Scripture Study for

The account of the dialogue between Abraham and God over the fate of  Sodom and Gomorrah is actually a discussion about the nature of divine justice.  In traditional societies, there is a tension between communal guilt and innocence and individual guilt and innocence. More emphasis is given to the group than to the individual member. At issue in this passage is the extent to which the righteousness of a few people can balance the sinfulness of most. The story demonstrates the power of the righteous. God is willing to allow a few righteous people to save many.  

Paul describes the effects of the triumph of the power of God in the lives of believers as it is manifested in the resurrection of Christ. He does this by relating  Christ’s burial in the grave of the earth with the burial of Christians in the waters of baptism. Paul’s argument moves from consideration of actual physical death to spiritual death, the condition of those who, because of sin, are separated from  God, who is the source of life. It is important to note that it was precisely while they were sinners that they were saved. The debt owed because of transgressions of the past has been canceled.  

Jesus’ own practice of prayer prompted his disciples to ask for direction in their prayer, just as the disciples of other religious leaders asked to be taught to pray. Jesus’ discourse on prayer can be divided into three separate but related segments: the Lord’s Prayer itself (vv. 1–4), an example of persistence in prayer  (vv. 5–8), and the assurance of that prayer will be heard (vv. 19–13). There is question about whether this passage should be seen as an actual prayer or as a pattern to follow when praying. The persistence with which one should pray is characterized by the story of the man who woke his sleeping friend. This entire discourse encourages the disciples to persevere in prayer.