• God would greatly bless him.
• His people would be so many that they could not be numbered.
• The land of his enemies would be given to his descendants.
• All the nations would be blessed through his seed.

 

1. How would hearing God’s promises, repeated once again have a greater meaning for Abraham than earlier in his walk with God?
2. Which of them were meant not only for him but for us today?
3. How did God bring about the fulfillment of them that causes us to rejoice in reading them for ourselves?

Genesis 22:19

This verse almost seems anti-climatic after dwelling on the events that had just taken place.  It seems there was no impact on the little group that had made the journey. It is interesting that the Scripture only mentions Abraham returning to the men.  Isaac had almost been offered up as a burnt sacrifice, and he is not even mentioned.  After Abraham came to them, they just went back to Beersheba where Abraham continued to live.

1. Why do you think the writer did not give more emphasis to the return trip?
2. How would you feel if you had been involved in such dramatic events and nothing was said?
3. How do you think that the incident changed Abraham?
4. What effect do you think this might have had on the relationship between Isaac and his Father?

Genesis 22:20-24

Abraham heard that his brother Nahor and Milcah, his wife, had some children.  Some of whom would play an important part in Isaac’s and Jacob’s life.  Bethuel the youngest son had a daughter named Rebekah. The inclusion of Nahor’s family was for the exclusive purpose to introduce her. Others are mentioned including some born to Nahor’s concubine, Reumah.

1. Why did the writer tell us about the children of Abraham’s brother Nahor?
2. Why was Rebekah specifically mentioned in the list?
3. What was the purpose of including the listing of Nahor’s family?
4. Who was missing from the listing found here?

You –

• How have you handled times of testing in your own life?  Have you trusted God to bring you through them or placed blame on Him for not keeping you away from difficulties?
• Look to God’s word for examples like Noah, Abraham, Job, David, Paul to see how they handled their time of testing. 
• Think about how much stress plays in your feeling defeated rather than victorious in the face of great crisis’s in your life.
• Look at words like refuge, fortress, hiding place that David used when he found himself in difficult circumstances.  How do these terms reflect your own sense of God’s presence when you are facing difficult times.
• Decide to live in Christ’s strength to gain victory in times of testing.  See 2 Cor. 12:9-10.

We –

In a way, we are living in some of the most difficult times for the church. With everything that is happening, it seems that we no longer have anywhere to turn to relieve the stress of just trying to make it in the world day after day.  All around us all of the virtues on which we have stood for centuries are crumbling.  There appears to be a new crisis every day.  In every arena those who we thought we could trust disappoint us.  Of great concern, is the trouble that families are facing that they have never experienced in the past.  With all of this in mind what are we to do.  The answer as we have seen in our study today is to remain faithful to God in the face of any adversity in our lives. Probably few of us have had to make the kind of decision that confronted Abraham.  We are called to remain steadfast and resolute as all believers have in the past.  God’s Word and prayer are still the greatest defense against situations and people who do not have our best interest at heart.  In every circumstance God still loves us.  Everything He allows in our lives is for our good. See Roman 8:28-29 to understand God’s thoughts about each person who belongs to Him.   

Additional Notes:

BL In chapter 22, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac, who was now a young lad.  Even though God had told Abraham that Isaac was the child through whom God’s promises to Abraham would come true, Abraham trusted that God would  somehow preserve Isaac’s life and obediently set out for Mt. Moriah.  His utter faith in God is exemplified by the words of v. 3, in which he said, “We (meaning he and Isaac) will worship and then we will come back to you.”  Isaac, too, was obedient to God’s and Abraham’s command and willingly laid down for his father to bind him.  At the last minute, the angel of the Lord (probably Christ) called out to Abraham and stayed his hand.  God says in v. 12, “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”  Then God provided a ram for Abraham’s offering instead of Isaac!
  This action was a real turning point in Abraham’s life.  It showed how Abram, who only partially obeyed God’s command to leave behind his land, his family, and his possessions in Ur, was willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING–his son, his promises, his future–because God has asked it of him.  This unreserved willingness to please God demonstrated how completely Abraham trusted God–and God was very pleased with the way Abraham had responded.  In vv. 15-18, He reiterated His covenant with Abraham and told him “all the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me.”  Just think what would have happened if Abraham HAD NOT obeyed God.  There would be no blessing, no Jesus, no salvation–YIKES!)  Abraham had moved from a position of reluctant obedience to complete surrender all because he had passed this ultimate test of faith.  For that reason God poured out His blessings on him.  In what area of your life might God be asking you and I to exhibit faith in our walk with Him this week? 
 
RT-Up to this point Abraham had pretty much followed a path of his own choosing.  Now God stopped him in his tracks and said in essence you will not do things My way if you are going to truly be called Mine. (Gen. 22)

RT-Looking at what Abraham did from a different perspective there is a question that Abraham is to be praised and honored for his willingness to offer up Isaac as a burnt sacrifice.  It took that extreme measure for God to finally get his full attention.  He had previously not heeded the words of God by going about his own business in his own power and ability.  If God was to bless the nations through him, He had to be assured that Abraham truly trusted Him with everything he had. (Gen. 22:1-12)  M-In following God’s command to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham showed to all of us the fact that our actions always need to be in complete concert with what God would have us do.  Abraham knew because God was the One directing him to take that action that there must be a purpose for Him doing so. (Gen. 22:1-12)

UE-God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son. What makes this more amazing is the fact that He send him on a three day journey to a specific place to carry out the act. (Gen. 22:1-5)

UE-Abraham continued to believe that somehow his son would be spared and they would make the trip back home together.  Even with this strong faith he was filling to face the possibility that God would take his son.  In a way God did receive Isaac because Abraham was willing to relinquish him to God. (Gen. 22:5-8)

RT-Possibly Abraham’s attempt to sacrifice Isaac was God’s way of removing from him the last vestige of would be a practice in the pagan religions with which he would be familiar both in Ur, Haran and now in Canaan.  By finally submitting the Lord God could now establish a covenant of the enduring inheritance in which his descendents through Isaac would become God’s children. (Gen. 22:1-12)

E-Abraham experienced God as no other man in the Bible did.  God called upon him to make the ultimate sacrifice.  He was instructed to offer his son as a burnt sacrifice.  He proceeded in obedience and did exactly as God had commanded him. (Gen.22:1)

DM-God spoke many affirming words to Abraham over the years since he left Ur.  Abraham would experience a great deal in his life but never heard the ones that came to him at the time he had been willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  Abraham needed to come to what might be considered the defining moment in his life when he was willing to surrender everything he held dear and sacrifice the one who was his only true hope for posterity, Isaac.  At this decisive moment in his life, God spoke and said, “I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” This was the very moment that Abraham’s life from one who thought only of his self-preservation to total commitment to the fact that God was truly in charge of his life and the events surrounding him.  Abraham believed that God would provide the lamb or give Isaac back to him. (Gen. 22:8, 10-12, 16-18; Heb. 11:17-19)

UE-God waited to last second to spare Isaac who was as good as dead and gave him back to Abraham. (Gen. 22:10-12)

UE-God demands complete commitment from his people even to giving up everything that is important to them in this world.  They are commanded to relinquish all for the gain of the greater treasure of being His.  How many of us even come close to doing what Abraham was called to do? (Gen. 22:12-13)

M -From our prospective we can see the reason for this event.  It is found in the statement, “I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Gen. 22:12)

C-What some consider Abraham’s greatest test of faith came when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac.  This one event would solidify his relationship with God.  God said to him, “I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Gen. 22:1-12, 16)

RT-Giving up all we deem important to receive the greater treasure that comes from being that living sacrifice ready to serve Him.  (Gen. 22:1-12; Rom. 12:1-2)

GC-God tested Abraham’s faith and obedience by commanded him to offer of Isaac. (Gen. 22:1-12)

GC-We are to obey God even when what He is asking to do is very difficult.  It was because Abraham had trusted God in small things that his faith was strong enough to offer his son. (Gen. 22:8)

RT-It is only in laying our lives on the altar and slaying ourselves as an offering to God that we show that we truly fear Him.  He expects us to withhold nothing from Him.  Abraham realized that with the offering of his son that in a way he would die also since no one would be left to carry on his name as God had promised. (Gen 22:9-12)

WM-Why did it take the extreme measure by God calling on Abraham to sacrifice to finally get a total commitment from him?  It sees that He had not been able to break through the shell of self-preservation so He decided to take from him the one person other than Sarah he held dear.  Through Isaac, he could expect posterity.  Take that one thing away from him and finally all he had left was God.  That is exactly what God wants from each one of us.  He wants to strip away all that hinders us from loving and trusting Him completely. (Gen. 22:12, 16)

WM-What are our Isaacs that keep us from having relationship with God that He wants from and for us. (Gen. 22:16)

GC-We must reach a point when we give everything up for God.  He who does not love God more than family or self cannot be His disciple. (Gen. 22:12, 14)

GC-Abraham loved God to the point that he was willing to give up his only son if God called him to do so. (Gen. 22:12)

UE-God supplied the lamb for the sacrifice in place of man.  He has indeed provided a way from death to life for mankind in His Son. (Gen. 22:13-14)

 RT-Jesus was the provision on Mt. Moriah of which Abraham spoke. (Gen. 22:14)

C-Learning to obey God’s voice brought blessings not only to Abraham but all mankind through one of his descendents, Jesus Christ. (Gen. 22:15-18; Gal. 3:8-9)

UE-God will only bless when we hold nothing back from Him but give Him our all.    (Gen. 22:16-18)

RT-Only when there is nothing else between us and God can we truly receive His blessings. For Abraham it was his Isaac, representing all that man could hope to have in the world.  The question then becomes for us what are our Isaacs? (Gen. 22:16-17)

DM-It was only after Abraham had offered the substitute for Isaac did God speak to him and made one of the greatest promise of all that could be given to man.  He would be the ancestor of the Savior of the world. (Gen. 22:16-18)

E-Following the test which Abraham has passed, the Lord appeared to him and told him what would happen through him.

1. He would be blessed
2. God would multiply his seed
3. His seed would possess the gate of his enemies
4. The nations of the earth would be blessed through his seed because of his obedience. (Gen. 22:15-19)

C-Abraham returned home with the son who was to be sacrificed and with the promise of everlasting blessings. (Gen. 22:19)

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 17

God’s Promises Never Fail

Genesis 21

Me-

My impatience does not constitute God’s failure on my behalf.  Although there have been many times in my life when I have asked God to do something, I have learned a difficult lesson that He may give the desires of my heart but it will be according to His perfect timing.  Because I went to Him for direction He often has kept me from jumping into a situation for which I was not qualified to handle.  One of my first full time jobs was as an insurance agent.  I did not go to Him for guidance but took the job to escape a job that seemed to have no future.  For a whole year I was miserable and a failure at what I was doing.  Being an introvert did suit me to go out and sell anything much less life insurance.  I have learned over the years to wait on the Lord.  When I do good things will come.  They will come because God never fails to fulfill His promises to His children.

We-

To reiterate what has been said previously in other lessons, it is never a good thing to try and get ahead of God.  If we will stop being so busy and listen and wait on God, He will work out His purpose for our lives.  It has been said that for a church to change direction takes about seven years.  In today’s culture that seems like a life time.  When compared with the twenty-five years that Abraham and Sarah had to wait for the promised son, seven years does not seem so long.  The time we wait is not to be wasted but, is to be spent in prayer and preparation of our hearts for all God wants to do for the church.  When the time comes the result will be greater than anything we could do on our own.

God-

Genesis 21:1-5

Abraham and Sarah had waited, sometimes impatiently and with missteps, but they had waited non-the-less.  The time had arrived for God to do as He had promised.  He remembered Sarah and she conceived giving birth to a son in her and Abraham’s old age.  As had been commanded to him, Abraham named his son Isaac which means laughter. 

Obeying the covenant of God, Isaac was circumcised on the eight day.  Once again the writer emphasizes Abraham’s age at one hundred years old.

1. What if Abraham and Sarah had decided they were too old to have a child and decided not to even try?
2. What would that say about their faith?
3. Why does the writer specifically say, “The Lord took note of Sarah?”
4. Why does the writer speak of Abraham’s age twice in these verses?
5. Why was the child named Isaac?
6. What was the importance of the act of circumcision?

Genesis 21:5-7

From the response of Sarah, it is evident that this was an extra special event in their lives.  Not that any birth into a family is not a blessed occasion, but never had a child been born to a woman the age of Sarah.  She expressed her own personal joy when she said that God had brought laughter into her life.  She also knew that those who knew her circumstances would also be happy for her and Abraham. Once again the age of the couple is mentioned.

1. What is seen in the response of Sarah to the birth of Isaac?
2. Why was the event so special?
3. What did the birth of her son mean to her?
4.  What does the statement that God brought her happiness tell us about the years before his birth?
5. Why would she believe that others would share in her happiness?
6. What is God trying to tell us in His inspired Word by continuing to mention the age of the parents?
7. What should seeing what God did for Abraham and Sarah say about how He views and lives?

Genesis 21:8

The writer now tells that Isaac passed from babyhood to childhood.  He no longer had to depend on Sarah for nourishment.  He would at that point come under the leadership of his father. Upon the occasion of the milestone, Abraham gave a great feast in his honor.

1. What was the occasion that prompted the feast?
2.  Why was this an important time in the life of Isaac?

Genesis 21:9-10

The uneasy truce that had lasted for over fourteen years came to end.  Sarah saw, what she concluded as Ishmael mocking or persecuting Isaac. Other commentators see the incident as playful interaction.  Whatever took place does not matter.  In the mind of Sarah it was time for Hagar and Ishmael to go.  Isaac was the promised heir, the covenant child, and there was no room for Ishmael. 

1. Why had the truce between Sarah and Ishmael lasted for fourteen years?
2. What changed?
3. In what ways was Sarah possibly over sensitive?
4. In what ways would her reaction to be expected?

Genesis 21:11-13

Abraham was not of the same mindset with Sarah.  Ishmael was his son in the same way that Isaac was. Just because Isaac was the child of promise did not mean that there was not a place for Ishmael in the family.  God had to convince Abraham that this was all in His plan.  He was not to be distressed but to listen to his wife.  Abraham could live with the words because God promised to make Ishmael into a great nation.

1. How did Abraham differ from Sarah?
2. What changed his mind?
3. What convinced Abraham to listen to Sarah?
4. Why would Abraham accept what God had said to him?

Genesis 21:14-16

The next morning Abraham obeyed God and sent Hagar and Ishmael away.  He provided provisions for them to take on their journey.  The description of what happened next was appropriate.  They wandered around in the wilderness of Beersheba.  It is obvious that the two had no direction or destination.

Evidently, Hagar had forgotten the promises made about her son.  When the provisions ran out, she thought that both of them were going to die.  Because she could not bear to watch Ishmael die she moved some distance away and began to weep.

1. How did Abraham try to make sending Hagar and Ishmael easier?
2. What was the problem for Hagar?
3. What indications are in the text that she had forgotten the promises made to her by God concerning her son?
4. Why did she leave him alone?
5. What do you think of her actions?
6. When have there been occasions in your life when you were directionless?
7. In what ways did God show Himself to you in those circumstances?

Genesis 21:17-18

God, however, had not forgotten Hagar and Ishmael.  He called out to Hagar asking what was bothering her.  God immediately gave her encouragement and instruction to get her son.  She was to take his hand. God was going to make him into a great nation.

1. What does verse 17 say to us?
2. If God had forgotten Hagar what would that say about Him?
3. Why did God first tell Hagar not to be fearful about the future?
4. Why did He expressly give her instructions about what to do?

Genesis 21:19-21

Once God got her attention, she saw something that had not been apparent to her in her time of grief.  She was shown a well from which she was able to refill her water skin.  She also gave a drink to Ishmael

As promised before Ishmael was born, God was with him.  From that time forward Ishmael lived in the wilderness and became an archer.  Hagar took a wife for him from the land of her birth, Egypt.

1. Why could she not see the well at first?
2. What did God do that allowed her to see the well?
3. What examples are given that indicate that God was with him?
4. How does his occupation fit what God had promised for him?
5. Why did Hagar take a wife from Egypt?

Genesis 21:22-24

Abimelech and the commander of his army, Phicol, came to meet with Abraham.  Even though they were pagans they still recognized that God was with him. Their request to him was for fair dealings.  According to Abimelech, he had treated Abraham with respect and all he was asking was that he do the same with all of the Philistines under his rule.  Abraham agreed to do so.

1. Why did Abimelech come to Abraham?
2. Why did he need to bring the commander of his army with him?
3. What was his request?
4. Why did he feel it necessary to make such a request?
5. What was his justification?
6. What was Abraham’s response?

Genesis 21:25-31

Although Abraham was willing to agree with the covenant between he and Abimelech, all was not well between the two parties.  The servants had taken from Abraham a well that he had dug.  Abimelech shared that he was unaware of the event.

To confirm the covenant Abraham gave to Abimelech some livestock.  Then to validate that he was telling the truth about the well he, set aside seven ewe lambs to give to Abimelech. Abraham then named the place where they made the oath, Beersheba, which can either mean well of oath or well of seven.  Either would have been appropriate since he gave the seven lambs as a witness.

1. Why would Abraham make an agreement with a man like Abimelech whose servants had taken a well from him?
2. How believable was Abimelech’s denial that he knew of the actions of his servants?
3. How did Abraham show that he was a better man than Abimelech?
4. In what ways was the name of the well appropriate according to either of the meanings?

Genesis 21:32-34

Once the covenant was sealed by the actions, primarily on the part of Abraham, Abimelech and his commander returned home. Abraham planted a Tamarisk tree as a sign of the covenant.  Then he once again called on the name of the Lord.  The writer then indicates that he remained in the Negev of the Philistines for some time.

1. Why did Abimelech feel at ease at the thought of returning home?
2. Why did Abraham plant the Tamarisk tree?
3. Why did Abraham remain in the land?

You-

• Remember that no matter what your age or circumstances it is never too late to serve the Lord.
• Make a list of the things that you believe that you are capable of accomplishing and pray about how God may use them for His glory.
• Always remember that what might seem impossible to you is not so with God.
• Think about the times that your life seemed to have no direction or was a disaster.  What did you want God to do during those times?  How did He answer your prayers?
• In difficult situations remember that you belong to Christ and are to act accordingly.
• Learn to not take matters into your own hands as Sarah did.  All too often it will cause hurt in the lives of many people.
• Know that God loves individuals for whom we may have little regard.

We-

God has given us today.  What are going to do with it?  He has promised to lead a church which is willing to believe in the promises made through His Word.  Others may read this but I believe that God has given our church a new opportunity to serve Him.  He has breathed new life into the body.  We have real reasons to praise Him for what He is doing and wants to do through His bride the church.

Let us seize the day while the window is still open.  In our hearts we desire the change that He wants to take place so that we may impact the community around us in a way we have never done before.  Lets us remember that each person He brings to us He does so for us to nurture and disciple. 

Additional Notes

BL- In chapter 21, Isaac, whose name means “laughter,” was born.  In vv. 8-9, Sarah grew fearful of Hagar and Ishmael again, so she directed Abraham to cast them out of the camp.  God told Abraham to obey Sarah send Hagar away.  In the desert, Hagar thought she and Ishmael would die, but the angel of God called to her and her eyes are opened to see a well nearby.  Ishmael grows up in the desert under God’s protection and became an archer, thus fulfilling the promise God made to Hagar in chapter 16.  Chapter 21 concludes with a treaty made between Abimelech and Abraham, allowing them to coexist peacefully.

UE-Long after the time of child bearing had passed for her, Sarah was finally given a son in her old age.  Isaac the child of promise was born to her when she was 90 years old and Abraham was a hundred. (Gen. 21:1-3; Heb. 11:11-12)

UE-The promise made to Abraham concerning a son was fulfilled.  To him and Sarah was born the son of laughter, Isaac.  Sarah was well past child bearing years.  When Isaac was born it has given to us such a beautiful picture of what God can do with a person dead in sin with no hope of new birth apart from His miraculous working in his life.     (Gen. 21:1-3)

M-Abraham did not send Ishmael and Hagar away unit he was assured that the young man would be protected and blessed by God. (Gen. 21:1-15)

E-After Hagar and Ishmael were forced to leave Abraham’s camp, the Lord appeared to her and reaffirmed the covenant He made with Hagar years before.  According to the Lord’s words, Ishmael was to become a great nation.  The first sign that this was true, that rather than Ishmael dying as she thought when their water ran out, God opened her eyes and she saw a well from which she was able to fill her pouches for the journey ahead. (Gen. 21:3-9)

DM-We are still reaping the consequences of the birth of Ishmael and then the sending of him and Hagar away.  We do not know the influences on his life that occurred after he left the home of Abram which made the prophecies made to him become true.             (Gen. 21:10-14)

UE-God was specific about the choosing Isaac through whom the lineage would be established and not Ishmael. (Gen. 21:12)

C-Ishmael and Hagar were sent away for the final time after he had mocked Isaac.  Even though it grieved him to do so once again Abraham received the promise that Ishmael would become a great nation. (Gen. 21:12-14; Gal. 4:33)

M-This time when Hagar was sent away from Abraham’s camp God did command her to return as He had done previously.  It was now time for Ishmael to become a man and make a life for himself.  His was not to be the same life or was he to have the same responsibilities as Isaac.  He was to learn what would be his place in this world according to the prophecy given to Hagar in chapter 16:11-12 and to Abraham in these verses concerning him. (Gen. 21:13, 18)

C-After Ishmael was separated from Abraham by being sent away Hagar also received the assurance from God that Ishmael would become a great nation.   (Gen. 21:18)

RT-Abraham evidently dwelled in the land of the Philistines for a period of time.  He made a covenant with Abimelech not to harm him in any way. (Gen. 21:22-24)

UE-Even the heathens among whom Abraham lived recognized the hand of God in whom they did not believe was on him prospering him in all he did. (Gen. 21:22)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 16

Impact of a Decision

Genesis 20

Me-

I cannot count the number of times over the years that I have been told, if I mention to someone about a habit they have, “what I do only affects me and no one else.”  As much as any of us might like to think that is a true statement, nothing could be further from the truth.  I would go so far as to say that even if I decide not to make a decision in a given situation that non-decision will still impact those around us. 

For Instance, one who smokes may not be aware or care that the effect of second hand smoke has devastating health consequences.  But, on a more personal note, what about spiritual choices I make?  I have heard a statistic from somewhere that each of us will impact the lives of ten thousand people.  The ripple effect of choices I make do have lasting results.  If I say I am a follower of Christ but act like He does not live in me then I will, very possibly, turn people off from coming to Christ.

We-

Churches can make decisions that will either draw people to Christ or cause them to reject Him forever.  One of the most important issues facing the church today is what we believe about the Bible.  Is it the infallible Word of God or just a nice collection of myths and stories?  Sadly, many churches have drifted into liberalism causing many to marginalize Christians because they are now just like the rest of society.  There are other aspects of what a church does that will cause a person to want to become a member of that particular community of believers.  They may include:

• Are the members genuinely and intentionally friendly and loving towards new people and each other?
• What does the building and grounds look like?
• What does the church truly believe about God’s Word and how does it influence the daily walk of its people?

I used the word intentional because whatever we do for Christ must reflect a strong desire to serve Him.  Abraham had been judged as righteous because of his faith.  His actions sometimes did not reflect a man who truly believed God would protect him and fulfill His promises to him. Today’s lesson is about one of those lapses on his part.

Genesis 20:1

For some unknown reason Abraham decided to move.  God’s silence would indicate that He was not directing Abraham to leave Mamre.  As he travelled towards the Negev he used the same route that he had taken when he went into Egypt.  After spending time between Kadesh and Shur his journey ended up in Gerar in the land of the Philistines.

1. What could have been the reason that Abraham moved?
2. How do we know this was not in God’s plan for him?
3. How does his move resemble some of the decisions we make?

Genesis 20:2

Once again Abraham, when confronted with the unknown, told the people of the city that Sarah was his sister.  It resulted in Abimelech, the king in Gerar, taking Sarah as one of his wives. It may seem strange that a man would take a woman who was ninety years old to be his wife.  There may be two underlying factors for such a move on the part of Abimelech. The first may have been that it was a marriage with economic ramifications. It would have been obvious that Abraham was a very wealthy man.  Abimelech could have easily decided that it suited his purpose economically to make an alliance with that wealthy individual who had taken up residence in his territory.

The second reason was the important one as it pertains to what followed his decision.  He may have believed that as king he had the right to take anyone that he wanted to be his wife.  It would have made no difference about her marital state, although in the case of Sarah, Abraham had used deception to protect himself.  Abimelech made rules to suit himself.

1. Why did Abraham use the same old ploy with Abimelech of calling Sarah his sister?
2. Why would his decision seem more reprehensible this time than when he went into Egypt?
3. Why did Abimelech take Sarah as a wife?
4. Why was it economically to his advantage to take her as his wife?
5. What would  be the other reason for him to make Sarah his wife?

Genesis 20:3

God intervened in the situation.  His words to Abimelech were very strong.  God saw what he had done as a sinful act deserving death.  Adultery was a capital crime at that time in Middle Eastern culture.  In his mind, as will be seen shortly, he had done wrong by taking Sarah into his harem.  One commentator spoke of his actions as having kidnapped her.  Because of that one deed he was told that he was as good as dead in God’s eyes.   .

1. Why did God intervene?
2. What were the accusations that God brought against Abimelech?
3. How might God view the taking of Sarah as kidnapping?
4. Why did God view Abimelech as dead?

Genesis 20:4-5

Fortunately for Abimelech he had not had relations with Sarah. This might also be an indication that this was a marriage to bring about an alliance with Abraham. At that point Abimelech began to defend himself in view of God’s words to him. He pointed out several things that would prove his innocence in the matter.  As will be repeated below his defense was based on his own standards and rules for life and the way he would treat others.

• He considered himself blameless and was only concerned that God might destroy the whole nation.
• Abraham had brought about the current status by stating that Sarah was his sister.
• He was a man of integrity
• He was innocent of any wrong doing.

 

1. What was the one fact that would save Abimelech and his people?
2. What was his defense to God?
3. In what ways do you see Abimelech’s side of the story as valid?
4. In what ways was he have guilty before God?
5. What does this say about Abraham that he would put his wife in such a compromising position?

Genesis 20:6

God’s response to Abimelech indicated how much He had played a part in the incident.  He first acknowledged that Abimelech was speaking the truth, as he saw it.  Agreeing with the king that he had made the decision based on his standards did not lessen his guilt.  Abimelech’s responses had been from man’s perspective.  He was the one who had set the standards and made the rules by which he could make any decision.   

God then let him know that it was He, not Abimelech, who had kept Sarah safe from any advances the king may have made toward her. God had stopped him from sinful desires or even allowing him to touch her.  It was very important for Sarah to remain pure to maintain the legitimacy of the promised baby to born to her. There had to be no question that the boy would be Abraham’s son and no other man.

1. What did God indicate about Abimelech?
2. Who was actually in charge of the situation?
3. Why did God protect Sarah from Abimelech?
4. What was important about the purity of Sarah?

Genesis 20:7

To show that he was a man of integrity, Abimelech was to return Sarah to her rightful husband.  Then for the first time God indicated that Abraham held the status of prophet.  As a prophet he would pray for Abimelech that he might live.  To disobey God would surely bring death to him and everyone who were part of his family.  There may have been another reason to have Abraham pray for him.  By doing so Abraham would also have to confess his part in that whole episode that had put the future and his wife in jeopardy. 

1. How could Abimelech show that he believed the words of God?
2. Why would Abraham now be called a prophet by God?
3. How does his behavior match up with your picture of a prophet?
4. What kind of witness was Abraham to that pagan king?
5. Why did God indicate that Abraham was to pray for Abimelech to bring about his rescue from the consequences of his wrongdoing by taking Sarah?
6. What lesson was Abraham to learn from this situation where he was called on to pray for another man who could have potentially defiled his wife?

Genesis 20:8

Abimelech immediately responded to God’s command by calling all of his servants together to share all God had said.  As one would expect when they heard his words great fear fell upon them.  This would indicate that they understood that they had committed a great sin against God.  If they had known in their own minds that they were innocent there would have been no fear of God’s judgment on them.

1. Why did Abimelech immediately call his servants together?
2. How did Abimelech’s action show that he took word of God seriously?
3. Why did his servants become fearful?
4. Why did they not just disregard the words of Abimelech?
5. What does the fear show about their part in the actions of Abimelech?

Genesis 20:9-10

After making sure that his servants would not do anything that would bring judgment on he and his nation, Abimelech then called for Abraham.  He wanted to know why Abraham was willing to jeopardize his whole nation.  His first question was, “What have you done to us?”  Then, he asked, what had the people done to him to cause him to bring the sin upon them that cause them to be under God’s wrath?  Finally, he wanted to know if Abraham had experienced any problems with the way he had been treated.

1. What did Abimelech want to hear from Abraham?
2. If you had been in the same situation, what would you have asked of Abraham?
3. How did Abimelech view himself and his people? In what ways was it legitimate?
4. In what ways did his questions reflect a victim’s mentality?
5. In what ways was he as guilty as Abraham?

Genesis 20:11-13

Abraham’s response can be summed up in one word, self-preservation.  First he told that he was afraid of what the people might do to him.  Then he went on to share had he used his wife for the self-serving purpose of remaining safe. What he actually said was the truth, she was indeed his half-sister, but the fact remained that he used that relationship because of his lack of faith.

1. What do you think of Abraham’s response?
2. What does it show about his faith?
3. What does it show of his regard for Sarah?
4. How would you feel if someone used you like he did his wife?
5. If you were an Abimelech, what would your thoughts be about Abraham’s God?

Genesis 20:14-15

Abraham was treated with respect out of the fear that Abimelech had of God.  He would have been afraid to have done anything different.  Underlying all of this was the protection of God for Abraham and Sarah.  His plan for mankind was not going to thawrted by the bad decisions of that couple.

Ambimelech did not send him away empty handed but actually increased Abraham’s wealth by giving him sheep, oxen and more servants.  He even allowed him, unlike the Egyptians, to remain in the land.  More importantly for both men, Sarah was returned to Abraham as God had commanded.

1. Why did Abimelech treat Abraham with such respect?
2. Why did he give additional people and livestock to Abraham?
3. Although mentioned last, why was it important that Sarah be returned to Abraham?
4. Why did he not chase Abraham out of the land as the Egyptians had done?

Genesis 20:16

Although not mentioned the gift of one thousand pieces of silver to Abraham had a two-fold purpose.  First, it would be a reminder to Abraham of the sin he had committed by putting his wife in a compromising position. Secondly, as the Bible states, it was for the vindication of Sarah. If there was to be a victim in that whole incident it would have been she.  She really had no choice in the matter because she was under the rule of her husband and then became Abimelech’s wife not by her choice.  She was, in the mind of Abimelech, was exonerated from any shame by the payment to her husband. Notice that Sarah did not receive the money, but it did purchase her release from any guilt.

1. Why did Ambimelech give Abraham one thousand pieces of silver?
2. In what ways was Sarah the only victim in that whole incident?
3. What did this do for Sarah?
4. In what way does this symbolize what Christ has done for us?

 

 

Genesis 20:17-18

As God had directed, Abraham prayed for Abimelech and his household.  While Sarah was in his harem neither his wife nor his maids were able to have children.  Once Abraham prayed for them they were healed and could again have children.

1. Why was it necessary for Abraham to pray for the household of Abimelech?
2. How did that act remind Abraham of his part in what was occurring in the household?
3. When does prayer work?
4. Why was his prayer effective?
5. What type of prayer is this and what does it show us about that type of prayer?

You-

1. Before making any move you need to make sure that it is one that God will approve.  If God is silent the best advice is don’t do it.
2. Remember that any decision you make will have an impact on others.
3. Remember your lifestyle does influence the way others view God.
4. When praying for others, make sure that you have first confessed your own sins first, then make intercession for them.

We-

Like every other time in history we have our own set of issues with which we must deal.  Sadly, the church as a whole has not held true to the teachings of the Scripture.  Today there seems to be a greater attack on the Word of God than ever before.  Smaller and smaller percentages of people in many countries who attend churches keep dwindling. 

In the midst of all of this conflict our mandate to serve Christ faithfully has never changed.  We are to be a body who has decided to never compromise with the world. It is so easy to give into the pressures to accept a liberal theology which allows many variant lifestyles.  God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Unlike Abraham in the lesson today, if we remain faithful to the truth our witness to the world will be effective.  The world is looking in on us.  Let us make sure that what they see in our behavior is Christ-like in every aspect of the church’s life.  The standards are high but so is the reward if we reach people with the saving grace of God’s Word.

 

Additional Notes:

BL- Once again as he had done in Egypt, Abraham repeated his previous sin by moving out of the land God promised him.  In the Negev region, Abraham was no longer sure of God’s protection and felt afraid, so he passed Sarah off once again as his sister.  Sure enough, the local king took a shine to her (although she was pregnant and 90–now, THAT’S a miracle!) and procured her for his harem. However, God protected Sarah (and the baby she was carrying by

1. sending Abimelech a warning in a dream
2. and temporarily preventing Abimelech and his wives from having children (20:17-18).

When Abimelech confronts Abraham, Abraham tells him in v. 11 that he assumed there was no fear of God in Abimelech’s country.  How often do we use an equally lame excuse for not bearing witness of Christ’s love in our neighborhood, workplace or other places we go.  We assume God could not possibly be there with us and so we are fearful to speak of Him.  However, this lesson shows us that God IS with us, wherever we go, even when we defy His will.  Rather than chastising us directly for doubting Him, He will sometimes use non-Christians to do it! (Gen. 20)

UE-As surprising as it might be God had to protect Sarah a second time because of the folly of Abraham.  He allowed her to maintain her purity even when Abraham had once again was willing for a pagan to take her to be his wife.  It would have served him right if God had taken here from him and allowed her to remain as Abimelech’s wife.  God however had a greater plan for the world and permitted Abraham, though undeserved to be a part of it. (Gen. 20:1-7)

C-Abraham moved once again.  This time he settled in the land of Gerar. As had happened during his trip to Egypt this act once again put him and Sarah at risk.  His decision showed a lack of faith on the part of Abraham. (Gen.20:1-2, 11-13)

WM-As they travelled from place to place Abraham asked Sarah to pretend to be his sister.  We know that he believed in God but even after 20 some years he still was not sure that His promises that He would protect him from those who had the power to take his life.  What does it take for man to completely trust God with his very life?  That was exactly what God wanted Abraham to do. (Gen. 20:2, 5, 11-12)

E-God reveals Himself to man in many different ways.  Whether it is in a dream, as Abimelech the king of Gerar experienced, sitting a church building, walking on a street or other ways God still expects each of us to respond in obedience to Him.  Abimelech although a godless man certainly understood the message received in a dream.  He then confronted Abraham with his deception of claiming Sarah was his sister. (Gen. 20:3-18)

RT-In order for Abraham to pray for Abimelech and his people he had to look at how his actions had brought about the need for prayer.  It would cause him to take responsibility for what he had done. (Gen. 20:7)

UE-Why was it that an unbeliever like Abimelech would be the one who would have to remind the one who God had called righteous of what is right and wrong.  He said to Abraham, “You have done things to me that ought not to be done.” (Gen. 20:9)

WM-To be fearful in spite of the awesome promises like God made to Abraham is a sin. To be fearful and take your own path through life is an act of disobedience.                (Gen. 20:11)

WM-To use others for self-preservation is a selfish act.  It shows little or no regard for another person.  Abraham was willing to take the chance of allowing others to take Sarah as a wife for his own benefit. (Gen. 20:11-13)

RT-Abraham’s response to Abimelech’s question shows how utterly wrong he had been in judgment of the people of Gerar. (Gen. 20:11)

C-After the episode with Abimelech, king of Gebar, Abraham was advised to move away from Gerar. (Gen. 20:15)

 

 

 

 

Lesson 15

A Doomed City, a Wasted Life

Genesis

Me-

I have offered wondered if my witness has made any impact on those around me. Conversely I should give as great a consideration of how the world influences my thoughts and behavior.  It is so easy to slip ever slowly away from God like the frog in the kettle until I might not even recognize how far I have departed from God’s standards.  All I have to do is look at the things I condone to gauge how my life is going.  Hopefully, as I stay in God’s Word I am shielded from many of the attitudes and actions that would not be pleasing to God.

As I look around at society I am saddened by the things I see.  It was mentioned a couple of weeks ago about the idea of “I never thought I would see the day.”  Many of the things I never thought would happen are taking place all around me.  The state of man as found in the city of Sodom is more of a reality than has ever been in place in this country in our history.  The depravity of man is shown by the compromise of the very core of what would make a nation   moral and righteous.  Today America compromises and condones behavior that God describes as an abomination in His sight.  Those who are part of the homosexual movement openly flaunt their lifestyle and demand that all of us, including followers of Christ, go along with their agenda.  Such decay can only bring the eventual judgment of God.

May I be part of the solution to making this a better world by holding to God’s standards.  May I also try to be a witness for Him in such a way that hearts will be directed to Him.

We-

How does a church know if it has infiltrated and impacted a community?  One way would be to go to businesses and ask them if they can tell you where is so and so church. Their answer will be a clear indicator of what the church has accomplished for the kingdom in the lives that live and work in close proximity to its location.

Just as each of must ask how the world affected us individually, we must also ask, in what ways are we being influenced by the world?  All we have to do is to look at the things in which we take part.  How do we spend our time? What are the things we read and watch?  The answers to these two questions will say a lot about us.  Many so called churches today condone the lifestyles already mentioned because they no longer take God’s Word as having the final say in their actions.  We must stand as a fortress against the evils that we see all around us.  To compromise with the ways of the world is only to weaken our impact. Sodom is one of the examples of a man who fell so far because he put himself in the place where he just went along with the crowd because it was easier than standing up for what was right.  We shall see the results in this lesson of such a lifestyle.

God-

Genesis 19:1-2

In chapter 18:2 three men approached Abraham, now two of them came to Lot in the form of angels.  Their mission had changed to one of verifying what was taking place in Sodom and so they now appeared as angels. 

They found Lot sitting in the gate of the city.  The gate of the city was the place where all the activity of governing would occur.   His presence there meant that he had become part of the leadership of the city. He had moved from the outskirts to becoming a citizen of the city.

Only Lot recognized them as angelic beings. He bowed down to them and invited them into his home for the night.  Lot had moved from dwelling in a tent to living in a house in the city.  He made an effort to show hospitality to the two men just as Abraham had done.  The difference between the two events was the reluctance of the two men to stay with Lot.  They did not wish to partake of the hospitality of one living among the wickedness found in Sodom.

1. Why did the men now appear in Sodom as angels rather than men?
2. Why did only Lot recognize them as such?
3. What did the presence of Lot in the gate indicate about him?
4. Why did the angels not want to accept the hospitality of Lot?

Genesis 19:3

Finally after much urging from Lot they went to his home.  Unlike the effort made by Abraham the meal was pretty plain as indicated by the fact that they were given unleavened bread.  Lot did not put forth a lot of effort to entertain the angels.

1. Why did it take a great deal of urging for the angels to go with Lot?
2. Why would Lot continue to urge them to stay with him?
3. What does the meal show about his attitude towards his guest?

Genesis 19:4-5

As the angels prepared to spend the night, the citizens old and young gathered at the door of Lot’s house.  Their expressed purpose was to have sexual relations with the angels.  The fact that the men were of every age group and every part of the city, showed how pervasive the homosexual lifestyle was among the citizens. 

1. What does the demands of the men show about the condition of the hearts of the men of Sodom?
2. Why did the writer mention the fact that both old and young were there?
3. In what ways did the actions of the citizens show the urgency of Lot’s request that the angels spend the night at his home?
4. What did he know about the people?
5. Why did he continue to live among them if this was the normal behavior of the men of    Sodom?
6. What other things might have be done by the citizenry?  See Ezekiel 16:49-50)

Genesis 19:6-7

Lot, trying to be a good host, tried to dissuade the men from performing such abominable behavior.  At least he still recognized what they were about to do as a wicked act.  Notice, however, he even called them brethren in his efforts.  He had now become such a part of the city that he saw the men almost as kinsmen.  How far he had fallen.

1. Why did try to protect his guests?
2. What tactics did he use?
3. What does it mean for him to call the men brethren?
4. What was the one redeeming aspect of all Lot said?

Genesis 19:8

After trying to reason with the men, he then reached a new low.  He offered to sacrifice his two virgin daughters to those godless men in order that he might protect his guests.  He was more concerned about losing face than he was in protecting his own daughters.

1. Why was he willing to give his daughters to the men who would surely have abused them in unimaginable ways?
2. What does it say about Lot that he was willing to give his daughters to those men?
3. What could he have expected would be the end results?
4. What were the possible consequences of his relationship with the daughters after this incident?

Genesis 19:9

The situation became dangerous for Lot.  Not only did the men not listen to him, but became very hostile. Here the men who he thought were his friends now accused him of being an alien and trying to become their judge.  Their answer to his pleads were to do to him what they had planned to do to the angels.

1. How did the situation become dangerous for Lot?
2. How did their answer reflect how they felt about Lot?
3. What were the two accusations made against him?
4. At what point would Lot have understood that he was not going to get the men to listen to him?
5. What happens when a mob mentality takes over a group?

Genesis 19:10-11

Lot was saved by the actions of the two angels.  As the men of the city pressed in around Lot with the intention of breaking down the door to get to the two men inside, the angels reached out and pulled him into the house. They then caused a blindness to fall upon all of the men, young and old.  With no one to lead them in their blindness, they tired themselves out looking for the door. Those men who were seemingly in control and about to bring bodily harm to Lot and the angels were now reduced to helpless blind creatures.

1. How did the two men save Lot’s life?
2. What was the purpose of the men to become blind?
3. What their actions indicate to the men of the city?
4. Why go to all of the trouble to save Lot who had gotten himself into the dangerous situation?
5. How does this relate to what God does for us at times?

Genesis 19:12-14

The behavior of the men was all the evidence that the angels needed for God to destroy Sodom. What they had heard was true.  The city was indeed full of iniquity.  Although homosexuality was rampant in the city there were other reasons that the city was about to be judged.  Ezekiel wrote of the citizens,

          Behold this was the guilt of your sister Sodom; she and her daughters had arrogance,           abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. (Ezekiel 16:49-50)

Lot was given the opportunity to save his family, including the men who were betrothed to his daughters before God rained down judgment on the city.  When he went to his son-in-laws they did not believe him and thought him to be joking with them. Having failed he returned home. 

1. What was Lot’s response to the news that the city where he was living was about to be destroyed?
2. Why would God give the ungodly son-in-laws the opportunity to be saved from the destruction to come?
3. What evidence did the angels have of the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrah that would justify the destruction of those cities?

Genesis 19:15-16

As the dawn broke over Sodom the last opportunity for the city to repent was gone.  The angels now commanded Lot to take his family and leave unless he wanted to be swept away in the destruction that was to come.  For some reason Lot hesitated and had to be forcefully removed by the angels and carried outside the city.  One may surmise that Lot had become so closely identified with the city or that he did not believe, like the son-in-laws, that God would actually punish it for its sins he could not bring himself to leave.  The only reason given for the salvation of Lot and his family was that the “compassion of Lord was upon him.” 

1. How do we know that opportunity for Sodom to repent was gone?
2. Who were the only people who were going to be saved from the punishment to come?
3. Why was Lot allowed to live?
4. Why did Lot hesitate about leaving Sodom?

Genesis 19:17

Once the angels had brought Lot and his family out from the city, they gave him several commands which were for his benefit.  They were

• Escape for your life
• Do not look behind you. To look behind was to say that Lot’s heart was still in Sodom.
• Do not stay in the valley.  Moving into the valley was the beginning of Lot’s downfall.
• Flee to the mountains

If the instructions were not followed completely then Lot could be expected to be destroyed along with all the others in the city.

1. Why did the angels give such explicit commands?
2. Why were they only to look forward towards their destination and not behind them?
3. What was the importance of leaving the valley and going into the mountains?
4. What are the kind of things we try to hold onto even though we know to do so does not please God.

Genesis 19:18-22

It is an amazing thing that Lot tried to bargain with the angels.  Notice he first tried to flatter them before making his request.  Surely he could have not believed that to go to the mountains would be the end of him.  More likely he had become so use to the conveniences of city life that the thought of facing a difficult situation was not wanted he wanted to do.  Fortunately, for him God indeed had compassion and allowed him to do as he had requested.  Lot’s new temporary home would be the city of Zoar.  God wanted to make sure that Lot was completely out of harm’s way before destroying the cities of the valley, Sodom and Gomorrah.  Because of Lot the city of Zoar was to be spared.

1. How often have you tried to bargain with God to be able to do something you have wanted to do even though you soon discovered it was not in your best interest?
2. Why would Lot think that problems would follow after him, if he went into the mountains?
3. What may have been the underlying reason for his reluctance? 
4. Why did God allow him to go to Zoar?
5. Why was Zoar spared the wrath of God?

Genesis 19:23-25

Once, Lot was safely in Zoar, God brought about the promised judgment on all of the cities of the valley.  Fire and brimstone rained down on all of the inhabitants, completely destroying all who lived in that area.

1. When did the punishment fall of all the cities of the valley?
2. Why did God use such extremes means to destroy the people of those cities?

Genesis 19:26

Lot’s wife made one fatal mistake.  She disobeyed the command of God and looked back from Zoar towards Sodom and was instantly turned into a pillar of Salt.

1. What was the wife’s fatal mistake?
2. What might be some of the reasons she looked back toward Sodom?
3. Why would she have forgotten God’s command so quickly?
4. Why was she turned into a pillar of salt?
5. How many times have you looked back to the things in your past when God has forgiven you of them and told you only to look forward towards a new tomorrow?

Genesis 19:27-28

Abraham went to the spot where he had conversed with God and looked down towards Sodom. Seeing the fire from a distance, he may have wondered whether Lot had been saved from the inferno. Because there were less than ten righteous men in the whole city and thus the destruction from God’s hand, had Lot survived?

1. Why did Abraham return to the spot of his conversation with the Lord?
2. What may have been the thoughts going through his head?
3. What did he know for sure because judgment had come to Sodom”
4. What was his hope for Lot?

Genesis 19:29

Here is found the real reason that God’s saved Lot.  It was not because of any righteousness found in Lot.  He had proven himself unworthy of God’s mercy.  God remembered His covenant relationship with Abraham.  Even more than that, He loved Abraham because he was a man of faith who truly relied of God.

1. What did Lot do to deserve the mercy of God?
2. In what ways had he proven him unworthy to be saved?
3. Why did God allow him to escape the judgment that came upon Sodom?
4. What does it mean that God remembered Abraham and because of that one fact saved Lot?
5. Why are we to continue to make intercession for those we know are without Christ in their lives?

 Genesis 19:30

Lot left the city that he thought would be his refuge.  He and his daughters went up from Zoar into the mountains because he was afraid.  The writer does not give the reason for his fear but there may be at least a couple of reasons.

• Seeing his wife turned into salt may have indicated that he no longer felt safe in Zoar.
• The citizens knowing that he had come from Sodom may not have welcomed him with open arms out of fear for their own safety.

The man whose wealth once paralleled that of Abraham was now broke, afraid and homeless.  He and his daughters took up residence in a cave.  His bad decisions had brought him to this position in life.  Sadly, his troubles were not going to end with his relocation.

1. Why did Lot go into the mountains after being so adamant about going to Zoar?
2. What were his fears that kept him from staying in the city?
3. What led to Lot winding up living in a cave in the mountains?
4. What brought him down?

Genesis 19:31-38

The daughters of Lot decided that their chance of ever getting married and having children was gone.  To keep the families name alive they decided to get their father drunk and then to have sexual relations with him.  The oldest lay with her father the first night and the youngest went in to him the second night. Both women became pregnant by their father.  Each gave birth to a son.  One was named Moab, the father of the Moabites.  The other was named Ben-ammi, who became the father of the Ammonites.

1. What brought the daughters to the decision they would never find a husband?
2. How did they take matters into their own hands?
3. In what way was it the final disgrace for Lot?

You-

• From the lessons we have learned from the life of Lot determine to pray before making important decisions.
• Do not put yourself in a position where you have to compromise your beliefs.
• Do not try to hold on to those things that may separate you from God.
• Intercede for those who are either lost or have drifted from God.  See James 5:19-20

We-

The evangelist D.L Moody would not authorize a biography to be written about him during his lifetime. His fear was that he might do something at the end of his life that might destroy all the work he had done in his many years of serving the Lord. Each of us should be aware that without constant vigilance we may find ourselves in the same position. We can either be like an Abraham who remained faithful all of his life or Lot who began well but ended up destitute.  The last record we have of this pitiful man is committing incest with his daughters. 

How do we remain faithful?  God has a plan for us.  It is found in Psalm 1.

• Do not walk among the ungodly.
• Delight in the Word of God.
• Meditate on His Word day and night.

In Joshua God also gives him the pattern for being successful in his endeavors.

• Be strong and courageous.
• Do everything according to the Word of God.
• Make the Word a part of every waking moment of your life
• Meditate on His Word day and night

(Joshua 1:6, 8-9)

Finally Psalm 119 tells us how a young man shall live in purity. He is to:

• To keep it according to God’s word.
• Seek God with all of his heart.
• Never wander from God’s commandments.
• Memorize God’s word
• Be teachable.
• Psalm 119:9-12

If we are willing to follow these directions straight from God’s Word we will show that we belong to Him.  We will be like the men and women of faith as found in Hebrews 11.  It is a decision that each of us must make. 

Additional Notes-

WM-Rather than being a force for good Lot had become assimilated into the society of Sodom and was in a position of leadership. (Gen. 19:1)

WM-One of the evils that was part of the culture of Sodom and evidently of Gomorrah was homosexuality.  A society that has thrown off the basic sexual restraints is a godless place where wickedness prevails. What direction is the U. S. taking in this problem?    (Gen. 19:4-5, 7)

DM-It was the decision of Lot to move to Sodom which set in motion the events that would be devastating to his family.

1. Compromise with a pagan society (19:7)
2. Death of his wife (Gen. 19:26)
3. Incest with his two daughters which produced who were the father two nations, Moab and Ammon who eventually became enemies of Israel. (Gen. 19:31-38)   (Gen. 19; Luke 17:32)

C-Evidently by the time God was going to bring judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot no longer had herds and flocks.  With his move to Sodom he was not living a nomadic life as a shepherd. (Gen. 19:1)

RT-The older men of Sodom had a bad influence on the younger men.  They all, young and old, came to take part in the perverse, immoral activity. (Gen 19:4-5)

M-The people of Sodom exemplifies a society driven by the unnatural lusted associated with homosexuality and other displays of immorality which flow out from a heart filled with wickedness. (Gen. 19:4-5, 7)

 RT-By calling the Sodomites his brothers shows that Lot had developed a close relationship with the people of that city.  It appears that he had become a leader among them. (Gen 19:7)

WM-Lot lacked respect for his daughters.  He would was willing for them to be raped by the immoral men outside of his home. (Gen. 19:6-8)

WM-The men of Sodom were beyond being helped by God because of the total depravity found in their city. (Gen. 19:9)

UE-God concerned Himself with one man and his family who had chosen to live in such a corrupt place like Sodom.  We would more likely have said that he should not have been living there in the first place.  The expectation was that he would probably have been influence by those around him.  God however shows He does care about the righteous man no matter the circumstances in which he finds himself.                         (Gen. 19:12-16, 29)

RT-When we compromise our lifestyle and become like the world around us as Lot had done, then the word of the Lord will sound like a joke coming from our lips.  (Gen 19:14)

RT-Godless men do not believe that God will bring judgment on them.  This is the reason they live the way they want. (Gen. 19:14)

C-Lot lost everything when Sodom was destroyed except his two daughters.  His wife had been changed into a pillar of salt when she turned to look at the city once more to see what was happening.  This would seem to indicate that she still had a longing to be in this decadent city and wanted to turn back even when she was commanded to only look in the direction that she was heading. (Gen. 19:15-26)

RT-Early in Genesis we have a clear picture of mercy.  Lot with each of his one of his decisions, carrying him further and further away from God certainly did not deserve the compassion shown to him and his family.  For the sake of Abram, God saved Lot.    (Gen. 19:16)

GC-The specific command to Lot and his family was to turn their back on sin and not to look back so that it can longer hold you as its slave and face death.                                Gen. 19:17, 26; Rom. 6:12-14; 1 Peter 4:2-3)

WM-Evidently Lot’s wife did not believe that God would also destroy her if she looked back on Sodom.  Whatever caused her to turn around ended with her becoming a pillar of salt.  We can only surmise her death came as a result of not letting go of all that Sodom had offered her. Looking at what has just been said, what did a place like Sodom would be so enticing that one was willing to die for it?  What is worth your own life?          (Gen. 19:17, 26)

WM-The fear of what man might do to him was greater than the fear of the Lord as Lot tried to negotiate with God. (Gen. 19:19-23)

GC-When the situation in which you find yourself gives every indication that God is not to be found in it and the realization that it is not going to change, you need to totally separate yourself.  God saw that Sodom was not going to alter its behavior and must be destroyed.  To keep His word to Abraham not to destroy the righteous with the wicked, He provided a means of escape for Lot and his family. (Gen. 19:22)

M-Lot’s wife is an example of those who try to hold on to the past with all of its sin and refuse to move forward in obedience to God.  They will not accept the grace that God has extended to them. If I may do a little play on words, they become crystallized in their thinking and life. (Gen. 19:26)

RT-There were not ten righteous men to be found in Sodom and Gomorrah, including the men to whom Lot’s daughters had been promised in marriage.  Therefore those cities came under God’s judgment and were destroyed. Since they could not be saved, God brought Lot safely out of the catastrophe because of His special relationship with Abraham not because of any goodness found in Lot. (Gen 19:29)

C-Lot went from being a rich man with many possessions to living in a wicked city to becoming a cave dweller. (Gen. 19:30)

M-Fear drives people to take certain actions.  In the case of Lot it drove him to the mountains.  He found that he could not even stay in the city of Zoar the place where he sought a refuge after the destruction of Sodom.  His daughters fearing the absence of children committed incest with their father.  The results of those decisions were to have long-lasting consequences as the two nations born out these sinful unions would eventually become the enemies of Israel. (Gen. 19:30-38)

WM-The daughters of Lot certainly did not leave behind the immoral behavior they had witnessed in Sodom but committed incest with Lot to have children.  Their offspring became enemies of Israel. (Gen. 19:31-38)