Genesis - Part 34

Meeting Purpose

To discuss and analyze Genesis 19, focusing on Lot's story and its implications.

Key Takeaways

1.       Lot's righteousness was by God's grace, not his actions, highlighting the nature of righteousness through faith

2.       Despite being considered righteous, Lot made poor decisions that tormented his soul and negatively impacted his family

3.       The story of Lot serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with sin and lacking conviction in one's faith

Topics

Lot's Character and Choices

1.       Considered righteous by God's grace, not his actions

2.       Made poor decisions, including settling in Sodom

3.       Showed hospitality to angels but offered his daughters to protect them

4.       Lingered when told to flee, suggesting doubt or attachment to Sodom

5.       Failed to influence his family positively (sons-in-law didn't believe him)

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

1.       Angels came to warn Lot and destroy the cities

2.       God remembered Abraham's intercession and rescued Lot

3.       Widespread destruction affected cities, valley, and vegetation

4.       Lot's wife looked back (more than just visually) and turned to salt

Aftermath and Consequences

1.       Lot feared living in Zoar despite God's protection

2.       Moved to the hills with his daughters

3.       Daughters believed they were alone in the world

4.       Incestuous actions of Lot's daughters led to Moabites and Ammonites

Spiritual Lessons

1.       Righteousness comes through God's grace, not human actions

2.       Faith without conviction leads to compromised living

3.       Poor choices can lead to missed blessings and negative legacy

4.       Importance of positive influence on family and friends

Next Steps

1.       Reflect on personal faith and conviction levels

2.       Consider areas where compromise with sin may be occurring

3.       Evaluate influence on family and friends

4.       Seek to strengthen relationship with God to better withstand temptation

So What?

1.       Righteousness is simply faith through grace. 

2.       Behavior is not a qualifier.

3.       But, you can torment your righteous soul.

4.       Faith without conviction

a.       Reluctance to pursue God’s truth

              i.        inability to recognize its value

              ii.        inability to discern God’s leading

b.       Powerlessness to withstand temptation

              i.        overcome by the desires of the flesh

              ii.        weak; non-existent relationship with God

c.       Failure to influence family; friends

              i.        missed blessings

              ii.        negative legacy