The Lust of the Eye
The sermon emphasizes the importance of cultivating a quiet eye, prioritizing fellowship and God's companionship, and avoiding the dangers of a worldly mindset in order to discover God's blessing.
John Henry Jowett contrasts the choices of Lot and Abram in Genesis 13:10-18, highlighting Lot's worldly perspective focused on material gain and self-interest, leading him to overlook the sinful city of Sodom, which ultimately brought his downfall. In contrast, Abram's calm and God-centered approach prioritized peace and fellowship over personal gain, leading him to experience God's blessings and companionship along the unselfish path.
Text
GENESIS xiii. 10-18.
Look at Lot. He was a man of the world, sharp as a needle, having an eye
to the main chance. He boasted to himself that he always "took in the
whole situation." He said that what he did not know was not worth knowing.
But such "knowing" men have always very imperfect sight. Lot saw "all the
well-watered plain of Jordan," but he overlooked the city of Sodom and its
exceedingly wicked and sinful people. And the thing he overlooked was the
biggest thing in the outlook! It was to prove his undoing, and to bring
his presumptuous selfishness to the ground.
Look at Abram. His spirit was cool and thoughtful, unheated by the
feverish yearning after increased possessions. He had a "quiet eye," the
fruit of his faithful communion with God. He was more intent on peace than
plenty. He preferred fraternal fellowship to selfish increase. And so he
chose the unselfish way, and along that way he discovered the blessing of
God. "The Lord is mindful of His own. He remembereth His children." In the
unselfish way we always enjoy the Divine companionship, and in that
companionship we are endowed with inconceivable wealth.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Dangers of the Worldly Mindset
- A. Lot's focus on wealth and knowledge
- B. His failure to see the bigger picture
- C. The consequences of his selfishness
- II. The Blessings of a Quiet Eye
- A. Abram's thoughtful and peaceful spirit
- B. His focus on fellowship and God's companionship
- C. The discovery of God's blessing in the unselfish way
Key Quotes
“He boasted to himself that he always 'took in the whole situation.'” — John Henry Jowett
“He said that what he did not know was not worth knowing.” — John Henry Jowett
“The Lord is mindful of His own. He remembereth His children.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- We should prioritize fellowship and God's companionship over material gain and selfish desires.
- Cultivating a quiet eye and focusing on spiritual values can help us avoid the dangers of a worldly mindset.
- Following the unselfish way and trusting in God's goodness and provision can lead to true fulfillment and the discovery of God's blessing.