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liberty bible church 1~/13~/08 P.M.
By Tom Zobrist
“Why would god destroy a city?”
The End Of Sodom and Gomorrah
Genesis 19:1-38
introduction
Illus. of when Hurricane Katrina hit, many Christians spoke out of how God’s judgment had finally destroyed this wicked city.
The massive hurricane hit just prior to an annual gay festival called Southern Decadence, which many pointed to as God’s divine intervention.
Of course this festival was cancelled in 2005, but went all in all its wicked debauchery the last two years and is scheduled again in 2008.
It is highly promoted and supported by the leadership of the city.
Of course New Orleans has also been a hotbed for the occult, especially voodoo.
Certainly, if God were to destroy any city, this one could be a candidate.
But, so are many others.
What about San Francisco, Los Vegas or Los Angeles?
Every major city in this country has its dark side for which we could point out a cause for judgment.
But, was Hurricane Katrina an act of judgment or was it merely part of living in a sinful world and perhaps New Orleans was a city on the coast that just so happens to have been built below sea level?
I believe it was the latter…not that judgment was not deserved, but because when God destroys something, there is no trace left behind and there is no rebuilding of it.
As evidence for that, I point to Noah’s flood, where save Noah and his family, no one and no thing was spared.
As further evidence, I point to our passage tonight where we see the end of Sodom and Gomorrah and see why God would destroy a city.
OPEN to passage.
*Prop.
*In this passage, we see why God would and can bring judgment.
Open in PRAYER.
PREVIEW the passage.
Back in chapter 14, Abram had the opportunity to rescue the city of Sodom while rescuing his nephew Lot.
Cf. Gen. 14:11-12; 15-17; 21-24 Now, in chapter 18, he has the opportunity to save Sodom again after his encounter with Lord and the news that soon he and Sarah would have a son.
But, Sodom is bigger trouble this time from more than just a few rogue nations.
And this time Abraham has to deal with something different than before.
He has to deal with the justice of God.
We learn some truths about the justice of God here.
It is not impulsive and it is impartial.
God told Abraham that He would spare Sodom if 10 righteous people were found there.
Unfortunately, it appears this would be a problem.
First, we see…
i.
sodom and gomorrah’s depravity vs. 1-11
Illus. of bad company.
It gradually destroys you and the ones you love.
Little we see that happen here to Lot and his family.
a.
One worth saving
V 1-3 1.
Lot was an upright citizen, he was hospitable and generous, unlike his selfish neighbors.
In 2 Peter, we are told that he was a righteous man.
Cf. 2 Pet.
2:7-8 He was a judge of the people who sat in the gate where legal business was taken care of.
No doubt he tried to influence his society for good, but his words were not taken seriously.
2.
In spite of his background and righteous intentions, he had been corrupted and so had his family.
We’ll see that as we go on through this passage.
b. unimagineable wickedness
V 4-5 1.
The men of the city came in the evening because they had seen these travelers go home with Lot.
As angelic, no doubt they were handsome men.
2.
The men who came were homosexual and they wanted to have sexual relations with these men.
If there was any doubt as to how God feels toward this sin, it is removed here.
Other passages that show that God has not changed in regard to this.
Cf.
Lev.
18:22, 29; 20:13; Rom.
1:26-27; 1 Cor.
6:9; 1 Tim.
1:10
3.
Yet our culture continues to accept this sin as normal or alternative.
Illus. of Episcopalian Bishop.
c. unimagineable hypocrisy
V 6-8 1.
The wickedness of these men is matched only by Lots crazy plan.
2.
Part of hospitality was to protect the guests, but not at the expense of your children.
And these girls were engaged to be married.
d. uncontrollable wickedness
V 9-11 1.
When they saw that they were getting nowhere with Lot, he became their object of evil
2.
Fortunately, the angel rescued him and God blinded the eyes of the wicked men so they could do no more harm.
It also kept them from escaping the coming judgment.
*Trans.*
SODOM AND GOMORRAH’S DEPRAVITY was worthy of God’s judgment.
That takes to…
ii.
sodom and gomorrah’s destruction vs. 12-29
Illus. of as we said before, if Katrina was a judgment, there would be no evidence left behind.
God’s judgment is complete.
a. God’s judgment is nothing to laugh at
V 12-14 1.
Judgment is pronounced and Lot is given the opportunity to save other family members.
2.
His daughters’ future husbands, they were engaged, thought that he was joking.
When God pronounces judgment, He should be paid attention to.
b.
Don’t Linger when God’s Judgment is coming
V 15-16 1.
Early in the morning, Lot and his family is told to flee…yet they linger.
Illus. of what about all our stuff?
2.
God’s mercy is demonstrated as they are literally dragged out of the city.
Illus. of why do so many Christians want to toy with a wicked culture when we are called to be separate?
We still want to…
c. don’t Look Back when God’s Judgment is coming
V 17-20 1.
Lot wants to make a deal.
They concede, but it will cost them.
V 21-26 2.
His wife looks back.
Her heart was still there and this pillar was a monument to her disobedience.
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