The Power of Righteousness READ: Genesis 18:16-33 CHALLENGE: Pursue Righteousness A. THERE IS POWER IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (vv. 16-19) Vv. 16-19: "When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.'” The importance of righteousness cannot be overstated. While we cannot control the actions of the world around us, we have the power to control our own actions and live for God. Abraham’s visitors were on a divine mission to investigate Sodom and Gomorrah, leading to their eventual destruction—a sobering reality. These men looked down at Sodom, indicating a position of height. Abraham, living outside the city's evil, stayed above the moral muck and mire. God contemplated whether to reveal His plans to Abraham, highlighting the significance of Abraham’s future. God’s reasoning for sharing this privileged information was rooted in who Abraham was and who he was becoming. The Power of Becoming Abraham was chosen because of his potential. Although childless with Sarah at the time, God saw what Abraham would become—a great and powerful nation. This underscores the principle that it’s not just about who we are today, but who we are becoming. A positive future requires present righteousness. We cannot impact future generations positively without living rightly today. The Power of Legacy Abraham’s influence extended beyond his immediate family. Nations would be blessed through him, ultimately through Jesus Christ. This legacy is a testament to the exponential impact of righteous living. We have the potential to leave a profound legacy by leading others to follow Christ, impacting countless lives. The Power of Character God’s confidence in Abraham stemmed from his character. Abraham was chosen to direct his children and household to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Our character can impact others more than our actions. The legacy of Abraham’s faith and righteousness is a powerful reminder that our choices and character have long-lasting effects. B. DESTRUCTION IN WICKEDNESS (vv. 20-33) Vv. 20-21: "Then the Lord said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.'" The grievous sins of Sodom and Gomorrah led to their destruction. The outcry against them was a cry for help from those suffering under their wickedness. Sin, which may seem beneficial to the sinner, often harms others. The impact of righteousness is profound, as demonstrated by Abraham’s intercession for Sodom. Though the city was ultimately destroyed due to the lack of righteous people, Abraham's plea highlights the potential power of righteous individuals to impact and potentially save even a corrupt society. Pursue righteousness, knowing that it holds power to shape your future, influence others, and leave a lasting legacy. Connect with Eagleville Bible Church: Facebook - www.facebook.com/eaglevillebiblechurch Apple Podcasts - http://appstore.com/eaglevillebiblechurch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eaglevillebiblechurch YouTube - @eaglevillebiblechurch Website - www.eagleville.church