S1: “What happens when we understand the heart of God”, Genesis 18-19, Malcolm Cox

Malcolm Cox

A sermon for the Watford church of Christ

Intro - setting the scene

Last time - what happens when we walk with God

Chapter 17 - circumcision covenant; Sarah the mother; next year; upgraded promises

Change comes at God's timing; He has good in mind for us; we have a part to play; need closer walk with God as life goes on

I could talk about.....

1. Generosity in action, Genesis 18:1-8

• Calf - royal generosity - feast
• Heb 13:2 - 'strangers

2. Divine Tolerance, Genesis 18:9-15

• The impossible is laughable
• Matt 9:23-25 - Jesus laughed at because believes impossible

3. Pressure perverts priorities, Genesis 19:1-11

• Lot with Abraham; near Sodom; In Sodom - adopted

4. The dangers of doubting God, Genesis 19:12-22

• Having a doubt is not a problem. Expressing that doubt is not blasphemous. What is tragic is when doubt is used to to argue ourselves out of obedience.
• Jesus helps you - Jn 20:27

5. The consequences of being dominated by greed and fear, Genesis 19:30-38

• Greed
• Fear - attempt control without God

I will talk about...

The benefits of walking in the presence of God

We understand the heart of God

1. He is the only legitimate judge

• Therefore we are at peace

2. He cares about everyone

• Therefore we pray even for those we don't like
• Canaanites - not Israelites
• Therefore we ask boldly - like Canaanites woman
  • Matt 15:22ff

Abraham a man of humility and boldness

Conclusion

• God does more than Abraham asks - rescues Lot, Gen 19:27-29
• Abe foreshadowing the heart of Jesus
  • Told us to pray for our enemies, Matt 5:44
  • Prayed for his, Luke 23:34

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm