Bible Pathway - Jan. 7, 2012

Highlights:

Sodom destroyed; Lot and his daughters; birth of Isaac; Hagar and Ishmael; agreement between Abraham and Abimelech.

Lot was wealthy and obviously had a prominent position in Sodom since he sat in the gate of Sodom where business and legal matters were conducted (Gen. 19:1). Lot associated with the people of Sodom because he could market his livestock, milk, cheese, etc., even though he was vexed with (troubled by) the filthy conversation (shameless conduct) of the wicked (II Pet. 2:7).

The Scriptures denounce homosexuality for which Sodom was known. Since homosexuality is so detestable in the eyes of God, we should pray that those involved will repent and forsake this sin (I Cor. 6:9-11). The Law of God groups homosexuality with incest and bestiality (Lev. 18:6-30; 20:13; Rom. 1:24-27).

Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him (Gen. 21:2). Isaac, the miracle child of the promise of God, entered the family life of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar the bondwoman. Hagar's son Ishmael soon revealed his true character through his contempt for Isaac. In the New Testament we read that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. . . . these are the two Covenants (agreements); the one from the Mount Sinai, which gendereth (leads) to bondage, which is Agar (Hagar). . . . Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now (Gal. 4:22,24,28-29).

These two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, illustrate the dual nature of our lives. We are first born of the flesh (through human parents) (John 3:6), symbolized by Ishmael. But the moment a sinner believes in his heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for his sins, repents of them, and confesses Christ as Savior and Lord of his life, God gives them power to become the sons of God (1:12). This is symbolized by Isaac, the child of faith.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter answered the people by saying: Repent, and be baptized . . . and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) (Acts 2:38; also Rom. 10:9-10; I John 3:1-2; 4:15). We do not become sinless, but we are freed from the power of sin (Rom. 6:6-7). They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections (passions) and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-25).

Thought for Today:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

Christ Portrayed:

By Isaac, the promised son of the Covenant of God (Gen. 21:12). Faith in Christ sets us free from the bondage of the Law because God made a new Covenant through Christ (Matt. 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; I Cor. 11:25; also Heb. 12:24).

Word Studies:

19:3 pressed upon, urged them; 19:5 know, rape and abuse; 19:8 shadow, protection; 19:13 is waxen, has become; 20:6 suffered, allowed; 20:16 a covering of the eyes, compensation; 21:18 hold him in thine hand, take care of him.

Prayer Needs:

Pray Government Officials: Rep. Loretta Sanchez (CA), Rep. Jeff D. Duncan (SC), Sen. Rand Paul (KY), and Sen. John Thune (SD) • Country: Mauritania (2.6 million) in western Africa • Major language: Hasaniya Arabic • Islamic state with no mission work allowed • 99+% Muslim (predominantly Sunni); .2% Christian (predominantly foreigners) • Prayer Suggestion: Unite with others in prayer; God will bring your request to pass (Matt. 18:19-20).

Optional Reading: Matthew 7

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14