Genesis 18:16-19

Genesis 18:1-17
Who were these 3 men?
a. Two of them were angels (19:1)
b. One of them was God (18:22)
Do you think Abraham and/or Sarah knew who their visitors were?
--Maybe not at first, we can't really infer that from the use of the term 'lord' since this word is often used simply to show respect. But as the visit progressd, the nature of the guests certainly became clear.

Romans 4:19-20
Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God

Hebrews 11:11
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.

1. Do these passages seem to contrast with the account we’ve been reading?
--Yes, in Genesis Abram's faith wavers at multiple points
2. How could these NT writers, then, say what they said regarding his faith?
--Because ultimately our faith is evidenced by what we do. And Abraham ultimately obeyed God
3. What is the very best way to show that you believe?
--Obedience
4. Do these New Testament quotes encourage you in your faith?
--They do mine. It helps me to see that even though I struggle sometimes with doubt, I can still be an example of faith to others if I obey

Genesis 18:16-19
1. Why do you think God wanted to tell Abraham His ‘secret’ (James 2:23)
--Friends are open with each-other
2. How can we be considered ‘friends’ of God? (John 15:14-17)
--If we obey His commands
3. What parallels can you find between Abraham & the Disciples?
a. Both were considered friends of God
b. Both were told the secrets of God
c. Both were chosen by God to bear fruit

Genesis 18:20-33
1. Where was the ‘outcry’ coming from? (2 Peter 2:6-8)
--probably from Lot
2. Do you think God really needed to go to see how bad they were?
--No, similar to the wording regarding the tower of babel, this is anthropomorphic language
3. Why did Abraham assume that God would destroy Sodom & Gomorrah?
--He had an awareness of their wickedness
4. What does Abraham’s argument reveal about his understanding of God?
--He believed God to be a God of mercy
5. What do God’s answers reveal about the nature of God?
--He is incredibly merciful
6. What would have happened if Abraham had lowered the number even further?
--We can't be sure, but we have every reason to believe He would have said 'Yes'. Perhaps this reminds us that we can pray BIG.
7. What does the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah say about those cities?
--There were less than 10 righteous people in the whole city

Genesis 19:1-26
1. Why was Lot sitting in the gateway of the city?
--City business was accomplised there. Perhaps Lot was socially involved
2. Do you think Lot knew the visitors were angels?
--Maybe not at first, but eventually it became obvious
3. What was the sexual preferences of the men in Sodom?
--A huge majority were either homosexual or bisexual
4. What did the men in Sodom want to do to the visitors?
--They wanted to gang-rape them
5. What other sins was Sodom guilty of (Ezek. 17:49-50, Rom. 1:26-27)?
--Arrogance, lack of concern for poor, etc
6. What did the people of Sodom think of Lot?
--They disliked him and considered him judgmental
7. Why did Lot offer his daughters to the crowd?
--It is possible, since they were homosexual, he knew they wouldn't accept. On the other hand, perhaps he was just making protection of his guests the ultimate priority (especially since women had a low status in that culture
8. Why did Lot hesitate to go with the visitors?
--Perhaps he was clinging to his position in the city or his worldly possessions. Maybe he was trying to convince his sons-in-law to come so his family name could continue
9. Why do people hesitate to obey God?
--Same reasons. We become too attached to the things of this world, even family members.
10. Why was Zoar spared?
--Because Lot asked and because it was small
11. Why couldn’t the angels ‘act’ until Lot arrived?
--Because God willed to protect the righteous
12. What happens when we turn back from following God’s will? (Luke 17:32)
--We lose our life

Genesis 19:27-29
1. What do you think Abraham thought when he saw the smoke?
--I doubt he was very surprised. He was probably concerned for Lot
2. Why did God save Lot?
--Because Abraham asked

Genesis 19:30-38
1. Why was Lot afraid to stay in Zoar?
--Because the people were wicked. They were going to be destroyed for it until Lot asked for God to spare that small city
2. Who did Lot’s daughters want to be like?
--They desired to follow the customs of the world
3. Why did Lot’s daughters have to get him drunk to carry out their plan?
--Because they knew what they were doing was wrong
4. What did these incestuous unions produce?
--Future enemies for Israel