The Intentions of God's Revelation - Genesis

Pastor Jordan Rogers continues preaching through the Book of Genesis in this sermon on Genesis 18:16-33 entitled, "The Intentions of God's Revelation."

God’s great mercy is put on display in the Old Testament, and especially in Genesis 18 as Abraham prays for the inhabitants of Sodom in order attempt to spare them from destruction in God’s righteous judgment. Here is a sermon where we look at one of the most startling passages in all of the Old Testament.

Genesis 18:16-33 is the passage that records God’s revelation of His judgment to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In it, Abraham learns at least three lessons about the justice of God. Abraham is shown in this passage as one who was pleading with the Lord for mercy toward the inhabitants of Sodom, and the Lord is shown to be exceedingly merciful toward those cities. Ultimately, this passage records for us two reasons why the Lord revealed His judgments to Abraham: so that Abraham could tell the world and so his children could walk in righteousness.

Below you will find both the video recording of the sermon, the text of Scripture, and a sermon outline to help you along as you watch.

Sermon Title: “The Intentions of God’s Revelation”

Text: Genesis 18:16-33
“(16) Then the men set out from there, and there they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. (17) the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, (18) seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? (19) For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has promised him.” (20) Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, (21) I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to Me. And if not, I will know.”
(22) So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. (23) Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? (24) Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will You then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? (25) Far be it from You to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (26) And the LORD said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
(27) Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. (28) Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will You destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And He said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” (29) Again he spoke to Him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” (30) Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” (31) He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” (32) Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” (33) And the LORD went His way, when He had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.”

Single Sentence Sermon Summary: God’s revelation is designed for our salvation.

Structure:
** vs.16-19—Two Intentions of God’s Revelation
Intention #1: Divine revelation is designed for public proclamation. (vs.18)
Intention #2: Divine revelation is designed for personal obedience. (vs.19)

** vs.20-33—Three Lessons about God’s Judgment

Lesson #1: God’s judgment is just. (vs.21)
Lesson #2: God’s judgment is impartial. (vs.21)
Lesson #3: God’s judgment is at times deferred mercifully as a gift of grace. (vs.22-33)