Introduction
God is sovereign and acts sovereign. The dictionary defines the term “sovereign” as “One that exercises supreme, permanent authority.” He doesn’t need our help, opinion, or permission to move. But in Abraham’s intercessory prayer for Sodom and Gomorrah, we find that God has three needs and only his people are capable of meeting them. [A sermon preached by Rev. Michael Dissanayake]
1. Fellowship is God’s first need
A. The dictionary defines the term “fellowship” as “Mutual sharing, as of experience, activity, interest, etc.” The Bible recognizes Abraham as a man who had fellowship with God.
B. In Genesis 18:17 the Lord says, “Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? (His decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah)
C. Abraham had met God’s first need – fellowship. In the preceding verses, God pours His heart before Abraham. Can God do the same with you?
2. Glory is God’s second need
A. The dictionary has 2 definitions for the term “glory” both of which are true regarding God. The first definition is, “Worshipful adoration or praise”. Secondly “Radiant beauty or splendor; magnificence”.
B. God deserves glory because of who He is and everything he has accomplished.
C. Our lifestyle determines whether or not God will be glorified – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV)
3. Intercessors are God’s third need
A. Isaiah 59:16 says that God was amazed because there were no intercessors. “He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed.” (NLT)
B. God dwells in the supernatural realm. There’s nothing in this world amazing enough to amaze Him. What’s amazing to man is ordinary to Him. Yet, God was amazed because the earth was void of intercessors.
C. Both Abraham and Lot were called by God. However, only Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot’s sons-in-law took Abraham for a nuisance.
Application
A. God can enjoy fellowship with us when we pray and worship him regularly. Abraham was a man who worshiped God regularly. First, we worship God through praise and prayer. Then we worship him through our lifestyle. The Bible says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1 NIV).
B. The Bible says “Let your light shine before men.” We are to live in such a way that the heathen shall give glory to God when they see our lifestyle. A lifestyle that God could use to bless our communities. A sacrificial lifestyle of worship unto God.
C. Like Abraham, we must intercede for others. The dictionary defines the term “intercede” as “To come between parties or act as a mediator or advocate” As God’s children we have frequent access to His presence while others are not. Every Christian is an advocate between God and the lost. God’s will is that none should perish. There are many situations we need to intercede for others. However interceding for the salvation of our communities, cities and even countries is most crucial. As Pastor Colton Wickramaratne always says, God’s method is a man and you can be that man.
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