“What happens when we understand the heart of God”, Genesis 18-19, Malcolm Cox
Season 1, Feb 21, 2021, 03:52 PM
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
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm