Remembering Lot’s Wife

INTRODUCTION.

A.        What do the following women have in common? Joan of Ark, the Queen of Sheba, and Cleopatra. All of these women have been remembered by history.

B.        Think about your life. Which women in your past do you remember the most? Some women of the past you might remember would be your mother, an aunt, a grandmother, a teacher, or even some friends from years ago.

C.        If there is one woman that you should remember, for this morning, let it be Lot’s wife. It is the purpose of this lesson to see what lessons we can learn from Lot's wife. (Luke 17:30-33)

I.         LESSONS LEARNED FROM LOT'S WIFE.

            A.        Even though she was a wife of a righteous man, Lot’s wife still perished.

                        1.         Lot's wife had the benefit of being exposed to a righteous man. Consider the words of Peter in 2 Peter 2:7-8. Although this exposure may have made Lot’s wife a better person, it was not enough to save her.

                        2.         In the New Testament, Demas was exposed to the righteous influence of the apostle Paul. However, this exposure did not prevent Demas from abandoning Paul and the Lord. (2 Timothy 4:10)

                        3.         We are not guaranteed salvation just because we have been exposed to someone who was righteous. We must make certain that we take responsibility for our own salvation. (Philippians 2:12-16)

            B.        Even though she was warned by God, Lot’s wife still perished.

                        1.         The message God gave Lot and his wife was plain. “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” (Genesis 19:17, NKJV) God gave Lot and his wife simple instructions. Lot and his family was to escape and not look back.

                        2.         Despite the clear warning, Lot’s wife still perished. “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26, NKJV))

                        3.         A warning is not a guarantee of safety. A warning simply points the way to safety. We must make the decision to give heed to the warning.

            C.        Even though she made an effort to save herself, Lot’s wife still perished.

                        1.         Lot’s wife made an effort to save herself when she fled with her family. Her effort to save herself was not enough to save her.

                        2.         Partial effort will not save a person. Consider King Saul.

                                    a.         God told Saul, “Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.” (1 Samuel 15:3, NKJV)

                                    b.         King Saul only partially obeyed God. (1 Samuel 15:8-9)

                                    c.         God was greatly displeased with King Saul. (1 Samuel 15:10-11)

                        3.         We must obey God fully, not partially.

                                    a.         When becoming a Christian, one must obey all the commands, i.e. Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:9,10, etc.

                                    b.         We must not allow ourselves to be hindered from fully obeying the Word of God. (Galatians 5:7-10

            D.        Even though she committed only one sin, Lot’s wife still perished.

                        1.         Lot’s wife was punished because of one sin. She violated the instructions of God. (Genesis 19:17)

                        2.         One “little” sin is important. If a person who is a Christian commits a sin, then they must repent of that sin.

                                    a.         Peter told Simon, a Christian guilty of sin, “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” (Acts 8:22, NKJV)

                                    b.         John wrote in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

                                    c.         Thankfully, a Christian who is guilty of sin can receive forgiveness. Forgiveness is made possible by Jesus Christ. (1 John 2:1-2)

                        3.         A person who is not a Christian must obey the Gospel’s call so that he can have his sins forgiven.

                                    a.         Peter said, “Repent and be baptized” as well as, “Repent and be converted.” (Acts 2:38; 3:19)

                                    b.         Ananias told Saul, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16, NKJV)

II.       PRIMARY LESSON FOR US TODAY.

            A.        Although Lot’s wife did some things that were necessary and good, she did not do all that God required. As a result of her incomplete obedience, Lot’s wife perished.

            B.        While fleeing sin, we must also keep our sights focused on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

            C.        When we look away from Jesus, we will then grow weak. Consider Peter who looked away from Jesus and began to sink. (Matthew 14:25-32)

CONCLUSION.

A.        Just like Lot’s wife, you are to be fleeing from something dangerous.

1.         God has warned you and has shown you the way.

2.         Unlike Lot’s wife, you are not fleeing from a city being destroyed, you are fleeing from a life of sin as well as the wicked influences of the world.

B.        In order to be successful in fleeing, you must choose this day to draw near unto God. If you draw near unto God, then He will draw near unto you. (James 4:7-10)

Remembering Lot’s Wife -- July 18, 2004 -- File #: 914 - Women, Old Testament

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK