1. Shall I hide my plan from Abraham? (16-19)

God chose Abraham to make him a great nation. He had promised to bless him, and through him, to bless all nations on earth. In order to claim God's blessings, Abraham's descendants must know God; they must keep his ways by doing what is right and just. So God taught Abraham that God hates sin; he is a God of judgment as well as a God of blessing. Abraham's personal relationship with God deepened. He was called a friend of God (Isa 41:8; Jn 15:15).

2. The outcry against Sodom is great (20-21)

Sodom and Gomorrah were known to be very wicked cities. When the Lord said that he would check out Sodom to see if it was as bad as he had heard, Abraham knew what the result would be. Sodom well deserved God's wrath and punishment. Abraham had an interest in Sodom because Lot lived there. God wanted Abraham to know how much God hates wickedness, and he wants Abraham's descendants--including us--to know that God is a Righteous Judge as well as a loving Father.

Application: Lord, teach me to keep your ways and do what is right and just.
One Word: Keep the way of the Lord