This is Warfare! Text: Genesis 18: 22-33
22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. 23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 26 So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” 27 Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: 28 suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?” So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.” 29 And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.” 30 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31 And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” 32 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” 33 So the LORD went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.
Because of Sodom and Gomorrah’s’ unrighteousness the Lord didn’t have to share His plan with anyone, but He chooses to allow Abraham His friend to know about His planned destruction for the disobedient! In these verses Abraham is found in the middle partitioning or interceding for anyone who would be found righteous! In these verses alone we can see that we serve a very merciful God. Therefore, God wants everyone to come into His kingdom! John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
I. Warfare isn’t easy, but it’s well worth it! Warfare is the hardest thing for believers to do because everything around us screams against it because the forces of darkness can’t be seen, and don’t won’t to be discovered! (Satan doesn’t want to let go of anyone in whom he has some influence!)
A.Over 20 yrs. ago Steve L. cussed every breath and always had a 6 pack of beer with him, but he had a praying grandmother! Over 25 years ago,There wasn’t any hope for me in the natural, but I have a praying mother and daddy!
B. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places
C. Do you think that principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenlies will just allow you’re flesh, you’re voice and you’re faith just a leisure opportunity to speak against them unto God ( the creator) without a battle?
D. When you begin to position yourself in prayer you need to know that everything will begin to scream out at you with a voice of doubt, helplessness, pity and feelings of being weary and unworthy! (Physical events such as the telephone, a baby crying, and reminders of work you haven’t done.)
E. Eph. 6: 10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
F. James 2:23-24 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
G. When you begin to do warfare God hears it, and He say’s, “There’s my friend again on his knees in prayer!” I Sam. 2:1 And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; My horn is exalted in the LORD.I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” Listen to what Jesus told us to do: Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
H. The greatest ministry you can ever do for others is prayer! As Abraham was crying out or interceding for Sodom satan wasn’t just smiling. You better believe that the devil was throwing all types of assaults onto Abraham!
I. Warfare is always won as a believer yields his or her will unto God. Go back to the text for one minute. In Gen. 18 Abraham prays for the wicked, so that the righteous would be speared. Did God answer Abraham’s prayer? He sure did. He couldn’t find 10 righteous, but He rescued Lot and his daughters!
J. When you call on God He will: 1. Hear. 2. React. 3. Bring change in you, or in the situation!
