Who is My Neighbor?
Abraham, Lot, and Sodom and Gomorrah
The Impact Of Hospitality, Compassion And Intercession

Sunday June 2nd, 2019 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Genesis 18

The series "Who is my neighbor?" (see Mark 12:29-31) is about what kind of persons we are. The question "Who is my neighbor?" deals directly with the question "Who am I?" This Great Commandment, found in Mark, is more about us than our neighbors. The decisive issue facing us is the issue of love. Am I loving? Loving God will lead us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Central Idea: Abraham's Hospitality, Compassion and Intercession saved Lot and his family. Practice Hospitality, Compassion and Intercession To Show Love For Your Neighbors. God loves all people, including those who don't believe in Him.

Content: What does the Bible say? Read Genesis 18:1-33.

Cross-References And Background

• 1. Abraham And Lot's conflict (Genesis 13). The conflict led to separation, and land was divided. Abraham asked Lot to choose which land he wanted first. Lot chose the rich pasture land (Sodom and Gomorrah). The grass is not always greener on the neighbor's side of the fence.
• 2. Abraham's relationship with Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14). Lot was captured by king Chedorlaomer. Abraham rescued Lot and returned all the goods Chedorlaomer had taken from the city of Sodom and Gomorrah to the king of Sodom.

Context: Why is this passage important?

• 1. Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked and the outcry against them was great.
• 2. God has a compassionate heart. He revealed it to Abraham.
• 3. Are you like Lot? Do you make decisions based solely on external appearances?
• 4. Abraham had a compassionate heart. He showed Hospitality to God and Interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah.
• 5. Are you like Sodom and Gomorrah, where the people were inhospitable?

Conviction: How did the passage impact you?

• 1. What did you discover about the importance of Hospitality? Genesis 18:1-8
• 2. What do you discover about the importance of Compassion? Genesis 18:9-23
• 3. What did you discover about the importance of Intercession? Genesis 18: 24-33

Commitment: What should you do now?

• 1. Consider how God spared the lives of Lot and his daughters.
• 2. Consider how Abraham's prayer was answered.
• 3. Consider how your prayers for others are important today.
• 4. Consider Compassion, Hospitality and Intercession as practices that show your love of God and your neighbor.