A History Lesson from God
A History Lesson from God
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.(2 Pe 2:4-10a NIV)
Central Idea: Submit to God in order to be saved.
I. Introduction: It has been said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Throughout history men have been at war with one another, and these wars are revisited time and time again by civilizations and strategists in order to keep from repeating mistakes that were made in the past. Why is it then, that men refuse to learn from one of the most ancient, and long standing wars of all time, namely, mankind’s war against the authority of God. History shows us that those who refuse to submit to the truth of God make their own truth, which is really a lie. The truth is, either we submit to God, or we die forever.
II. Rehearse The Historical Activity
A. The Record of the Rebels
1. Widespread Corruption
2. Willing Company
B. The Role of the Righteous
1. A Narrow Way
2. A Lonely Way
C. The Risk of Rebellion
III. Realize The Divine Ability
A. To Preserve the Righteous from Trials
B. To Present the Rebels for Punishment
IV. Reevaluate The Ultimate Authority
A. Don’t Depend on the Majority
B. Don’t Depend on Desire
C. Don’t Despise Authority
V. Conclusion: Save yourselves. Turn from rebellion, and turn to God. History repeats itself. Take a history lesson from God. Turn your life over to Him, or turn your life over to destruction. Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. The only way is the truth, which brings life, and that truth is that Jesus is Lord. He holds final authority by the will of God. Only by finding forgiveness and reconciliation to God through Him can you find life.