Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of remembering Lot's wife as a warning against worldliness and the dangers of clinging to a sinful past. He describes the conditions of Sodom, both physically and spiritually, highlighting the moral decay that led to its destruction. Lot's family, particularly his wife, illustrates the struggle between the comforts of a sinful life and the call to follow God. Smith draws parallels between Sodom and modern society, urging believers to heed the warning of Jesus about the consequences of looking back. Ultimately, he stresses that true salvation involves a complete break from worldly desires.

"REMEMBERING LOT'S WIFE" I. THE CONDITIONS OF SODOM. A. Physical - Beautiful lush plain south of Dead Sea. 1. Dead Sea 40 miles long, 10 miles wide, 1286 feet below sea level. 2. Divided into upper and low end. Lower end 10 to 20 feet deep. Upper up to 1400 feet deep. 3. Lower end more recent, being formed by northern end being filled with salt, raising level. 4. It is under the lower end where the city of Sodom was thought to be located. 5. Recent archeological discoveries. 6. Fullness of bread, agricultural surplus. 7. Great asphalt deposits, Josephus called it the Asphalt Sea. B. Spiritual. 1. Exceeding corrupt. So great God was obliged to destroy it. 2. When a society sinks so low that the homosexuals blatantly parade themselves, that society is ripe for God's judgment. II. THE CONDITIONS OF LOT'S FAMILY (Lot vexed.. A. They enjoyed the life of ease. 1. Some of his children refused to leave. 2. Lot with his wife and two daughters reluctant to leave (vs.16.. 3. Even after escaping Lot's wife looked back. a. Word can be translated "lagged back or returned back." b. She still longed for the old life in the world. III. REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE (Luke 17:32.. A. Jesus makes the story relevant to us today. 1. Talking to His disciples of His return. a. Conditions of world similar to Sodom. 1. San Francisco and Hollywood modern Sodom and Gomorrah. b. Judgment fell as soon as Lot was safely led out. 1. Judgment will fall when church led out. B. What is meant by warning, "Remember Lot's wife." 1. Warning against a love for worldliness. a. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye..." 2. II Peter 2:20-22. 3. Salvation is more than just physically coming out of the worldly activities. C. He who seeks to save his life shall lose it. 1. Lot's wife was trying to cling to the old life. 2. In lagging back or returning back, she lost her life. a. Buried in the boiling salts.