Contending for the Lost- Genesis 18:16-33 (SD Dimension—Missions)
When we read this passage, we usually marvel at the wonder of God meeting Abraham in human form before the incarnation of Christ in Jesus. However, we should not overlook the aspect of the passage that is connected to the missional purpose of God- salvation of the lost. On first reading one might see this as a passage about God’s judgment…and it certainly is, but think deeper. As two angels turn to go to the city of Sodom, Abraham began to contend for the righteous who might live there. In a sense he is contending for the lost, those who do not know God. Jesus later said that his disciples are salt and light and in the Genesis 18 passage we see the principle in action. As long as there were at least 10 followers of God in the city of Sodom, destruction would be averted; but there were not even 10 righteous. Therefore, God removed the family of Lot. By the way, this in a sense provides some background for the coming rapture…the removal of the church in the end times. Until the rapture, we are to be like Abraham, contending for and sharing Christ with the lost. Abraham may have had many reasons to not contend for the lost of Sodom. Indeed they were strangers to him sind he had relocated to the area. Why should we contend for the Lost as Abraham did?
10 Reasons to Contend for the Lost:
- God cares for them as much as he cares for you.
- God wants to see how much you care for the lost.
- The lost want to see how much you care for them. (People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.)
- Caring for the lost is a reflection of the authenticity of your own salvation.
- By contending for all the lost we will win some.
- Sharing Christ is essential for your own personal spiritual growth.
- The vitality and growth of the church depends on disciples sharing Christ.
- Contending for the lost and sharing Christ wins spiritual battles that we cannot see but the action is a sign of faith. (Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)
- …because the time is near. (John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, Revelation 1:4 (NKJV)
- …because God says so!
SD CrossPoints
1. Would your attitude have matched that of Abraham in arguing with God for the lost?
2. With how many people have you shared Christ this week, month, or year?
3. Pray for and contend for the lost now in prayer.
Simple Discipleship Blessings!
Dr. Tom Cocklereece
