Genesis 19:22
The sermon warns against the dangers of worldliness and the importance of true salvation, using the story of Lot's wife as a cautionary tale.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of remembering Lot's wife as a warning against worldliness and the dangers of clinging to a sinful past. He describes the conditions of Sodom, both physically and spiritually, highlighting the moral decay that led to its destruction. Lot's family, particularly his wife, illustrates the struggle between the comforts of a sinful life and the call to follow God. Smith draws parallels between Sodom and modern society, urging believers to heed the warning of Jesus about the consequences of looking back. Ultimately, he stresses that true salvation involves a complete break from worldly desires.
Text
"REMEMBERING LOT'S WIFE"
I. THE CONDITIONS OF SODOM.
A. Physical - Beautiful lush plain south of Dead Sea.
1. Dead Sea 40 miles long, 10 miles wide, 1286 feet below sea level.
2. Divided into upper and low end. Lower end 10 to 20 feet deep. Upper up
to 1400 feet deep.
3. Lower end more recent, being formed by northern end being filled with
salt, raising level.
4. It is under the lower end where the city of Sodom was thought to be
located.
5. Recent archeological discoveries.
6. Fullness of bread, agricultural surplus.
7. Great asphalt deposits, Josephus called it the Asphalt Sea.
B. Spiritual.
1. Exceeding corrupt. So great God was obliged to destroy it.
2. When a society sinks so low that the homosexuals blatantly parade
themselves, that society is ripe for God's judgment.
II. THE CONDITIONS OF LOT'S FAMILY (Lot vexed..
A. They enjoyed the life of ease.
1. Some of his children refused to leave.
2. Lot with his wife and two daughters reluctant to leave (vs.16..
3. Even after escaping Lot's wife looked back.
a. Word can be translated "lagged back or returned back."
b. She still longed for the old life in the world.
III. REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE (Luke 17:32..
A. Jesus makes the story relevant to us today.
1. Talking to His disciples of His return.
a. Conditions of world similar to Sodom.
1. San Francisco and Hollywood modern Sodom and Gomorrah.
b. Judgment fell as soon as Lot was safely led out.
1. Judgment will fall when church led out.
B. What is meant by warning, "Remember Lot's wife."
1. Warning against a love for worldliness.
a. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the
lust of the eye..."
2. II Peter 2:20-22.
3. Salvation is more than just physically coming out of the
worldly activities.
C. He who seeks to save his life shall lose it.
1. Lot's wife was trying to cling to the old life.
2. In lagging back or returning back, she lost her life.
a. Buried in the boiling salts.
Sermon Outline
- The Conditions of Sodom points: - Physical Conditions - Beautiful lush plain south of Dead Sea - Divided into upper and lower end - Lower end more recent, being formed by northern end being filled with salt
- The Conditions of Sodom points: - Spiritual Conditions - Exceeding corrupt - Blatant homosexuality, ripe for God's judgment
- The Conditions of Lot's Family points: - Enjoying the life of ease - Some of his children refused to leave - Lot's wife and daughters reluctant to leave
- Remember Lot's Wife points: - Jesus makes the story relevant to us today - Conditions of world similar to Sodom - Judgment will fall when church led out
Key Quotes
“When a society sinks so low that the homosexuals blatantly parade themselves, that society is ripe for God's judgment.” — Chuck Smith
“He who seeks to save his life shall lose it.” — Chuck Smith
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be careful not to cling to the old life and worldliness, but instead seek true spiritual growth and salvation.
- The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eye are worldly desires that distract us from our spiritual journey.
- Judgment will fall when the church is led out, and we must be prepared to leave the world behind and follow God.