God Blesses Abraham

Genesis 21:1-34

June 1, 2014

 

Well you know that we are studying through the book of Genesis.

It is “The Gospel According to Moses”

 

And currently we are studying the life of Abraham.

 

Moses has been very unique to express various realities that he wanted the children of Israel to know, revealing those truths through specific people.

 

• In Adam we saw the Tragic Reality of Sin

• In Noah we saw the Terrible Reality of Judgment

• In Abraham we see the Terrific Reality of Salvation

 

We love the study of Abraham’s life because

Moses uses him to reveal to us the facts about God’s salvation.

 

Abraham was first and foremost a man of grace.

God selected him, God called him, God saved him, God has been preserving him.

 

Abraham became a man of faith (that to a gift from God)

“Abraham believed in the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness”

 

And since that moment of Abraham’s salvation we have continually seen

The extreme benefit that is found in being a child of God.

 

To put it mildly, Abraham is a blessed man.

 

 

For a pagan, barren, worldly man,

To have received so much from the hand of the living God,

There is really no better way to say it.

ABRAHAM IS BLESSED.

 

And if you have failed to recognize that so far in Abraham’s life

There is no possible way to miss it while studying the chapter today.

 

Let’s work our way through this chapter

And then we’ll talk a little about the obvious blessing on Abraham

And on all those who are called children of God.

 

Four areas where we see Abraham’s blessing

#1 PROMISE FULFILLED

Genesis 21:1-7

 

These 7 vs. contain one of the most remarkable occurrences in Scripture,

Especially when you stop and realize what has just happened.

 

First notice the SPECIFIC FULFILLMENT

(1-2) “Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.”

 

Did you catch those statement?

• “took note of Sarah AS HE HAD SAID”

• “did for Sarah AS HE HAD PROMISED”

• “at the appointed time OF WHICH GOD HAD SPOKEN”

 

Nothing here was accident

Nothing here was random

 

God did exactly what He said He would do

Exactly when He said He would do it.

 

• God said Sarah would have a son and she did.

• God said it would be at this time next year and it was.

• God promised kings would come from her and they will.

 

This was a specific fulfillment of all that He said.

 

And I absolutely love this.

We have actually begun to live in a bit of a mystical age and society,

Where people are continually putting all sorts of words in God’s mouth.

 

And then after the fact they sort of go back

And try to make sense of it and search for a confirmation of things.

 

But the truly fulfilled promises of God are never so vague that you have to find a way to make it look like He did what He said.

 

When God makes specific promises, God brings specific fulfillment.

That is precisely what God did for Abraham.

 

We see also A SACRED FULFILLMENT

(3-4) “Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.”

 

Obviously the name “Isaac” was given

Because God had told Abraham to name him Isaac.

 

But beyond that “Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.”

 

Abraham entered Isaac into the covenant.

Abraham surrendered Isaac to the Lord.

 

We talked about the purpose of circumcision back in chapter 17

When God commanded it of Abraham.

 

Because sin is inherited from our father Adam,

Circumcision was a picture of one seeking to stop the spread of sin.

It was a removal of the flesh, symbolizing a break from the sin epidemic.

 

And it was also sign of Abraham’s covenant with God.

God commanded that every male 8 days old be circumcised,

And if they refused they were to be cut off from God’s people.

 

Well Abraham obviously wanted Isaac to be part of God’s people.

So Abraham here devoted Isaac to the Lord.

 

There was a specific fulfillment and there was a sacred fulfillment.

It was also A STAGGERING FULFILLMENT

(5-7) “Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

 

I’m again thankful for these verses, just to help make sure that

We don’t lose sight of precisely what has occurred here.

This is 100% miraculous!

 

Even Sarah knows it.

“Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?”

 

And don’t you love this about God.

When He moves and works it is often times in ways

That you never even thought possible.

 

Of all the ways that Abraham and Sarah or anyone else involved

May have ever thought that God might bless them –

HAVING SARAH GET PREGNANT WAS NEVER CONSIDERED!

 

It reminds of what Paul said:

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,”

 

We often times sit around and try to figure out

What God might do and how He might work,

And yet He purposely works in ways that literally blow our mind.

 

And He does it just because He can and so that He alone gets the glory.

 

And now Sarah “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.”

 

You may remember that when God told Sarah previously

She laughed in doubt as though God were playing a cruel joke on her.

 

Now she laughs in delight and knows that others will do the same.

 

Incidentally Isaac actually means “laughter”

God has blown their minds.

 

And friends I think we can all agree, this is a good day!

God had taken this old, barren, pagan couple

And give them a land and give them a child.

 

And the thing that makes it even more amazing is that the only reason we can find that God did it is simply because He wanted to.

 

It is all grace.

 

God made a promise He did not have to make.

God fulfilled a promise no one else could ever fulfill.

AND THE RECIPIENT IS BLESSED

 

Certainly Moses is reminding the children of Israel

Of the great blessing of having God on your side.

 

“If God be for us…”

Promise Fulfilled

#2 THREAT REMOVED

Genesis 21:8-13

 

Another aspect we have routinely seen in the blessing that God had for Abraham was that God was always willing to protect that blessing.

 

• God wouldn’t let Pharaoh mess up Abraham’s blessing

• God wouldn’t let Abimelech mess up Abraham’s blessing

• God wouldn’t let Lot mess up Abraham’s blessing

• God wouldn’t let Hagar mess up Abraham’s blessing

 

And here we find that God won’t let Ishmael mess it up either.

 

God knew the specific plan He had for Abraham.

God knew how He had chosen to bless him,

And He would not let Abraham have anything less.

 

BUT HERE WE FIND A THREAT.

 

God wanted it all to go to Isaac and through Isaac.

But there is a problem.

Abraham has another son, an older son, a first born son.

 

That son is Ishmael, and we already know that Abraham loved him.

 

Genesis 17:18-19 “And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.”

 

Ishmael was Abraham’s son and he loved him.

It was one thing to send Hagar away while pregnant, but at this point Ishmael is somewhere in the neighborhood of 17 years old at this point.

 

And just like Abraham had previously done with Lot,

No doubt Abraham had big plans for Ishmael.

 

But the reality is that Ishmael was a threat

To God’s plan of blessing for Abraham.

 

(And isn’t it just like us to willingly accept less than what God has in store for us?”)

 

1 Corinthians 2:9 “but just as it is written, “THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.”

 

Again we realize that God has bigger plans for Abraham

Then he even has for himself.

 

Ishmael is a threat to that plan – and the story here makes it obvious.

 

(8-9) “The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking.”

 

So Isaac was “weaned” probably around 3 years old.

And Ishmael (around 17) was “mocking”

 

Interesting play on words here:

Isaac in the Hebrew is “YITS-KAWK” (He laughs)

“mocking” in the Hebrew is “TSA-KHAK”

 

No doubt Ishmael is laughing at the one who is named laughter.

(Just like kids today make fun of a kids name)

 

I’m sure Ishmael was a little jealous and so he is mocking Isaac.

 

And that didn’t go over to well with Isaac’s momma

 

(10) “Therefore she said to Abraham, “Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.”

Now I know when we read that, the assumption is

That this is just an over-protective momma

Who doesn’t like to see her son getting the raw end of the deal.

 

Now, I’m not going to assume Sarah isn’t emotional.

 

But it is far more than that.

The New Testament reveals that Sarah

Also understood this from a spiritual reality.

 

Galatians 4:29-30 “But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the Scripture say? “CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN.”

 

Paul actually unlocked this story a little more for us.

 

Isaac was born according to the promise, according to the Spirit.

He is a picture of God at work, a picture of salvation.

 

Ishmael was born according to the flesh

He is a picture of man’s religion, a picture of legalism.

 

And Paul was very direct that those who are of the flesh

Have no inheritance with those who are of the Spirit.

 

Even in the church today, there are those who are truly saved, transformed by the Spirit of God,

And then there are those who are merely religious,

Seeking to earn favor through religious works.

 

Paul was clear that only the former have an inheritance from God.

And to illustrate that point, Paul referred to this story.

 

Ishmael was indeed Abraham’s son through the flesh,

But those in the flesh are not heirs with those who are of the Spirit.

 

Paul made that clear in the 8th chapter of Romans.

Romans 8:5-8 “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

 

You cannot become an heir of God’s promises or blessing through works of the flesh, it is only achieved through the work of the Spirit.

 

Isaac was the promise and the inheritance was his and his alone.

 

Ishmael was a threat to that promise.

And Sarah wanted the threat removed.

 

(11-13) “The matter distressed Abraham greatly because of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named. “And of the son of the maid I will make a nation also, because he is your descendant.”

 

God confirmed what Sarah desired.

The threat had to be removed.

 

And one hand it was difficult…

(Being pruned always is)

 

But what God was doing He did out of love for Abraham

And in order to protect Abraham’s inheritance.

 

God made a promise to Abraham,

And He wouldn’t even let Abraham mess it up.

 

Promise Fulfilled, Threat Removed

#3 COMPASSION CONFIRMED

Genesis 21:14-21

 

Now this story feels a bit out of place,

And indeed we won’t spend much time on it.

 

I suppose there are various points we could make

About how God did the same thing for Hagar here

That he done for her previously when she fled from Sarah.

 

How God reminded her that He hears

And then pointed out a well of water for her to drink.

 

We could talk about God’s working in the life of Hagar a little.

 

But the point of the story (and Moses’ point in including it)

Is merely to show that what God did for Ishmael

He did as an act of compassion toward Abraham.

 

God had told Abraham in verse 13, “And of the son of the maid I will make a great nation also, because he is your descendant.”

 

God knew that this was hard on Abraham to send Ishmael away

And so God made a compassionate promise to him.

 

Don’t worry Abraham, I will take care of him.

I won’t do it for his sake, or for Hagar’s sake, but I’ll do it for your sake.

 

And these verses here indicate how God did just that.

God provided for them in the desert, and God allowed him to live, marry, and eventually become a nation.

 

The only reason this happened is because God blessed Abraham.

 

Ishmael was blessed simply because of Abraham’s presence in his life.

In other words, the blessing on Abraham was so great

That it spilled over on those close to him.

 

Incidentally you’ve seen this type of reality before.

You may remember it from when we studied the Kings a few years ago.

 

Several times we would see God bless a King or leave him on the throne

And do so for only one reason:

 

1 Kings 15:1-5 “Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, Abijam became king over Judah. He reigned three years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. He walked in all the sins of his father which he had committed before him; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, like the heart of his father David. But for David’s sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, to raise up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem; because David did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.”

The only reason Abijam was allowed to endure

Was because of the blessing on David.

 

Or how about Laban being blessed because of Jacob?

Or how about Egypt blessed because of Joseph?

 

It was part of that original promise of blessing to Abraham.

Genesis 12:2-3 “And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

That is also true of Ishmael.

God was compassionate on him simply because

God had chosen to bless Abraham.

 

Abraham is clearly blessed

 

Promise Fulfilled, Threat Removed, Compassion Confirmed

#4 REST ACHIEVED

Genesis 21:22-34

 

Again we have a seemingly bizarre story that doesn’t seem to fit the context of what is going on.

 

But there are some telling facts in this story

That further support that God had indeed blessed Abraham.

Look at this story for a second.

It starts with the greeting between Abraham and Abimelech

 

(22) “Now it came about at that time that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do;”

 

I think we all remember where Abimelech learned that.

When he had taken Sarah, God was going to kill him for it.

 

And Abimelech learned not to mess with Abraham

Because God is on Abraham’s side.

 

Well now God has prompted Abimelech

To come and make sure that all is well between he and Abraham.

 

(23) “now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have sojourned.”

 

That alone is a bizarre thing.

 

Does it seem strange to you that a king of a nation would search out a stranger sojourning there and make sure that there can be peace between them?

 

But this king did because he understood that Abraham is blessed

And I had better make peace with him for God is on his side.

 

It sort of parallels the story of Balaam and how Balak continually wanted him to curse the children of Israel but God wouldn’t let him.

 

Numbers 22:12 “God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

 

That is what is happening here.

Abimelech has learned that Abraham is blessed

And he wants to make sure they can dwell in peace.

 

(23-24) “now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have sojourned.” Abraham said, “I swear it.”

 

Abimelech knows that he doesn’t want to be on the wrong side of Abraham and so he seeks a covenant with Abraham.

 

Here is the one complaint Abraham has.

 

(25-30) “But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized. And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.” Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?” He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.”

 

Here we have a well that Abraham had dug

That Abimelech’s servants had seized.

 

Notice Abimelech’s answer: “You did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.”

 

You know for a king Abimelech sure isn’t very observant.

(That was the same excuse he gave for taking Sarah – he pleads ignorance)

 

So Abraham sets a covenant and then set aside 7 ewe lambs and says, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.”

 

In other words, “I’ve told you and these lambs will serve as a witness that I told you.”

 

So peace has been made

 

Then the rest we alluded to:

(31-34) “Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.”

 

Here we just observe a few small things.

 

• Namely that “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree”

• And he “sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.”

 

You don’t plant a tree unless you are planning on hanging around.

For the first time sense coming to this new land,

Abraham is putting down a few roots.

 

Now Abraham is finally resting in the land.

He has his son, and he is resting on his land.

• God did what He said

• God protected what He did

• And now God is simply letting Abraham enjoy it

We have a word for this: BLESSED

 

It’s just good what God has done for Abraham.

 

And with that can I remind you of the joys of salvation?

 

• That God calls us when we don’t deserve it.

• God saves us when we can’t obtain it on our own.

• God protects us from various threats, whether that be of our own ignorance,

the attacks of the enemy, or even things we didn’t realize were a threat.

• And then God graciously lets us enjoy our salvation.

 

Can I remind you that the Christian life is meant to be enjoyed?

As a child of God you are also blessed.

 

Galatians 3:9 “So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.”

 

It is true that in order to come to Christ we deny self, we repent of sin,

We leave the world behind, and following Christ could cost us.

 

But don’t assume that when you sign up to follow Christ

That you are leaving the good life to live the barren life.

 

NO

 

Was Abraham barren before or after God called him?

(before)

 

Life for Abraham got good

After the Lord chose him for His own possession.

 

You must understand it is God’s children who are blessed,

Not the children of the world.

 

Psalms 1:1-3 “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.”

 

Psalms 40:4 “How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.”

 

Psalms 84:12 “O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!”

 

Psalms 112:1-3 “Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, And his righteousness endures forever.”

 

Psalms 146:3-7 “Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish. How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed; Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free.”

 

Jeremiah 17:5-8 “Thus says the LORD, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD. “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.”

 

The life of blessing is only found in the life with God.

 

So many people in this world see it all backward.

Sadly many times even believers see it all backward.

 

Satan has so situated this world with his advertisements and enticements

That it tends to look like the good life is found in the world,

And the boring life is found in God.

 

If you really want to have fun then go live it up,

But there is no fun to be had among God’s people.

 

But that is a lie from the enemy.

See, the world never shows you the consequences.

 

• They don’t show you what occurs after the beer party.

• They don’t show you the fall out after you take the girl home from the bar.

• They don’t show you the other side of pornography.

• They don’t show you the down side to gambling.

 

THERE IS NO BLESSING THERE.

It is pain, and hardship, and suffering, and remorse, and regret.

 

If you want the blessing, there is only one place to find it.

And that is from the God who gives life.

 

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

 

And specifically that blessing comes from those

Who trust Him and obey His word.

 

 

God has said it Himself:

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

 

You must understand there is only one who offers the blessing

Who can actually deliver on it.

 

False prophets offer it but can’t deliver:

2 Peter 2:17-19 “These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.”

 

They offer what they do not have and cannot supply.

They are liars.

 

But if you have learned anything

From what God did in Abraham’s life

Then you know that He blessed Abraham.

 

And that blessing is for you who will trust Him as well.

 

Friends, know that our God is good and our God is faithful

And if God is for you who can be against you.

 

• So trust Him.

• Do as He says.

• When He prunes in your life, don’t resist Him.

• Follow His lead.

 

He can and He will bless – Abraham is proof of that.

 

A Saint Under Attack

Genesis 20:1-18

May 25, 2014

 

Well, there’s the story.

I wrestled with this story for quite some time this week.

 

And I don’t mind telling you that we’re going to go a different direction with this story than perhaps you’ve gone before.

 

Every single commentary I read on this chapter

All came to basically the same conclusion with the same point.

 

Namely that Abraham was at it again.

• Here is Abraham falling back into that same old sin

• He walks in fear

• He trades off his wife

• He lies or at least deceives

• He then justifies himself

 

And every commentary I read then gave a few points

On how even the best of God’s people can fall into sin.

 

And honestly when we were starting Genesis

And I was sort of reading the book as a whole,

This was not one of the stories that concerned me because

I thought that was precisely what I would preach on.

 

And you know we’d do a little Romans 7 study

• About how even though Paul “conferred the Law of God in the inner man”

• That he still struggled with sin saying, “The good I want to do, I do not do, instead I do the very thing I hate”

• How Paul said, “Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from the body of this dead?”

 

And I figured we’d talk about how

Even though Abraham was saved and declared righteous,

That even he struggled with sin and God helped him anyway.

 

But there is a really big problem with taking that perspective on this text.

 

And here is the problem:

NO WHERE IN THIS TEXT DOES GOD

EVEN REMOTELY PIN ANY BLAIM ON ABRAHAM AT ALL.

 

God doesn’t confront him

God doesn’t rebuke him

God doesn’t chastise him

Instead, God wholeheartedly, and adamantly

Protects, defends, and vindicates him.

 

If you take an honest study of this text, you cannot come away and say

It is a message about how even God’s people can struggle with sin.

 

Instead we have to take the flow of the story and ask:

• Why did Moses include this story?

• What lesson would Moses have wanted the Children of Israel to learn?

• What would the Holy Spirit teach us through this story today?

 

So let’s work our way through this story,

Without reading our thoughts into it, see what God has to say,

And then see if we can’t understand what the Holy Spirit would say to us.

 

We’re going to divide this story into 4 points.

#1 A DANGEROUS VACATION

Genesis 20:1-2

 

Moses did take a brief hiatus in walking us through the Sodom and Gomorrah account, but he is now back examining the life of Abraham.

 

Abraham was of course a perfect picture of God’s salvation.

• He was first a man of tremendous grace

• And he became a man of tremendous faith

 

He was a pagan whom God declared righteous

He was an alien whom God gave an inheritance

He is perhaps the greatest illustration of salvation in all the Bible.

 

Well now we return to looking at how God was at work in his life.

And the next story Moses selects to reveal to us

How God was at work

Was the story of Abraham’s sojourning in Gerar.

 

(1) “Now Abraham journeyed from there toward the land of the Negev, and settled between Kadesh and Shur; then he sojourned in Gerar.”

 

Now upon reading this story you are obviously going to want to

Draw a parallel back to the event of Genesis 12

When Abram and Sarai departed for Egypt.

 

There are a few differences here however.

 

1) They went to Egypt due to famine, we don’t know why they went to Gerar.

2) Egypt was outside the borders of Canaan, Gerar was inside.

 

The main differences are that Abraham is not running in fear,

And Abraham is not abandoning his inheritance.

You cannot find sin in the fact that Abraham traveled to Gerar.

 

And the fact that scripture says “he sojourned in Gerar”

Indicates a temporary stay.

 

We don’t know why he went

We don’t know how long he planned to stay

But nothing can be seen as sinful in the decision

 

Abraham is simply moving around in the country God has promised him.

 

And then we read:

(2) “Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.”

 

Here is where our natural human speculations quickly take over.

 

When we read this similar story back in Genesis 12,

Abraham was clearly in the wrong.

 

He was outside of the land where God told him to go

He was passing off Sarai to protect his own hide

He made a bad decision and the solution was even worse.

 

And this event is so similar

We instantly assume Abraham is back to his old sins.

 

NOW LET ME SAY THIS:

There is no way that we can ever come to the conclusion

That letting Sarah go is a good thing.

 

Frankly there is just no way to spin this story that allows us to say,

“What Abraham did was right”

This is clearly a bad scenario.

 

The textual problem comes from the fact that God never rebukes him.

Moses never rebukes him for it

 

So I think it is difficult for us to do so.

I’m not saying Abraham was right, I’m just saying Abraham’s mistake was obviously not the point God wanted us to focus on.

 

If God had wanted us to read this chapter

And talk about Abraham returning to a previous mistake

Then surely God would have pointed that out somewhere in the chapter.

 

So whatever the main point is, it isn’t about Abraham’s poor decision.

 

SO LET’S STICK TO WHAT WE KNOW.

 

• Abraham was in a new region (still in the land)

• And the king of that region has taken his wife.

 

“Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.”

 

So you can read this and look at Abraham’s past and blame this whole thing on Abraham…

Or, you can follow the flow of the text

And see that Sarah has been abducted.

 

And whichever path you choose to take

Will drastically shape the way you read the rest of this chapter.

 

• If you choose to place blame on Abraham, the rest of the chapter

will make no sense.

 

• But if you choose to place blame on Abimelech, the rest of the

chapter will fall right into place.

 

So that is what we will do.

 

Abimelech has kidnapped Sarah.

 

Now granted there wasn’t much opposition offered by Abraham

(and you will see why in a moment)

But it doesn’t change what has happened.

 

They were on vacation and his wife was abducted.

 

WHY IS THIS SO SERIOUS?

Well, aside from the obvious emotional implications,

this has huge covenant implications.

 

Genesis 17:15-19 “Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. “I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.”

 

Genesis 18:9-14 “Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ “Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Sarah was just as much a part of the covenant as Abraham was.

Sarah’s involvement was just as important.

 

SO WHAT DO WE CALL THIS?

This is an attack of the enemy on the covenant God promised to Abraham.

 

It’s not the first attack – by the way.

• The first attack was when Satan tempted Abraham to run to Egypt (God protected)

• The second attack was when Satan tempted Abraham to take Hagar (God intervened)

• This is now the third attack in which Satan used Abimelech to try and wreck the covenant by abducting Sarah.

 

If Satan succeeds in corrupting Sarah or defiling her

Then the promise of God is off.

Yet again the success of the covenant is hanging by a thread.

 

A Dangerous Vacation

#2 A DIVINE INTERVENTION

Genesis 20:3-7

 

Now when Abraham went to Egypt, God intervened…

When Abraham went to Hagar, God intervened…

And here God intervenes again.

 

(3) “But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married.”

 

Again, I remind you that you can read this story and place all the blame on Abraham, but don’t fail to see whom God confronts.

 

“God came to Abimelech”

 

And what a stiff warning!

 

“Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is married.”

 

Now, I don’t think this is the main thrust or point of the chapter,

But you’d certainly be foolish not to recognize

What a serious offense adultery is to God.

 

Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

 

Moses would certainly use this to reinforce his commands.

 

God tells Abimelech, “you are a dead man”

So based on the text, who do you think God is angry at?

Obviously Abimelech

 

But here is one of the reasons why we don’t tend to blame Abimelech.

 

(4-5) “Now Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a nation, even though blameless? “Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.”

 

Now we read that and say, “See, Abimelech is a good guy. He was lied to, it was not his fault, he never touched her. The blame must go on Abraham.”

 

But if you read it like that, you’re missing what God is saying.

 

(6) “Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also kept you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her.”

 

Now it is true that Abimelech genuinely thought Sarah was Abraham’s sister.

 

But please notice that there is only one reason

Why Abimelech did not touch her.

 

WHAT WAS THAT REASON?

“I did not let you touch her.”

 

There is only one reason why Abimelech did not commit adultery.

“I also kept you from sinning”

 

The reason Sarah was not corrupted by Abimelech

Is not because Abimelech was such a fine upstanding citizen.

 

He was not.

He took Sarah (and he took her for a purpose)

 

But it was the sovereign intervention of God

That kept him from doing what he had intended.

 

When you read and place blame on Abraham and let Abimelech go free,

You are failing to discern what God’s divine judgment was of the situation.

 

God blamed Abimelech.

God knew what he would do, if God did not restrain him.

 

Abimelech had attacked Abraham and Sarah

And was going to thrash the covenant, but God intervened.

 

And to further reinforce this, look at God’s counsel to Abimelech.

(7) “Now therefore, restore the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

 

God doesn’t mince any words there

 

And what does God say about Abraham?

• “I know he is a knuckle head…” – No

• “I know he deceived you…” – No

 

God says, “he is a prophet”

And you need him to “pray for you”

 

You Abimelech, sinned against him…

You Abimelech are guilty before me…

You Abimelech are about to be killed…

 

“if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

 

In other words, Abimelech is the thug of the story

And God is not about to let him trash the covenant,

Even if that means killing them all.

 

That is divine intervention.

 

A Dangerous Vacation, A Divine Intervention

#3 A DIRECT EXPLANATION

Genesis 20:8-13

 

Now the good news is that God seemed to get through to Abimelech.

 

(8) “So Abimelech arose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were greatly frightened.”

 

Apparently Abimelech was willing to listen to what God had to say.

And everyone in his kingdom agreed.

 

But you will notice Abimelech is curious about the situation.

(Incidentally his curiosity is our curiosity)

 

Why would Abraham pass off Sarah again, and why was God mad at Abimelech and not Abraham?

 

Well, Abraham explains it very clearly here.

(we just don’t tend to accept his answer)

(9-13) “Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What have you encountered, that you have done this thing?” Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. “Besides, she actually is my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife; and it came about, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is the kindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”‘”

 

Now because we are often times bent on condemning Abraham here,

We are tempted to read this as a lame excuse.

 

But again, God’s judgment was against Abimelech, not Abraham.

 

So perhaps, this wasn’t a lame excuse,

Perhaps this was an accurate evaluation.

 

When Abraham came to Gerar

He recognized what type of people he was dealing with.

 

“I thought, surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.”

 

Abraham recognized that his life was in danger.

Abraham recognized that there was an attack on him.

 

Now again, I’m not saying that passing off your wife is a suitable solution to saving your own neck – it clearly is not.

 

But I want you to see the situation.

The decision wasn’t just Abraham’s, it was also Sarah’s.

This was the kindness that Sarah had chosen to do to Abraham.

 

I’m not saying it was a good decision,

But please see the situation for what it was.

 

• You’ve just traveled to a new region…

• You recognize that the people there are godless…

• You know that they will kill you for your wife and take her anyway…

• When the king sends for her to take her, you either claim to be her husband

and be killed or you say she is your sister and by yourself some time…

 

No it’s not a pretty picture

But I just want you to see that Abraham

Was in a really dangerous and really scary situation.

 

Don’t compare this to the trip to Egypt, it is different.

Abraham has been bullied here

Abraham has come under attack here

 

Now this also speaks to the craftiness of the enemy.

Certainly Satan knew Abraham’s propensity to let Sarah go

Don’t think for a second that this was just some random attack.

 

This was a specific attack by Satan to unravel the covenant.

And God knew it.

 

That is why God intervened and confronted Abimelech, not Abraham.

 

A Dangerous Vacation, A Divine Intervention, A Direct Explanation

#4 A DECIDED RESTORATION

Genesis 20:14-18

 

Again, if you try to read this story and place the blame on Abraham,

It just doesn’t fit.

 

Because this story ends with all the blame on Abimelech.

And he is forced to repent, to restore, to vindicate,

And to throw himself at the mercy of Abraham.

 

This is as one sided as it comes.

 

And notice all that Abimelech restored.

1) HE RESTORED ABRAHAM’S WIFE (14)

“Abimelech then took sheep and oxen and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored his wife Sarah to him.”

 

 

2) HE RESTORED ABRAHAM’S LAND (15)

“Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; settle wherever you please.”

 

It was Abraham’s land anyway, now even Abimelech knows it.

 

In fact, notice what Abimelech will say to Abraham later:

Genesis 21:22-23 “Now it came about at that time that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, ” God is with you in all that you do; now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have sojourned.”

 

Abimelech learned that God was on Abraham’s side.

 

3) HE RESTORED ABRAHAM’S HONOR (16)

“To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.”

 

In other words, he paid the money

To show that he and not Sarah was in the wrong.

 

HE PAID THE FINE, NOT ABRAHAM.

It is abundantly clear whom God says is in the wrong here.

 

And then Abraham mercifully prays for him.

(17-18) “Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech and his wife and his maids, so that they bore children. For the LORD had closed fast all the wombs of the household of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.”

 

If you honestly read that story, you cannot preach a sermon

On how sometimes God’s people fall back into sin.

 

That may be true, but it is clearly not the point here.

 

SO WHAT IS THE POINT?

GOD PROTECTS HIS OWN

• He protected Abraham from danger

• He protected Abraham from decisions

• He protected Abraham from defilement

• He protected Abraham from death

 

I don’t know if you can read this story and see anything

Other than the security that God afforded to Abraham.

 

We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the promise God made to Abraham was secure, and God would not let it fail.

 

Romans 8:28-31 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

 

I think Abimelech would agree with that, don’t you?

 

God was clearly on Abraham’s side.

And when God is on your side, you are secure.

 

Satan planned to destroy the covenant, and God wouldn’t allow it

God wouldn’t even allow Abraham to lose face in the incident.

He didn’t just rescue Abraham, He forced a public a vindication of him.

 

And God promises the same for us:

Revelation 3:9 “Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie — I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.”

 

Matthew 10:26-27 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. “What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.”

 

Colossians 3:1-4 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”

 

When you are a child of God, He promises security.

• That doesn’t mean that a believer is exempt from danger

• That doesn’t mean that a believer is exempt from suffering

• That doesn’t mean that a believer is exempt from death

 

However, when this whole thing shakes out and comes to its end,

Rest assured that the believer will be in possession

Of every single thing God ever promised him

And will be vindicated before all those who ever challenged it.

 

God told Abraham previously:

Genesis 15:1 “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”

 

Later God would tell Jacob

Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

 

And this is a promise God continually made to Israel:

Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!”

 

Psalms 121:3-4 “He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.”

 

And I think Moses’ purpose for including this story is becoming clear.

The children of Israel (like Abraham)

Were also in the midst of people who did not fear God.

 

They also feared for their lives and the loss of their promised inheritance.

 

But make no mistake, God was for them, just as God was for Abraham.

And friends the same can absolutely be said for you and me.

We live in a hostile world.

There are literally Abimelech’s everywhere.

 

They are those people whom Satan uses

To threaten, bully, attack, and humiliate God’s people.

Satan would even use them to even steal our inheritance.

 

But God will not allow it.

Proverbs 14:26 “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge.”

 

Psalms 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.”

 

Psalms 27:10 “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up.”

 

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.”

 

Psalms 61:3 “For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy.”

 

GOD IS A SHELTER FOR YOU

God has chosen you, God has called you, God has justified you,

AND GOD WILL GLORIFY YOU.

 

He does not fail to finish what He purposes to begin.

 

Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

 

When enter the world this week, do not fear the plans of the enemy.

Do not fear their threats.

Do not fear their attacks.

 

Matthew 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”

 

Do not fear the enemy,

But rather rest in the security of the God who is on your side.

 

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

 

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

 

God’s people are secure in God.

He is our strong tower – in Him we are safe!

 

I want to leave you with the words of one of my favorite hymns.

It was written by Martin Luther.

 

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

 

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

 

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

 

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.

 

To Print the Camper Registration Form, click here:

Camp Courageous Sign Up Form

 

Camp courageous is a church camp for boys who have completed grades 1-12. 

It is held at the Plains Baptist Assembly (down in the canyon) in Floydada, TX. 

 

The dates are July 9-12 and the cost is $150 per camper. 

Sign up deadline is June 11 with a $25 deposit due at this time.

 

For more information, look at the camp website here:

http://www.boysadventurecamp.com/index.html

Why We Don’t Need The Law

Galatians 3:23-29

May 18, 2014

I realize I have put you in a difficult dilemma since you have been

Getting these sermons from Galatians about every other week.

It is difficult to keep a train of thought throughout a theological discussion

When there are so many breaks and interruptions taken in it.

But tonight we ask for the grace of God to bring our minds back to this discussion and help us to fully understand all that He would teach us.

As you know the Galatians were being attacked by legalists.

The Judaizers had swept in to Galatia and were convincing the Galatians

To get circumcised in order to be pleasing to God.

No doubt with Old Testament in hand

They were showing these Gentile converts that it was necessary

For them to come under the Law in order to please God.

And because the Galatians wanted to be pleasing to God

They were falling into the trap.

And if I might say so bluntly, the reason people so easily fall into the trap of legalism is because they do not understand the truth of Scripture.

That was certainly the Galatians problem:

Galatians 3:1 “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?”

It was the Galatians gullible ignorance

That had opened the door for their deception.

And I must admit I find this to be true any time I run into legalism.

• Scripture crushes legalism

• Scripture clearly refutes it

But when people do not put in the work to understand the truth,

They are open to a legalist with a few Bible verses and the result is captivity.

The Galatians were told to get under the Law.

Tonight I want to show you why we don’t need the Law.

Now, I do need to preface that statement, even as we explain it.

First off it is important to understand that the Law is not bad.

Romans 7:7-12 “What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.”

Paul was direct in that passage that the Law is good.

But even that statement must be understood.

Paul wrote to Timothy:

1 Timothy 1:8-11 “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.”

There Paul says it is good, but only “if one uses it lawfully”

In other words the Law is perfect if kept within its intended purpose.

When the Law is used as God intended for it to be used, it is perfect.

When people begin to use it outside of God’s design, it is disastrous.

And Paul even spelled out that purpose.

Namely that the Law is for sinners, not for the righteous.

And that is even what Paul showed us last time we studied Galatians.

Galatians 3:19 “Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.”

The Law came to show sinners their sin.

When used in that purpose, it is effective and vitally important.

One could even argue that one of the main problems of gospel presentations today is the lack of “law” in our preaching.

How do we ever expect sinners to come face to face with their sin, be convicted of their coming judgment, and brought to the threshold of repentance without it?

• The prosperity gospel doesn’t lead men to repentance

• The social gospel doesn’t lead men to repentance

• The ever popular “abundant life” offer doesn’t lead men to repentance

But preaching the law does.

It confronts, it convicts, it condemns

The law leaves sinners looking for forgiveness.

When used in that purpose it is glorious.

But when you take the Law and try to throw it on the back of a righteous person, the point is completely missed and disaster follows.

That is why it is important that you and I have full understanding of what God’s purpose is for the Law and why we are no longer under it.

In the passage tonight Paul will clearly show you

Why you are no longer under the Law.

• Paul will show you why you don’t have to keep the dietary restrictions…

• Paul will show you why you don’t have to worship on Saturday…

• Paul will show you why you don’t have to let the hair grow long on your temples…

Paul will show you why you don’t need the Law.

There are two main points, which we will expound on a little more.

#1 THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW

Galatians 3:23-24

I read those two verses, but I really even want to back up a little into some of the previous verses to help you understand the purpose of the Law.

If you understand the purpose of a tool, then you know if you need it or not.

And in the verses we are going to look at,

We can see three things the Law does really well.

The first we’ve discussed, but lets hit it quickly.

1) THE LAW IS A MIRROR (19, 22)

I want to back up and read these two verses

Because I want to remind you exactly what the Law came to do.

Galatians 3:19 “Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.”

You understand the point.

Paul was clear in Romans 7 (which we already read) that he wouldn’t even have known about coveting if the Law had not said not to covet.

The Law came to show sinners their sin.

Paul would go on to say in Galatians:

Galatians 3:22 “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”

In short, the Law came to expose.

James 1:22-25 “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

The law is a mirror.

It comes, as we said, to show sinners their sin.

Let me show you another purpose of the Law.

2) THE LAW IS A PRISON (23)

“But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.”

Now there is an interesting statement.

“we were kept in custody under the Law”

The timing of this incarceration is important.

“before faith came”

In other words, before we were saved.

Before we presented faith to God and He presented righteousness to us.

While we were still in our sin, Paul says,

“we were kept in custody under the Law”

And we can really gain a couple of insights from this analogy.

First let’s just think about prison for a second.

Someone commits a crime, and they are put in prison.

WHY DO WE PUT THEM IN PRISON?

• Punishment

• Reform

• Protection

• We put them there so that they will not do it again.

• We put them there to learn from their mistakes.

• We put them there so that when they are released they will not do it again.

Well the Law did the same thing.

The Law was a constant reminder, a constant corrector.

The Law was always on your back.

You may remember how Peter spoke of the Law during the debate

When the Judaizers wanted the Gentiles to come under it.

Acts 15:10 “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?”

Peter saw it as “a yoke”

And “a yoke” that he had been unable to bear.

The Law was not easy

It was a constant burden on the back

And incidentally this wasn’t just true for Jews.

Jews had the written Law of God.

Gentiles had God’s moral law written on their heart.

Romans 2:14-15 “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,”

That is what we commonly refer to as the conscience.

It is the guilt you feel when you do something that you know is wrong.

People all over the world, who may never have owned a Bible,

Still know that certain things are wrong.

They are condemned in their heart

They are condemned in their conscience

And that is a prison

• There is no relief from it

• There is no hiding from it

• It is a constant task master

We even see the duration of the prison stay

“kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.”

There is only one thing that grants freedom from that prison, and it is faith.

(Namely faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and righteousness)

AND SO YOU OBVIOUSLY SEE WHAT PRISON TEACHES A MAN

He is guilty

He is dangerous

He needs righteousness

That is what the Law did.

It was a mirror exposing sin

It was a prison incarcerating sinners

3) THE LAW IS A TUTOR (24)

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”

We already mentioned that one of the purposes of prison is reform.

It is meant to teach a person how to avoid further prison stays.

And that is implied here.

After a few years in prison, it ought to send you looking

For the righteousness that keeps you out.

But there is even more implied here than just that.

Paul said “the Law has become our tutor”

When we think of a “tutor” we think of some volunteer who stays after school and helps us get a better grasp on something we are studying.

But that is not what Paul is referring to.

“tutor” translates PAIDAGOGOS (pie-da-go-gos)

And that was a title of an official position.

In Paul’s culture a Paidagogos was not a teacher.

The Paidagogos was a slave.

The primary function of that slave was to raise a child until they came of age.

• The Paidagogos made sure the child made it to school

• The Paidagogos had full authority to discipline the child

• The Paidagogos was an authoritative guide who made sure that when the child became an adult, he or she was a good one.

In short, this “tutor” had a very real and specific goal in mind for the child,

And would not stop until the child reached the mark.

If it took instruction, or discipline, or extra training,

The tutor provided it to make sure that the child did not miss the mark.

And Paul says, that is precisely what the Law was.

It was our Paidagogos, meant to make sure we reached the mark.

WHAT WAS THE MARK?

Faith in Christ

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”

When you think about it, that is very similar

To the work many of us do as parents.

We want to do whatever it takes to make sure our children

Come to the point where they place their faith in Christ.

Throw in all the discipline, instruction, correction, and encouragement –

It all comes with the same goal in mind.

That was the Law.

And those were its purposes.

• The Law is a mirror exposing our sin

• The Law is a prison incarcerating sinners under that sin

• The Law is a tutor driving sinners to faith in Christ

That means that anyone who has yet to reach the mark is still in need of it.

It is a perfect tool for sinners.

So, the Purpose of the Law

#2 THE PASSING OF THE LAW

Galatians 3:25-29

After giving a detailed description of the purpose of the Law,

Paul now wastes no time telling you that it is no longer needed.

And in these final verses, there are three reasons that are clearly seen

As to why we no longer need the Law.

1) THE PURPOSE WAS REALIZED (25-27)

If the purpose of the Law was to lead us to faith in Christ,

Then obviously the point is behind us.

(25-26) “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

In the Roman culture it was called:

Toga Virilis – it was when a Roman boy came of age and became a man.

In Jewish culture it is:

Bar Mitzvah

It is when a boy became a man.

It was a celebrated day, because he was no longer under his tutor.

And that is Paul’s point.

The purpose has been realized.

We have arrived.

And what did we arrive at?

“you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”

• We are no longer servants, we are sons

• We are no longer prisoners, we are sons

We have fully arrived.

And once we are sons there is no more need for a tutor.

And so the first answer you have to someone

Who wants to throw you back under the Law is:

“I am a son of God, why would I act like a slave?”

We “are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”

And then a great doctrinal statement.

(27) “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

This is a great verse, and one that deserves some explanation.

We often talk about the benefit of being in Christ.

But this verse answers the question, “HOW DOES ONE GET IN CHRIST?”

And the answer “you were baptized into Christ”

Now you can already hear them can’t you?

Ah ha! See I told you that water baptism was required for a person to be saved.

Now hold on for just a second.

Think for just a moment what this entire chapter has been about.

This whole chapter has been about obtaining the blessing of God

And Paul has said repeatedly that the promise is obtained by faith.

To spend this whole chapter down playing works and promoting faith and then all of a sudden to introduce a work like baptism as a necessary requirement for salvation would obviously blow his whole chapter apart.

We have to ask the question

“WHAT IS THIS BAPTISM PAUL IS TALKING ABOUT?”

Or which baptism is Paul referring to?

Matthew 3:11 “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

John actually mentioned 3 different baptisms right there.

• Baptism in water – (which John tells us the purpose of – repentance)

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit

• Baptism in fire

The next verse explains the fire baptism:

Matthew 3:12 “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Obviously in the context of the passage, fire is judgment.

So we have water baptism which equals repentance

And we have fire baptism which equals judgment

The only one left is Holy Spirit baptism.

This must be salvation.

1 Peter 3:21 “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”

There Peter also says that baptism saves you

(similar to what Paul is saying here in Galatians)

But Peter also qualifies the statement.

“not the removal of dirt from the flesh” – (i.e. the water)

No, the baptism Peter is talking about is

“an appeal to God for a good conscience”

Why would someone appeal to God for a good conscience?

Because they have been under the prison of the Law remember,

And they are condemned.

And under that condemnation that appeal to God for forgiveness.

So obviously being “baptized into Christ”

Is much more than getting in the water.

Romans 6:3-7 “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.”

Now look at that passage for just a second.

Any mention of water at all? No

What was mentioned?

Death – burial – resurrection

To the extent that sin might be done away with in our lives.

What Paul is referring to there is FAR SUPERIOR

To anything you can accomplish by getting in the water.

• Paul is talking about complete death to self

• Paul is talking about complete denial of self

• Paul is talking about that appeal for a good conscience

And this is what it means to be “baptized into Christ”

You don’t get into Christ by getting in the water

You don’t get into Christ by walking an aisle

You don’t get into Christ by praying a prayer

You get into Christ when you die to self and trust in His death on your account

And then are raised by His new life (i.e. the Holy Spirit)

That is baptism of the Holy Spirit and that is how you get in Christ.

And when that happens you are “clothed” with Christ.

In other words, you are covered by Him.

His righteousness is credited to you,

And when God looks on you, He sees Him.

And Paul’s point here in Galatians is that once you have reached that point, WHY WOULD YOU GO BACK TO THE LAW?

The purpose of the Law is already realized at that point.

Let me show you another reason the Law has passed

The Purpose was Realized

2) THE PARTITION WAS REMOVED (28)

In verse 26 Paul said “you are all sons of God”

Here we get our second “you are” statement.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for YOU ARE ALL ONE in Christ Jesus.”

As I mentioned earlier, the Law was a mirror.

It came to expose.

And one of the things it obviously revealed is

Who was and who was not righteous.

It was a divider

It was a partition

It revealed who God’s people were and who His people were not

But since we came to Christ and were made sons of God,

What we used to be absolutely does not matter.

We are “clothed” with Christ.

It doesn’t matter what we used to be, now we are all righteous,

And it doesn’t matter what the Law would say.

And so whatever dividing line you would draw, whether that be racial, economic, or gender, is absolutely irrelevant.

We don’t need the Law separating us, Christ has already united us.

“You are all one”

Ephesians 2:11-18 “Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands — remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”

• We don’t need a tutor, we are already sons

• We don’t need a revealer, we are already one

The Purpose was Realized The Partition was Removed

3) THE PROMISE WAS RECEIVED (29)

Here is the third “you are” statement.

“And if you belong to Christ then YOU ARE Abraham’s descendants, HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE.”

Remember that promise we talked about earlier in the chapter.

How the promise was made to Abraham and to his seed (Christ)

Well, if we are in Christ, then the promise is ours.

And that is Paul’s reasoning.

Why would you run to the Law at this point?

• Do you need a mirror to show you what sin is? No

• Do you need a prison to make you want righteousness? No

• Do you need a tutor to lead you to faith? No

You already have all those things.

To put it plainly,

THE LAW IS A TOOL THAT IS NO LONGER NEEDED ON YOU

• You already found Christ

• You already found faith

• You already have the promise

• You are already an heir

You are already perfectly pleasing to God

And made an heir of His perfect kingdom.

The Law cannot improve upon that.

And so the Law is passed.

People who now try to throw you back under the Law

Do so because they do not understand the purpose of the Law

Or the effect of what Christ did.

And I hope then you can see, not only how unnecessary the Law is for you now, but also how foolish it would be to return to it.

And that has also been part of Paul’s point during this chapter.

LEGALISM IS STUPID!

Let me leave you with one final passage.

Matthew 9:14-17 “Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. “But no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. “Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Did you hear their legalistic appeal?

Why don’t they fast?

And Jesus said, because that would be dumb and pointless.

• Would you put unshrunk cloth on an old garment?

• Would you put new wine into old skins?

What they were suggesting had no purpose or place.

And that is true for legalism.

The goal is faith in Christ,

Because that is how we become righteous and an heir of God.

The Law is a great tool to lead us to faith in Christ,

But once we get there, we no longer need it.

Sodom and Gomorrah

Genesis 19:1-38

May 18, 2014

 

Throughout the ages, God has preserved one story

 

As very real snapshot of judgment.

Sodom and Gomorrah has become the pinnacle picture of God’s judgment,

Even really more so than the great flood.

While it is true that the flood killed far more people than were killed here,

 

God has promised that He will not flood the earth again.

2 Peter 3:5-7 “For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”

 

So while the flood was greater in scope,

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a better picture

Of what is coming upon this world in the final judgment of God.

That is why God has chosen to preserve this example throughout the ages.

 

Jesus referenced them:

Matthew 11:23-24 “And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. “Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.”

 

Jude referenced them:

Jude 7 “just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.”

 

Peter referenced them:

2 Peter 2:6 “He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;”

And what Peter wrote really seems to be the main thrust of God’s purpose

 

In preserving this story.

God made them “an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter.”

 

Now last time we met we heard the Lord revealing to Abraham

How He was about to destroy Sodom.

 

And you remember the purpose.

Genesis 18:17-19 “The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”

 

God was destroying Sodom for her sin and

He wanted to make sure Abraham knew about it.

Why?

Because after all the grace that Abraham had received it was important that

He still understand the importance of righteousness.

 

It was important that Abraham teach his children and grandchildren

The importance of righteousness.

 

And to help Abraham drive his point home to his descendants,

God would provide him with an unforgettable illustration.

 

After this event, Abraham could easily say,

“Be righteous, you don’t want to end up like Sodom and Gomorrah!”

That was the point.

W

ell, now it’s time to examine the story.

One of the most sudden and severe judgments recorded in the Bible, and as we look at it please let there be no doubt as to what God thinks of sin.

AND LET’S ALSO SEE THE DANGERS OF DABBLING IN IT.

 

There are 3 main points I want you to see here about Sodom,

And we’re going to have to break a couple of them down a little more.

#1 THE LEVEL OF THEIR INIQUITY

Genesis 19:1-11

 

Now obviously that is not a kid friendly story.

It is a level of sin and iniquity and depravity that is quite frankly shocking to us.

(and being that we live in America, that is really saying something)

 

We see the level of their iniquity in three ways.

1) THEIR UNSAFE CITY (1-3)

 

You notice of course that the two angelic messengers who had just dined with Abraham and Sarah have now made their way into Sodom.

 

They find Lot “sitting in the gate of Sodom”

This indicates that Lot had reached a certain level of prominence in the city. He was an elder or judge of sorts.

 

When you read that passage about the virtuous woman in Proverbs,

It speaks of her husband:

Proverbs 31:23 “Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.”

Lot was this type of man.

 

And this indicates to us that Lot was not just some insignificant,

Anonymous bystander in Sodom.

 

He was one in high position and esteem.

That even means to some degree

He is partly to blame for the condition of Sodom.

You cannot see the corruption of a society

And allow the leaders of that society to remain innocent.

 

Now it is true that Scripture refers to Lot as a righteous man in 2 Peter who felt his righteous soul tormented by the sin of that city.

 

He may have hated the sin,

But yet it is obvious he wasn’t doing anything to stop it.

At the very least he was tolerating it.

He was turning a blind eye and deaf ear to the corruption around him.

 

I’ve always loved a quote by Martin Luther:

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is more flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point.”

(sited in: MacArthur, John; The Truth War, Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception; [Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN; 2007] pg. 26)

 

That is certainly a depiction of Lot.

 

He was a righteous man, in the sense that God had declared him righteous,

But Lot was also a compromising man and that does not speak highly of him.

 

And yet Lot meets these angels at the gate and instantly knows there is more to them than meets the eye, for “he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground.”

 

And you notice that Lot has some advice for the angels.

(2-3) “And he said, “Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant’s house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” They said however, “No, but we shall spend the night in the square.” Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.”

 

Now this is far more than hospitality.

 

The fact (as you will see) is that the square was an unsafe place to be.

And that speaks volumes of the city.

It wasn’t safe to be out in it.

We know of places like that even in the U.S. it was a vile city.

 

We also see the level of Sodom’s iniquity in:

2) THEIR UNBELIEVABLE REQUEST (4-9)

 

Before these angelic men could even go to bed, the men of Sodom surrounded the house and asked for those men to be sent outside so that they could have homosexual relations with them.

News must have traveled fast…

 

And how defiled was this place that the first sign of new blood and this is the first thing they can think of?

That is absolutely unbelievable.

 

We live in a nation where homosexual acceptance is definitely on the rise,

And yet we don’t even see this type of behavior yet.

 

And if that doesn’t shock you, then Lot’s answer surely will.

(6-8) “But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, and said, “Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. “Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof.”

 

I think it’s safe to say that this is not a “Father’s Day Sermon”.

• That is an unthinkable solution!

• How about trusting God, Lot?

• How about praying?

His solution is unbelievable.

 

And yet, even that is not acceptable to men of Sodom.

(9) “But they said, “Stand aside.” Furthermore, they said, “This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge; now we will treat you worse than them.” So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door.”

 

They didn’t like Lot’s offer, and did you notice

They accused him of judging them.

Lot had said, “do not act wickedly”

They didn’t appreciate him equating their homosexuality with wickedness

And so they cried, “Judge Not!”

(That’s not too far off America is it?)

 

The level of iniquity in Sodom is staggering.

 

Seen in their Unsafe City and in their Unbelievable Request

3) THEIR UNENDING SEARCH (10-11)

And that really takes the cake.

 

You’d think after being struck with blindness they would have at least

Figured out they were outmanned and given it up.

You would think it would say, “they wearied themselves trying to find their homes”

But no! Even though blind they still wanted their sin,

 

And they literally wore themselves out groping for Lot’s door in the dark.

That is a love of sin.

They won’t give it up even in the midst of judgment.

 

The level of Sodom’s iniquity is off the charts.

I think we can agree that this is

Not the type of place that anyone would desire to live.

 

And that brings a good question.

WHY DID PEOPLE LIVE THERE?

 

First, the Level of their Iniquity

#2 THE LURE OF THEIR LUXURY

Genesis 19:12-26

 

Often times in the Scripture we read about the dangers of the world.

The world (and particularly it’s riches or comforts or pleasures)

Are a dangerous trap that many fall in.

 

Love of the world can prevent salvation:

Matthew 19:21-22 “Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.”

 

Matthew 13:22 “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

 

Love of the world can secure judgment:

James 5:2 “Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.”

 

James 5:5 “You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.”

 

And even in a believer, love of the world can shipwreck your faith.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

 

2 Timothy 4:10 “for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica;”

And that is why a believer must always be

 

On guard against loving the world.

1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”

 

Paul told Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”

 

And I think you get the point.

 

We live in a fallen world system.

• It is a world that calls good, evil and evil, good.

• It is a world that substitutes light for darkness.

• It is a world that loves and craves sin.

 

But, it is a world that can be very alluring,

And this is dangerous.

No picture in the Bible proves that more

Than this one of Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

For here we have a vile place on the brink of destruction,

And yet notice how difficult it is to get people to leave.

 

There was an undeniable lure to living in Sodom, let me show it to you.

 

It is seen in:

1) THE SCOFFING OF LOT’S CHILDREN (12-14)

 

Now Lot’s family consisted of:

• His wife

• His sons

• His daughters and their future husbands

 

We don’t know what his son’s response was, but it is apparent that

It was something similar to that of his son-in-laws.

And his son-in-law’s response is so very telling of the mindset of their day.

 

The angels are very straightforward with Lot as to what is coming.

“we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the LORD that the LORD has sent us to destroy it.”

 

Their advice was that Lot should bring any of his loved ones out of that city.

Certain destruction is at hand…

The building is on fire (If you will)

Get your loved ones out before it is too late.

 

And when Lot went to warn his sons-in-law, notice their reaction.

“But he appeared to his sons-in-law to be jesting.”

Now that doesn’t mean that Lot was being comical…

That doesn’t even imply that Lot was being unclear…

 

Rather it means that in their mind, the destruction of Sodom

Was neither warranted or possible.

They didn’t think it could happen.

The concept that Lot was proposing was so foreign to their expectation

That it seemed to them to be unbelievable.

 

Probably the best way I can describe it would be

The Pre 911 mindset of the United States.

 

For a time in the 80’s and 90’s America really did begin to feel invincible.

• Vietnam had become a memory

• Reagan really seemed to back down the Soviet Union

• Bush had silenced Middle Eastern threats

• We watched live as the Patriot missile shot down all attempts to attack the US

 

And from a military standpoint who would launch an attack on the US?

Our military was superior

Our economy was superior

Our intelligence was superior

 

If someone had come to us on September 10 and said

Someone is about to take out the World Trade Centers

We would have had a hard time taking them serious.

 

That was the mindset of Lot’s sons-in-law.

In their mind Sodom was just fine and was totally secure.

They had been lured to sleep by the prosperity of their city.

 

Listen: Just because things seem secure does not mean that they are.

 

As we read earlier:

1 Timothy 6:17 “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

 

We also see the Lure of their Luxury in:

2) THE SLUGGISHNESS OF LOT (15-22)

 

Again the angles warn Lot.

It is obvious that his sons and his sons-in-law aren’t interested.

It is probable that his wife and daughters weren’t interested either,

But Lot would have had authority over them to make them do as he wished.

 

But notice Lot’s response:

(16) “But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the LORD was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city.”

Lot hesitated.

 

He was having trouble leaving the comforts of his life behind.

 

It is reminiscent of the warning Jesus gave to those alive in the end times:

Matthew 24:15-21 “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. “Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. “Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. “But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! “But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.”

 

Don’t hang around, the house is coming down – FLEE

But Lot hesitated and so the angel physically removed him.

 

And that is not all.

In verse 17 the angels tell Lot to flee to the mountains for refuge,

 

But notice Lot’s answer:

(18-20) “But Lot said to them, “Oh no, my lords! “Now behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your lovingkindness, which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, for the disaster will overtake me and I will die; now behold, this town is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Please, let me escape there (is it not small?) that my life may be saved.”

 

WHY WOULD LOT SAY THAT?

I’ll tell you why – he was soft.

He had grown accustomed to the luxuries of Sodom

And was therefore unprepared for the command to flee.

 

I’m not suggesting that we should all turn in to some sort of “Doomsday Preppers”, but you do understand that the mindset that the luxury you now enjoy will always be there is a foolish mindset.

 

The comforts of Sodom had made Lot soft

And so leaving the city was a very difficult thing.

 

It was vile, it was wicked, and yet Lot had learned

To overlook the wickedness and enjoy the luxury.

 

This willingness to grow comfortable with sin

Nearly caused Lot to partake in its judgment.

 

• Can you see the need for us to continually have the world washed off of us?

• Can you see why we must continually allow Jesus to wash our feet?

• Can you see why we must be “transformed by the renewing of our mind”?

• Can you see why we must be constantly discerning of the truth?

 

Lot had grown comfortable and it nearly destroyed him.

You see the Lure of Sodom’s luxury in

 

The scoffing of his sons-in-law, The sluggishness of Lot

3) THE SORROW OF LOT’S WIFE (23-26)

 

Well here, the fire actually falls.

It was a fire fall, picturesque of

What will come upon this whole world in much greater fashion.

 

2 Peter 3:10 “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”

 

Sodom was destroyed in an instant.

But notice the strange occurrence:

 

(26) “But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”

 

WHY DID SHE LOOK BACK?

• Obviously she missed the place…

• Obviously she mourned its fall…

• She loved Sodom and resented being taken away…

Even now, with fire falling from heaven…

 

Even now, Lot’s wife could not quit longing for Sodom.

Sodom had won her heart.

• She loved it

• She loved its sin

• She loved its pleasures

• And even in the midst of judgment she did not want to let it go.

 

That is one of the best illustrations of lost today who may know the truth about judgment, and yet choose to love their sin anyway.

 

In fact, Jesus used her as tragic example:

Luke 17:26-33 “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. “It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. “On that day, the one who is on the housetop and whose goods are in the house must not go down to take them out; and likewise the one who is in the field must not turn back. “Remember Lot’s wife. “Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.”

 

Could there be a clearer warning than this?

 

As a pinnacle example of the type of person who loves the world even to their own destruction, Jesus uttered just three sobering words:

“Remember Lot’s wife”

 

Sodom had infiltrated the hearts of Lot’s family.

• His children thought Sodom INVINCIBLE

• His wife thought Sodom DESIRABLE

• Even Lot thought leaving Sodom was REGRETTABLE

 

Do you see the dangers of the world?

It is a trap

Its luxuries are meant to lull you to sleep

It is full of bait meant to ensure your judgment

 

Do not love the world, it is a sinking ship, and it will take you down with it

 

The Level of Sodom’s Iniquity The Lure of Sodom’s Luxury

#3 THE LINGERING OF THEIR LEGACY

Genesis 19:27-38

 

It may have indeed been tough to get Lot of out of Sodom,

It was even tougher to get Sodom out of Lot.

 

For here, we find Lot delivered.

Oddly enough, now in the mountains where he once said he could not go.

 

And then again we find one of the most embarrassing

And awful incidents recorded in the Bible.

 

Lot’s daughters each take turns getting him drunk

And conceiving a child through him.

 

WHERE DID THEY LEARN SUCH BEHAVIOR?

• Maybe from a dad who was willing to push them to an angry mob?

• Maybe from a society with no morals?

• Maybe from future husbands who ignored truth?

• Maybe from a mother who loved sin?

 

The point was that even though Lot was spared the fire,

He was not spared the fallout.

Living in Sodom and growing comfortable with sin

Had consequences that could not be avoided.

The Israelites would continually be plagued by the Ammonites & Moabites.

 

Paul said it well when talking about the man

Who was sleeping with his father’s wife:

 

1 Corinthians 5:1-6 “It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?”

 

Don’t assume that tolerance and comfort with sin

Comes without consequence.

It does not.

 

Let me say it again – the world is a dangerous thing

Loving the world not only puts you in risk of judgment,

But produces the risk of lingering effects.

 

1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”

 

Obviously Lot was in over his head.

 

But one more thing I want to show you this morning.

Let me show you the subtlety by which this all came about.

 

We have our vile spots in America today.

• Whether that be the Los Vegas Strip

• Or Bourbon Street in New Orleans

• Or Padre Island during Spring Break

 

Obviously we know better than to go to such places.

Hopefully none of us would have moved to Sodom while in such conditions.

But can I remind you how this all started?

 

Genesis 13:8-11 “So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers.”Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.” Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere — this was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah — like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other.”

 

Lot made his decision based solely on the flesh.

Abraham made his decision based on faith.

 

Do you see how easy this begins?

• Lot wasn’t looking for immorality…

• Lot wasn’t looking for homosexuality…

But Lot wasn’t looking for the Lord either…

 

Lot was looking for water and prosperity.

 

1 Timothy 6:9-10 “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

That warning seems much more real now doesn’t it?

 

WHAT YOU SEEK TODAY IS WHAT YOU WILL INHERIT TOMORROW

Seeking worldly comforts and pleasures landed Lot in Sodom.

Seeking God’s presence and blessing landed Abram in Canaan.

Be careful what you are chasing.

 

1 Timothy 6:11 “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”

 

Worldliness is not to be messed with.

IT WAS A DECISION THAT LOT NEVER FULLY RECOVERED FROM.

 

If you will remember, this story is for a purpose.

 

2 Peter 2:6 “He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;”

 

• If you don’t think righteousness is important to God, read Genesis 19.

• If you don’t think God judges sin, read Genesis 19.

• If you don’t think the world is dangerous, read Genesis 19.

 

This is such an important story because it reminds us

What God does to people who choose to live ungodly lives.

 

BE WARNED