2 Peter 2:8
The sermon explores the challenges faced by Lot as a righteous man living among the wicked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining faith in a corrupt world.
John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights how Lot, despite being surrounded by immorality, remained steadfast in his righteousness, unable to bear the sinful actions and language of those around him. Gill explains that Lot's soul was continually vexed by the unlawful deeds he witnessed, showcasing the internal struggle of maintaining one's faith in a corrupt environment.
Text
Ver. 8. For that righteous man dwelling among them,.... Which is sometimes the lot of good men, to their great sorrow and grief, Ps 120:5. Upon mentioning those words in Ge 13:12 "and pitched his tent towards Sodom", but the men of Sodom were wicked, &c. says R. Eleazar {i};
"he is a righteous man that dwells between two wicked men, and does not learn their works;''
and such an one was Lot, whatever they are elsewhere pleased to say of him: "in seeing and hearing"; the Vulgate Latin version reads this in connection with the word "righteous", thus, "in seeing and hearing he was righteous": he could not bear to see their filthy actions, and hear their obscene language, but turned away from them, and shut his eyes, and stopped his ears, by which he appears to be a righteous and good man; though rather this belongs to what follows, seeing their wicked practices, and hearing their filthy talk:
vexed his righteous soul from, day today with their unlawful deeds; either "they vexed" him, as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read; or rather "he vexed" himself; he fretted and teased himself, and became exceeding uneasy, and was put upon a rack and tortured, as the word signifies, continually, with their wicked actions; see
Ps 119:158.
{i} T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 38. 2.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the context of 2 Peter 2:8 - The character of Lot as a righteous man - The significance of dwelling among the wicked
- II points: - The emotional and spiritual turmoil of Lot - The impact of witnessing wickedness - The concept of vexation in a believer's life
- III points: - Lessons from Lot's experience - The call to maintain righteousness in a corrupt world - Encouragement for believers facing similar struggles
Key Quotes
“He is a righteous man that dwells between two wicked men, and does not learn their works.” — John Gill
“He could not bear to see their filthy actions, and hear their obscene language.” — John Gill
“He vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Reflect on your own environment and identify influences that may challenge your faith.
- Commit to turning away from immoral actions and conversations that disturb your spirit.
- Encourage others who may be struggling with similar issues to find strength in their faith.