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Biblical references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible.
Introduction.
1. There is much to be learned from the examples recorded in the Bible.
a. From Abraham we can learn the value of faith in God.
b. From Joseph we see the workings of God's providential care.
c. From Job we learn the importance of patience and faith under trial.
d. From Lot we learn the consequences of decision making.
2. It is much more efficient and easier on us to learn from others.
Body.
I. Lot's Background.
A. Who is Lot?
1. The nephew of Abraham who traveled with him - Genesis
12:5; 13:1
2. A man who like his uncle became quite wealthy - Genesis 13:2-5
a. Because of the combined wealth of Abraham and Lot, they were forced to separate -
Genesis 13:6-9
b. Given the opportunity to choose where he could go.
1) Lot made a choice, which on the surface was a good one Genesis 13:10-12
2) But as good as it may have seemed, it resulted in much sorrow and hardship for Lot!
B. What did Lot suffer?
3. Oppression and torment by the citizens of Sodom - Genesis 19:1-11
6. The shame of incest with his daughters - Genesis 19:30-36
C. All these things happened despite the fact that Lot himself was a righteous person -
2 Peter 2:7-8
II. Our Choices.
A. What choices do we make that greatly affect our lives?
1. The most important one: Our choice concerning Jesus!
a. It will determine our place in eternity
b. It will have a bearing on every other choice we make; for as a follower of Christ we will be concerned with doing His will, not our own.
2. The choice of a career.
a. The choice we make can have a lasting effect upon our marriage, family, and our service to God.
b. Even from a worldly viewpoint, our choice is important, for the job market can change drastically.
3. The choice of a mate.
a. The decision made will to a great extent determine our degree of happiness in this life.
b. It will have a permanent bearing on our children and their emotional well-being!
1) We may think we can simply divorce a person who turns out to be a bad choice.
2) But once we have children, there is no way to reverse the choice we made as to who is the mother or father of our children!
4. The choice of friends.
a. Having close friends can be a wonderful blessing - Proverbs17:17
5. The choice of where we will live.
a. It was in this choice that Lot made his mistake.
b. There some modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah!
B. How can we more likely make the right choices?
1. Ask God for wisdom - James 1:5-8
a. Discuss our alternatives with older, mature Christians.
b. Consult the wisdom found in the Bible.
C. What should we do when we realize our choice was wrong?
a. Heed the word of God - as in fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah.
b. Do what is right without reservation - remember Lot's wife!
2. Do what Peter did after he denied Christ - Matthew
22:54-62; Acts 2
a. Repent, if there is sin involved in the choice made.
b. Resolve to serve the Lord.
3. Do what Paul did after persecuting the church - I Timothy 1:12-17
a. Accept the forgiveness Jesus provides.
b. Determine to live for the Lord the rest of our life to the best of our ability.
4. The wrong thing to do is to continue in the choice because of pride or some other reason although there are some choices we must live with.
Conclusion.
1. The example of Lot should serve:
a. To teach us that making the proper decision is very important.
b. To warn us not to make our choices lightly.
2. Remember Lot the next time we are faced with an important decision.
a. Seek to make that decision based upon the will of the Lord and not our own.
b. Our eternal destiny and that of those we love might rest upon our choice!
3. Have you made the most important decision you will ever face? The decision to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
If not, why not today?
Matthew 28:19-20;
Acts 2:38
-- Don Treadway, March 2002 --
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