A Lot Was Lost
The sermon highlights the importance of choosing God's way over a worldly and fleshly lifestyle, as exemplified by Lot's decisions and consequences.
Erlo Stegen's sermon 'A Lot Was Lost' emphasizes the consequences of Lot's carnal choices compared to Abraham's spiritual walk. Lot, who sought worldly gain and comfort, ultimately lost everything, including his wife, due to his failure to follow God's path and seek wise counsel. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their own lives and decisions, warning against the dangers of living in the flesh and the leanness of soul that can result from pursuing personal desires over God's will. Stegen highlights that while Lot is referred to as 'righteous,' his decisions led to significant loss and suffering, urging believers to prioritize spiritual over worldly pursuits.
Text
Gen 19:15-19
Lot had not decided to remain with his Uncle Abraham. He had chosen good land for himself. Lot was carnal and walked in the flesh. Abraham walked in the Spirit. (N.B. Romans 8) Examine yourself, who are you like?
Most Christians are like the meaning of the word "Lot" which means a cloth to cover the face to hide it. Most Christians walk and don't see. They are worldly and fleshly.
Lot was a wealthy important man who was elected a judge in Sodom and Gomorrah. 2 Peter 3:8 describes Lot's soul as being tormented by the evil that was around him in those cities. When the angels came Lot did not hesitate. He left with them and did not look back but he moaned and complained and asked to stay on the plain. Are we the same when God helps us, do we say it's too hard going God's way? You have to leave all and follow the Lord forgetting what is behind. God sometimes gives you the easy way that you want but with it comes a leanness to your soul.
In Ps 106: 15 we are told the awful fact that God "gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." What loss!
Lot lost everything he had including his wife as a result of choosing his own way rather than stay with his uncle Abraham. Abraham had no need for the riches and fine things of the city.
Lot did things his own way in his time and we see the consequences of it. He did not seek advice from wise Abraham. When his daughters were despairing of never marrying, Lot did not seek advice over the matter and look what they did. Their offspring as a consequence of their incest became enemies of God (Moabites and Ammonites). Lot lived a carnal life.
Though the New Testament refers to him as "righteous Lot" who was vexed by the sins of the cities, it is nevertheless true that a lot was lost because of his fleshly decisions.
Sermon Outline
- Lot's Carnal Nature
- The Consequences of Lot's Decisions
- A Lesson for Christians
- Examine yourself and choose God's way
- Leave the world behind and follow the Lord
Key Quotes
“Most Christians walk and don't see. They are worldly and fleshly.” — Erlo Stegen
“When the angels came Lot did not hesitate. He left with them and did not look back but he moaned and complained and asked to stay on the plain.” — Erlo Stegen
“God sometimes gives you the easy way that you want but with it comes a leanness to your soul.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Examine yourself and choose God's way over a worldly and fleshly lifestyle.
- Leave the world behind and follow the Lord, forgetting what is behind.
- Be aware of the consequences of fleshly decisions and the leanness of the soul that may result.