Are You Leading People to God? | Genesis 18:16-33
Series: God's Promises, Our Journey
Title: "Are you leading people to God?
Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33 NIV
2 Peter 2:6-10
Hebrews 13:2
Ezekiel 16:49
1 Cor 3:10-15
Luke 17:31-38
Jude 7
Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
NOTES
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
Opening Illustration (
Rowan Atkinson, a legendary icon of comedy, television, and cinema, has left even the world’s richest and most powerful figures stunned—not just with his words, but with decisive action.
https://substack.com/@ajw3477/note/c-213026215?r=ogd8w&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
At a glamorous red-carpet gala in Los Angeles on December 20, attended by film moguls, tech billionaires, and Hollywood’s most elite stars, Rowan Atkinson took the stage to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. But instead of offering a conventional acceptance speech, he chose a moment of truth—direct, fearless, and deeply human.
He did not thank the Academy. He did not reminisce about Mr. Bean, Blackadder, or decades of global laughter. Instead, Atkinson looked straight into the audience of wealth and influence and declared:
“We sit here surrounded by diamonds and artistic glory while the world outside is falling apart. If your voice can move millions and you choose not to use it for those who have no voice, then you are not creating change—you are creating noise.”
The room fell into complete silence. Film executives and invited guests sat motionless, struck by the weight of his words. He continued, unwavering:
“If you have more than you need, it no longer belongs only to you. Your responsibility is to lift up those who are still beneath you.”
And he did not stop at words.
That very night, Atkinson announced that all profits from his archived works and future creative projects—estimated at 160 million USD—will be donated to fund children’s health initiatives, climate action programs, and arts education for underprivileged youth.
His message was unmistakable:
“Legacy is not built on what you earn. It is built on what you give.”
In an era when celebrities are often dismissed as hollow symbols, Rowan Atkinson delivered a powerful reminder to the world:
true impact is not created by applause, but by easing the suffering of others.
Context (Opening Paragraph)
Abraham has been entertaining 3 strangers at his tent for most of the day. Two of them are about to leave and head to Sodom to investigate the outcry against the wickedness of that city. They will assist the Lord in deciding the fate of the city.
In the meantime, Abraham will have a conversation with God. He will intercede on behalf of those wicked citizens.
Abraham will model for us how we are to live so that our lives make a real difference in the world. Just like the affluent were challenged to do by Mr. Bean.
Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world.
OUTLINE (Genesis 18:16-33)
I. Abraham, friend of God. (Genesis 18) Blessed to be a blessing, Abraham...
A. Welcomed the stranger. #hospitality #love #care #lead (1-15)
Qualified elders are required to be hospitable.
Biblical hospitality is primarily geared towards strangers.
B. Taught his household. #instruction #education #discipleship #feed (17-19)
Qualified elders are to be able to teach the word.
We start discipleship with our immediate family members and work out from there.
Abraham was like the mayor, CEO and pastor of 1,000 people. Ultimately, he would bless the world.
C. Interceded on behalf of Sodom. #mercy #intercession #prayer #mission #protect (16, 20-33)
To intercede means to stand in the gap on behalf of others for their good.
To intercede spiritually means to stand in the gap between them and God for their good.
This is key to being an effective missionary.
CONCLUSION
My freshman year at college, when I was sitting in that auditorium at the end of the Christian concert, with my Christian friends, thinking I was a Christian the whole time, I heard the gospel message preached clearly for the first time.
At that time, more than any other reason, I was drawn by the idea that I could make a real difference in this world. It just required surrender rooted in faith that God through Jesus Christ could use me to make some of that difference our world needed. So I stood and trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior believing that his way of making a difference in our world was the best way...maybe the only way.
Bottom Line: I am leading people to God when I welcome the stranger, teach my household, and intercede on behalf of the world.
So,
Welcome the Stranger.
Teach your household.
Intercede for the world.
Are you leading people close to you to God?
Are you welcoming people into your life? Your home?
Are you teaching your household how to be salt and light by doing what is right and just?
Are you actively and prayerfully interceding on behalf of lost people around the corner? Around the world?
Are you leading people close to you and far from God to God though Jesus?
Pray
Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
NOTES
The Legacy of Abraham
This quote by John Lennox speaks to my part:
“God first informs Abraham why he chose him. This is the only place in the Bible where he does so. The late Chief Rabbi, Lord Jonathan Sacks, comments:
This tells us three things about what it is to be an heir of Abraham.
First, it means that we are to be guardians of our children's future. We must ensure that they have a world to inherit...
Second, education - directing our children and our household after us - is a sacred task ...
Third, how do you keep the way of the Lord? By doing what is right and just.
It would be impossible to overstate the importance of these principles in a world where children so often bear the brunt of neglect, abuse and suffering.” Friend of God, p. 186
YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“Genesis,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in Genesis, by Bethancourt
The Genesis Record, by Henry Morris
The Genesis Factor, by David Helms & Jon Dennis
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
"Genesis" by Briscoe (TCC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)