The Downfall of a Good Man
Introduction:
Sometimes: a negative example of a person who has
ruined his life helps others to avoid same pitfalls. The testimonials of those
who have “been there/done that” advising people not to go there can be
effective. Lot someone who “ruined his life.” We should look at his life & consider the decisions he
made as a warning. Today we will learn some important lessons from the example
of Lot.
I. Lot had a lot going for him.
A.
Influence of
godly relatives:
1.
Consider Abram
– Gen. 12:4 – tremendous faith. See Heb. 11:8-10
2.
Many of us =
fortunate to have relatives who are godly.
B.
Gen. 13:5-6 – God had blessed him with wealth…
C.
2 Pet. 2:7-8
– tells us that he was a righteous man. Hospitable – Gen. 19:1-3
II. One Decision led to the ruining of his life.
A.
Gen. 13:7-13 – see esp. v. 10
B.
His decision reflected bad attitudes – of which we must take
notice.
1.
Seems to be
selfish in nature.
2.
Decision made
for carnal – rather than spiritual reasons.
C.
His decision
started a series of steps that led to his downfall.
1.
13:11 –
chose ALL the plain.
2.
13:12 – settled in the valley & moved his tents as far as
Sodom.
a)
13:13;
18:20-32; 19:4-13 – description of evil in this city.
3.
2 Pet. 2:7-8
– Lot = righteous – did not go along with their sins…but…
a)
What influence
did they have on Lot? His family?
b)
Can’t help but be affected. Not opinion…but scripture.
1)
1 Cor. 15:33 – must be aware of truth taught here.
2)
2 Cor. 6:17-18 – called to be separate
4.
14:12-13
– Lot taken captive along w/others from Sodom.
a)
Abraham rescues Lot – 14:13-16
III. Lot reaps wages of sin….
A.
2 Pet. 2:7-8
– tells us that Lot tormented daily b/c of their lawless deeds.
B.
Gen. 19:1-8 – seemed that his own moral standard had b/c confused…
1.
19:8 – throw daughters out – do as they please…
C.
19:9-30 –
lost EVERYTHING that meant anything to him.
D.
Gen. 19:30, 33,
35 – His faith/righteousness weakened greatly as the years went along. His
remaining daughters were ruined morally (19:31-38)
1.
His descendants – would later b/c the enemies of God’s people as
they entered land of Canaan.
Conclusion:
A.
Gal. 6:7-8 – A high price will be paid for a carnal mind!
2.
One decision
– led to the downfall of a good man.
3.
If only he had been able to see what was coming.
B. Do you need to move
closer to God?