Sodom- Worth Praying For Series

Series: Biblical Cities- Sodom [#3]

SODOM- WORTH PRAYING FOR?

Genesis 10:19

Introduction:

We are continuing in our Series about some of the most mentioned Cities in the Bible. Tonight, we are going to continue studying the city that is 4th on the list- Sodom. Sodom is mentioned 48 times in the Bible.

Genesis 10:19

As we studied last week, Sodom was an evil place. They sinned against the Lord. We determined that Sodom was worth fighting for. Things in Sodom are now worse, and we have to ask the question, “Was Sodom worth praying for”? This is like praying, “Is Washington D.C. worth praying for, or is it too late?”

We are going to study about intercessory prayer- Praying for others.

Genesis 18:16-21

Intercessors…

1. Are the 1st to get the news.

God did not want to destroy Sodom without letting Abraham know about it. Often, God informs the people that are seeking Him to what He intends to do. It is comforting to know that God will reveal His plans or judgements to those seeking Him. This gives intercessors a chance to plead for God’s mercy on behalf of the people.

* Important principle- Some people make things happen; some see things happen, and others are still asking, “What happened”?

Genesis 18:22

Intercessors…

2. Stand in the gap before God.

God is looking for people to stand before Him and intercede for the sins of others. Many times, in Scripture, God was searching for an intercessor to stand before Him; but found none. So, God’s judgement was poured out because there was no intercessor. An intercessor has the ability to delay or stop the judgment of God when he stands in the gap. Be careful not to think that God is changing His mind; but intercessory prayer makes a difference.

* Important principle- Prayers can’t be answered unless they are offered.

Genesis 18:22

Intercessors…

3. Continue to stand in the gap even after judgment is passed.

The angels were already heading towards Sodom to destroy it; but Abraham still stood before the Lord. He lived in hope that God’s mercy would spare the people. He persevered. Intercessors persevere even after judgment is passed. We must continue to stand in the gap even in a seemingly hopeless situation.

There are 4 steps to accomplishment:

* Plan purposefully.

* Prepare prayerfully.

* Proceed positively.

* Pursue persistently.

Genesis 18:23-25

Intercessors…

4. Understand God’s character.

If you were an intercessor and wanted God to spare the City, how would you approach God? Abraham knew God’s character- God would not destroy the righteous with the wicked. Abraham understood that God was a righteous God and would do right. He approached God from this position.

Genesis 18:24-32

Intercessors…

5. Understand God’s grace.

Abraham looks in every way like a good businessman. He negotiates for God’s mercy. Below, we see the number of people he had to find for God to spare the City.

* 50 people (Genesis 18:24).

* 45 people (Genesis 18:28).

* 40 people (Genesis 18:29).

* 30 people (Genesis 18:30).

* 20 people (Genesis 18:31).

* 10 people (Genesis 18:32).

It looks like God gave him a big discount for the number of righteous people. How many of us will even think of asking God to spare the whole City if there were only 10 people righteous? But Abraham did and God agreed. He was a great negotiator because he understood God’s character. Abraham knew that God was a merciful and gracious God and dared to ask.

Genesis 18:33

Intercessors…

6. Know the limit of God’s patience.

We see God went His way as soon as He had finished speaking. This means that Abraham’s request had reached the limit. If God continued to speak to Abraham, he may have asked for God to spare Sodom for 5 people; but the Lord went away. There comes a time when the mercy of God ceases, and He has to release the judgement. There is limit to God’s mercy and intercessors know this limit. Abraham returned to his own place.