Sunday Morning Bible
Our study this week is in Genesis 19: 1 – 27. Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed.
Live in the Narthex, Sunday at 9:00 am
Our normal cadence is:
- Brief discussion previous week, with thought questions that will tie into the lesson.
- Open with prayer
- Read the section of scripture. Try to let everyone read a few verses, but will modify as needed.
- Work through the prepared questions … at our own pace.
- Close with prayer after ~ 45 minutes.
Hope you can join us live and participate in the study. We always enjoy interaction. Or you can use the guide to study on your own. Feel free to share with others.
Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson: Personal Testimonies from last week’s study? Reflection: Who was the disciplinarian in your family? How did that person discipline you? With punishment, is it easier for you to take it, or to dish it out? Why?
Step 2: Hear – Read the Passage: Gen 19:1-27 Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage:
A. As Abraham did in 18:2-8. How does Lot show hospitality to these angelic visitors in 19:1-8? What might have happened if Lot had not taken them in? In turn, what might have happened to Lot had it not been for the intervention of the angelic visitors (vv. 9-11)? Lot’s choice of Sodom is unfortunate, yet he is called a righteous man (see 2Pe 2:7). Why is that: Because he was living at odds with this lawless environment (v.9)? Because he was sitting in the gateway (v. 1) as part of Sodom’s ruling council? Because he had an alien reputation (v. 9)?
- How do you explain Lot’s decision to offer his own daughters to the mob of men outside his door? Was that a righteous decision? Why does Lot hesitate to leave this condemned world of Sodom (v. 16)? Is Lot disbelieving? Steeped in sin? Too high up in society? Or compassionately concerned about those who will perish?
- From vv. 1-11, Ezek. 16:49 and Matt 10:11-16, what reasons warrant total destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah? What warrants the deliverance of three of its pitiful residents, that is Lot and his daughters (v. 29)? In God’s dealings with Abraham, Lot and Sodom (18:26 – 19:29, what do you learn about God’s character and purposes? About Judgement and mercy for wayward people?
- Abraham’s plea was redemptive at least for three people (v. 29), whereas Lot’s plea was rejected by his sons-in-law (v. 14) and wife (v. 26). Why was Abraham able to exercise more influence that Lot on those people they loved?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- In crises this past year, at what points can you identify with Abraham, waiting? Lot hesitant? Angels rescuing? Sons in laws joking? Lot’s wife trapped?
- How does your society compare to Sodom? What do you think has prevented total destruction?
- When have you looked back to the destructive life you were living, even as you were trying to follow the Lord? We think of morality as a personal matter, have you ever been part of an organization or group that had noticeably moral or immoral traits? Explain.
- What examples does Lot give you to follow, and to avoid, in trying to lead a godly life in a sinful society?
Step 5: Reflect: But Lot’s wife looked back….
