Abraham:THREE SIDES OF A MAN NAMED ABRAHAM

THREE SIDES OF A MAN NAMED ABRAHAM

Date August 17, 2014

Scripture Reference Genesis 18:1-33

from the series Abraham

Scripture Reading

Let us rise to our feet and together and read

Genesis 18:1-3

1 And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?13 And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?14 Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I 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 know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.20 And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.33 And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

This is the word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

May the sweet Holy Spirit add blessings to our text this morning.... Amen! 

You may be seated in God's Presence. 

Introduction

Everyone in this room wears many different hats. For instance, I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a Pastor, a friend, among many other things. This passage reveal three sides of the life of this man named Abraham. In this passage, he is visited personally by the Lord. During this visit we are given a glimpse at three sides of this great man's life. As Abraham is revealed to us here, we see some characteristics in his life that need to be seen in every life in this room. 

Sermon

For a few minutes, I want to look into this personal encounter between the Lord and Abraham. I want to preach to you about THREE SIDES OF A MAN NAMED ABRAHAM. Let's examine our lives to determine whether or not we are made of the same stuff as this great man was.

I. V. 18 THE MINISTRY OF A SERVANT

(Ill. The identity of Abraham's visitors. One of these beings was the Lord Jesus Himself. (This visitation takes place about three months after the last visit in chapter seventeen.)This time, the Lord takes on a bodily form. We are warned in the book of Hebrews, to be mindful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Heb. 13:2).The other two were angels. 

There were several reasons for this visit:
• To declare life in Sarah’s womb.
• To inform Abraham of what He intended to do in Sodom that Abraham might intercede for the few that were to be saved.

It seems that Abraham recognized the heavenly origin of his guests, because he sprang into action to serve them when they appeared. That reaction sets a good example for us because you never know when the Lord will show up at your place! When He does, He is looking for the same servant heart He found in Abraham. Notice three aspects of that servant's heart.)

A. V. 1-6 The Quickness Of His Ministry 

Abraham springs into action speedily trying to supply every need of his heavenly visitors. He may be 100, but there is not hesitation as he flies from one task to the next, until all is completed. 

(Note: Here is a man who recognized his duty and set about to do it as quickly as possible! May I just remind you that the Lord deserves the best service we can give Him?! When we are serving Him, regardless of how menial the task, we should do our best to recognize Who we are serving and we should seek to do the best possible job for the glory of the Lord! Ill. Col. 3:23; Eph. 6:6. If it is worth doing for the Lord, it is worth doing right, 1 Cor. 10:13.)

B. V. 7-8 The Quality Of His Ministry  

Not only was Abraham swift in his service to the Lord, but he was also sacrificial in his service to the Lord. He went to his flock and personally selected, killed and prepared a calf for their meal.

(Note: You haven't really become a servant until your service costs you personally. Being willing to sacrifice for your master is a sign that you are possessed of a servant's heart. Whether the service is time, tithe or talents, it is willingly rendered at the request of the Master and for His glory. The greatest sacrifice you can offer, of course, is yourself, Rom. 12:1! That is a sacrifice that no one else can give to Him! By the way, when He has you, He has everything you have anyway!)

C. V. 8 The Quietness Of His Ministry  

While his visitors were eating their meal, Abraham stood quietly by to serve them in any way they might need. He simply stood beside them, adopting the pose of a servant, listening for the voice of his Lord!

(Note: Imagine the reaction of Abraham's servants as they watched him assume the role of a servant to the Lord. What a powerful testimony it was to them! By the way, others are watching! Make sure your service and testimony are all they should be!)

(Note: Real servants of God are those individuals who make themselves ever available to the Lord and His work. They are ready and willing to serve Him on a moments notice. When there are no orders to follow, they continue to do the last thing He told them until new orders come. They are His and they have no will of their own, but they are lost in His will for their lives! That is a servant's heart!)

I. THE MINISTRY OF A SERVANT 

II. V. 9-21 THE MESSAGE FOR A SAINT

(Note: God always rewards the faithful service that is rendered to Him. In Abraham's case, He does this by reassuring Abraham regarding the birth of Isaac. Verses 18-19 tell us of the great affection, knowledge and care God possessed for this man Abraham. God knew what caliber of man Abraham was. He knew that Abraham would stand the test and be all that God wanted him to be. He is clearly pictured as God's saint in these verses. )

A. v. 9-15 A Message About A Child  

God had given this promise repeatedly to Abraham. The last time, Gen. 17:17, Abraham had laughed for joy when he heard again the glorious promise of hope from the Lord. This time, the promise is repeated for the benefit of Sarah. All she had heard was second hand promises from Abraham, this time she hears the promise directly from the mouth of God. Her reaction is vastly different from that of her husband. He laughed for joy, she laughs from doubt! She is confronted and rebuked. 

(Note: This episode is a reminder that God knows everything there is to know about you and me. He knows our motives, our secret sins and all things that we do. Nothing is hidden from His eyes, Heb. 4:13.) 

(Note: The Lord proclaims life in Sarah’s womb, and Sarah laughs within herself. It is amazing how many times the scripture records similar incidents, where God was listening to what men were saying in their hearts! Jesus many times addressed the things that people were saying within themselves. Sarah then becomes fearful when the Lord challenges her laugh (vs.13-15), and she denies it. Well, she didn't laugh out loud; it was inaudible except to the One who was proclaiming life within her womb.  

In spite of the motivation of Sarah’s silent laugh, when the Lord challenged that laugh, it must have struck not only fear, but also faith into her heart! The “faith chapter” of Hebrews says this concerning Sarah: “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable” (Heb. 11:11-12).)

B. V. 16-21 A Message About A City  

This is a precious point in Abraham's relationship with the Lord. Because of who he is, how he has conducted himself and the future he is to enjoy, God is determined to share His heart with Abraham. Imagine being in a position of closeness to the Lord that motivated Him to share His heart with you. No doubt this is among the passage that prompted the Jews to refer to Abraham as "the friend of God.", James 2:23; Isa. 41:8; Ex. 33:11. 

(Note: God wants to have that same kind of relationship with each and every one of us this morning! When we are in a position of closeness to Him, He will share His heart and His will with us. Never feel that this kind of relationship is only for the super saints! I will remind you of the great truth that as we seek to get closer to Him, He responds by moving closer to us, James 4:8.)

I. THE MINISTRY OF A SERVANT 

II. THE MESSAGE FOR A SAINT 

III. V. 22-33 THE MEDIATION OF A SON

(Part of our development, as a king/priest is that we
must know something of the ministry of intercession. Basically the ministry of the priest is to intercede on behalf of others. Although the Lord can do whatever He wants, He looks for people upon earth to whom He can reveal His will that they might intercede accordingly. Ezekiel 22:30 establishes this point.)

(Ill. The message that the Lord had shared with Abraham was a difficult message to hear. It had been revealed to him that his kinsmen, Lot and his family, were in danger of death and destruction. (Note: "The cry" of that place and their "grievous sin" was the reason for the coming destruction. To many, Sodom must have been viewed as a showplace and a success story. They probably bragged about how it had been rebuilt after the great war of Gen. 14. Abraham knew different. He knew the city was slated for destruction. Those of us who know the Bible know that our world thinks awfully highly of itself. However, it too is slated for destruction! May we learn to pray like Abraham did so that we can see our world saved!) He received the message and it motivated him to action before the Lord. Perhaps this was a factor in God's desire to share the message with Abraham! Perhaps he wanted to motivate Abraham to move deeper in his relationship with God. We have seen Abraham the servant. We have seen Abraham the Saint. Now, we are given a chance to see Abraham the son speaking with his heavenly Father!)

A. V. 22-23 The Distance Between Them 

Abraham stood before the Lord and when the angels departed, he drew near to the Lord.

(Note: I praise the Lord for the truth that God's children can approach Him and draw as near as they please to their heavenly Father. Listen to His invitation to you and me, Matt. 11:28; Heb. 4:15-16; Rom. 8:15-17.)

B. V. 24-33 The Dialogue Between Them  

(Ill.The little epistle of “Jude” makes a reference to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in verse seven. Jude goes on to Abraham’s Intercession site them as an eternal example to those who live ungodly lives. But let us also note Jude 22-23, which could also have reference to Sodom or to those who spiritually live in a Sodom. “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Abraham was literally pulling these people out of the fire through his intercession.)

Abraham's prayer to the Lord arises out of several burdens he carries because of the revelation he has just received. First, he is concerned about God's reputation. If the Lord simply destroys the people of Sodom out of hand, Abraham is concerned that people will get the wrong impression of God and of His love for sinners. Secondly, he is thinking about Lot and his family, who live in Sodom. He wants to see them spared, at the very least. So he begins to talk to God about the situation and gets God to agree to spare the city if just 10 righteous people can be found there. In Lot's family, there was Lot, his wife, two unmarried daughters and at least two married daughters and their husbands. This was a total of at least eight people in that family. Abraham must have thought that Lot would have at least won his family and a few others.)

(Note: Although Abraham did not know it at the time, his prayer was answered! God did spare the righteous when He destroyed the wicked. When the morning came and Abraham looked toward Sodom and saw the smoke of that place, Gen. 19:27-28, he must have been discouraged. However, his prayer had been heard and it had been successful, 19:29. Sometimes, our prayers seem to be very ineffective and weak, but only in eternity will know the full impact of our personal ministry of prayer in the lives of others. Therefore, do not be discouraged, just pray and trust the Lord to bring it to pass!)

Invitation and Final Challenge

If there is anything that you need to take away from this service, it is this: a close, personal relationship with God is possible for anyone who desires it! In your heart, are you honestly as close to the Lord as you would like to be? Are you His servant, running eagerly and speedily to do His will? Are you His saint, listening intently as He reveals His will and ways to you? Are you His son, His child, interceding before the throne of the Heavenly Father on behalf of those who do not have access to Him? Do you need to work on one or more of these areas of your relationship with the Lord? If so, there is help to be found in His altar!