Sodom & Gomorrah: God's Judgment on Society

Genesis 18 - 19

Contemporary Christianity has been described as "privately engaging but socially irrelevant." Many of us concern oursleves with only family and church to the neglect of the broader arenas of work and community - the economic, political and social fabric of our society.

GROUP DISCUSSION. In your town, how are churches demonstrating concern for the poor and the disadvantaged?

PERSONAL REFLECTION. What areas of need do you see around you, and how do you think God may want you to become involved?

So far we have seen Abraham involved only in his personal and family concerns. In this passage, however, he broadens his perspective to become involved in the problems of a neighboring city whose lifestyle is the opposite to everything he stands for. Abraham's reaction to the news of impending judgment can help us today concerning responsible Christian action in our postmodern society. Read Genesis 18.

1. If you were one of the strangers in 18:1-8, what elements of hospitality in Abraham's welcome would impress you?

2. In 18:9-15 why does Sarah react as she does to the promise of a son?

How might the Lord's response be both a rebuke and an encouragement?

3. Why does the Lord decide to tell Abraham his plans (18:16-19)?

4. In the dialogue that takes place in 18:20-33, what can you learn about Abraham's attitude toward the wicked cities and toward the Lord?

5. How would you describe the Lord's attitude toward the cities and his relationship with Abraham?

6. In what ways can we intercede with God for our city, our state and our country because of its sins?

7. How might this kind of prayer affect our attitudes and actions toward those around us?

8. Read Genesis 19:1-29. In 19:1-9 how do the actions of the inhabitants of Sodom help us see why they are under God's judgment?

9. What effects does life in Sodom seem to have had on Lot and his family (19:1-14)?

10. How is the Lord's mercy evident in his treatment of Lot and his family (19:10-22)?

11. Describe how God's judgment works out in Lot's family and in the two cities (19:23-29).

12. Living in the midst of a sinful society, what is a warning for you?

What is an encouragement?

Thank God that he reveals himself to us as he did to Abraham, saying, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

Now or Later
Read Genesis 19:30-38. What are the results of Lot's earlier choices in the life of his family?

Ishmael & Isaac: Faith Falters & Is Renewed

Genesis 16 - 17

Do you ever get tired of waiting for God to act? Do you sometimes wonder whether your faith is simply foolishness? At such times it is tempting to become an activist. "If God won't help me, I'll do it myself."

GROUP DISCUSSION. How has waiting for God to act caused you to take matters into your own hands?

PERSONAL REFLECTION. What have you learned about God's faithfulness in times of waiting?

Here we find Sarai and Abram frustrated by the passing years without a son. So they devise their own startegy for "fulfilling" God's promise--and reap the consequences. Read Genesis 16.

1. It has been ten years since Abram and Sarai entered Canaan. What action does Sarai how suggest (16:1=2)?

2. What do you think this indicates about their trust in God?

3. How can our impatience with God's timetable lead us into unbelief and even disobedience?

4. After Hagar conceives, how do the relationships among the three main characters change (16:3-6)?

5. What action does Hagar take and what does she learn about the Lord in this traumatic experience (16:6-14)?

6. When has a difficult time in your own life helped you gain new insight into God's concern for you?

7. Ishmael means "the God who hears." What does that reveal about the outcome in 16:15-16?

8. Read Genesis 17. What most impresses you about God's affirmation of his covenant?

9. In 17:1-8 what is significant about the change in the patriarch's name from Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of many")?

10. What instruction does God give Abraham as an outward sign of the covenant (17:9-14)?

11. In 17:15-16 what specific promise does God make about Sarai, now to be called Sarah ("princess")?

How does Abraham respond in 17:17-18, and why?

12. In 17:19-22 how does God answer Abraham about his future and the future of Isaac and Ishmael?

13. What have you learned about God in this chapter to help you believe his promises in spite of your circumstances?

Thank God that he is God Almighty and always keeps his promises.

Now or Later
Write down what you have learned about God in this chapter to help you believe his promise concerning one area of your life.

Conflict & Covenant: Tests of Faith

Genesis 14-15

If you want your faith to increase, don't be surprised or disheartened over difficulties that demand it. Muscles of faith grow strong through training and testing that are sometimes painful.

GROUP DISCUSSION. Recall a situation that motivated you to become involved in a struggle for a just cause of some kind.

Abram continues to learn how difficulties grow faith after parting from his nephew Lot. Read Genesis 14.

1. In what way does the political and military situation described in 14:1-4 resemble hostilities we see in the world today?

2. Describe the battle and its results for Lot and his family (14:5-12).

3. When he learns of Lot's capture, what strategy does Abram devise (14:13-16)?

4. Who is Melchizede, and what does he do (14:18-20)?

5. In what way does his blessing help Abram put his victory in proper perspective?

6. Why does Abram react as he does to the generous offer made by the king of Sodom (14:21-24)?

7. What evidence do you find of Abram's growing confidence in God?

8. Read Genesis 15. At this point what is Abram's main problem, and how does he propose to solve it (15:2-3)?

9. In what way would the Lord's message renew the patriach's confidence (15:1, 4-5)?

10. Verse 6 is the first time we read that Abram believed the Lord. Explain in your own words what it means that the Lord "credited it [his faith] to him as righteousness."

11. What new promises by the Lord are given in the covenant he now makes (15:7-21)?

12. If you have ever had to wait a long time for God to fulfill a promise, what did you learn in the process about yourself, the Lord and his way of working?

13. God promised to be Abram's shield and very great reward. Picture God speaking those words to you. How does that promise encourage you in an area you are struggling with?

Thank the Lord for circumstances in your life that can help your faith grow.

Now or Later
Create a "lifeline" depicting your Christian life. Draw a line representing your ups and downs with God over the years. How have you seen difficult circumstances lead to growth over time?