Choosing God's Path: Lessons from Lot and Abraham
Summary
In life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, faced with decisions that shape our destiny and define our relationship with God. It is in these moments that we must choose to plant our lives where God is at work, for it is there that transformation, peace, hope, and love are found. This is God's plan for us, and it is a plan that not only changes our lives but also our eternal destiny.
Consider the story of Lot, Abraham's nephew, who chose to live among the wicked in Sodom rather than work things out with Abraham and stay where God was at work. This decision led to a series of calamities, culminating in Lot losing everything—his wealth, his wife, and his home. He ended up living in a cave with his daughters, a place with no future, no plan, no goals, and no consideration for the well-being of his family. His daughters, in their desperation, made immoral choices that would have lasting consequences for generations. The nations that arose from these choices, the Moabites and the Ammonites, became a stumbling block to Israel. Lot's legacy is a cautionary tale, a reminder of the importance of living where God is at work.
Abraham, on the other hand, despite being Godly and chosen, also made mistakes. He lied about his wife Sarah being his sister, not once but twice, to protect himself. This put God's promise at risk, as the integrity of the lineage of Isaac, the child promised by God to Abraham and Sarah, could have been in doubt. Yet, God intervened, keeping His promise and preventing harm to Sarah. This shows that while God keeps His promises, He does not shield us from the consequences of our foolish actions. We must live rightly before the Lord.
The message is clear: we need to be where God wants us to be, and that is with Him. If we find ourselves continually away from God, it may be time to change our locale, our habits, our relationships—anything that drags us away from Him. For those who choose to live where God is not at work, there is little that can be said. As a pastor, I can counsel and guide using the Word of God, but if one chooses to go their own way, they do so at their own peril.
The question we must all answer is: where are we going to be? Will we choose to live where God is at work, or will we, like Lot, choose a path that leads to destruction and regret? The choice is ours, and it is a choice that affects not just our lives on earth but our eternal destiny.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Lot serves as a stark reminder that the choices we make have profound consequences. Lot's decision to live among the wicked led to a legacy of strife and opposition against God's people. We must choose to align our lives with God's will, understanding that our decisions echo through generations. [18:52]
- Abraham's repeated mistake of lying about his wife's identity reveals a human tendency to fall into familiar sins. However, God's intervention on behalf of Abraham and Sarah demonstrates His faithfulness to His promises, despite our failings. We must strive to break the cycle of sin, trusting in God's faithfulness to guide and protect us. [23:08]
- The importance of being where God wants us to be cannot be overstated. Our proximity to God's presence and work in our lives is crucial for our spiritual growth and well-being. We must actively seek to dwell in the places—physically, spiritually, and relationally—where God's influence and guidance are evident. [32:28]
- The pastoral role in counseling is to point individuals towards the truth of Scripture and to walk with them in obedience. However, when one chooses to disregard God's Word, the effectiveness of pastoral counsel reaches its limit. This underscores the personal responsibility each believer has to heed God's direction for their lives. [34:18]
- Our legacy is not about fame or recognition; it's about the spiritual heritage we leave behind. Like Lot, we can either be a cautionary tale or, like Abraham, a testament to God's grace despite our imperfections. Let us aim to leave a legacy that inspires others to seek and follow God wholeheartedly. [20:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 19:30-38
2. Genesis 20:1-18
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the consequences of Lot's decision to live in Sodom? ([05:04])
2. How did Lot's daughters react to their desperate situation in the cave? ([14:21])
3. What repeated mistake did Abraham make regarding his wife Sarah? ([22:31])
4. How did God intervene to protect Sarah and uphold His promise to Abraham? ([25:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Lot chose to live among the wicked in Sodom rather than stay with Abraham? ([05:04])
2. What does Lot's story teach us about the importance of making decisions aligned with God's will? ([13:44])
3. How does Abraham's repeated sin of lying about Sarah reflect human tendencies, and what does it teach us about God's faithfulness? ([23:08])
4. What can we learn from God's intervention in Abraham's situation with Abimelech about His commitment to His promises? ([25:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you made a decision that led you away from God's presence. What were the consequences, and how did you find your way back? ([33:06])
2. Lot's daughters made desperate choices due to their circumstances. How can you ensure that desperation does not lead you to make unwise decisions? ([14:21])
3. Abraham's repeated sin shows the difficulty of breaking habitual sins. Identify a recurring sin in your life. What steps can you take to break this cycle? ([23:08])
4. God's intervention in Abraham's life shows His faithfulness despite our failings. How can you trust in God's promises even when you make mistakes? ([25:54])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being where God is at work. What changes can you make in your life to ensure you are in a place where God's influence and guidance are evident? ([32:28])
6. The pastor mentioned the limits of pastoral counsel when individuals choose to disregard God's Word. How can you take personal responsibility for heeding God's direction in your life? ([34:18])
7. Consider the legacy you are leaving behind. What steps can you take to ensure it is one of godliness and inspiration for others to follow God wholeheartedly? ([20:17])
Devotional
Day 1: Consequences Shape Generations
The choices one makes in life are not isolated events; they ripple through time, affecting not only the individual but also future generations. The story of Lot is a poignant example of how a decision to live among the wicked can lead to a legacy of strife and opposition against God's people. It is a stark reminder that where one plants their life matters. Aligning with God's will is not merely a personal preference but a critical decision that echoes through the ages. The impact of one's choices can either foster a heritage of faithfulness or a lineage marred by spiritual conflict. It is essential to consider the long-term implications of decisions and strive to establish a legacy that aligns with divine wisdom and righteousness [18:52].
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8)
Reflection: How might the choices you're making today affect your family and those who come after you, and what changes might you need to make to ensure a godly legacy?
Day 2: Breaking the Cycle of Sin
Repeatedly falling into familiar sins is a human tendency that can have serious consequences. Abraham's repeated lie about Sarah's identity put God's promise at risk, yet God's faithfulness remained steadfast. This divine intervention highlights that while God is committed to His promises, He does not prevent the natural outcomes of our foolish actions. It is a call to break the cycle of sin and trust in God's faithfulness to guide and protect. Believers must acknowledge their weaknesses and seek God's strength to overcome them, ensuring that their actions align with God's will and do not jeopardize His divine plans for their lives [23:08].
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." (Proverbs 28:13)
Reflection: What familiar sin struggles do you need to confront, and what practical steps can you take to break the cycle and live in obedience to God?
Day 3: Dwelling in God's Presence
The importance of being where God wants us to be is paramount for our spiritual growth and well-being. It is not enough to be near God's work; one must actively seek to dwell in the places—physically, spiritually, and relationally—where God's influence and guidance are evident. This proximity to God's presence is crucial for transformation and the cultivation of peace, hope, and love. It is a call to evaluate one's current position in life and make necessary changes to ensure that one is living in alignment with God's will and purpose [32:28].
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel distant from God's presence, and what intentional steps can you take to move closer to where He is at work?
Day 4: Heeding God's Direction
The role of pastoral counsel is to guide individuals towards the truth of Scripture and encourage obedience. However, the effectiveness of such counsel is limited when one chooses to disregard God's Word. This underscores the personal responsibility each believer has to heed God's direction for their lives. It is a sobering reminder that while guidance is available, the ultimate choice to follow God's path lies with the individual. Believers must be attentive to God's voice and willing to make the necessary changes to align with His will, understanding that their spiritual journey is a personal one [34:18].
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." (Psalm 25:4-5)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been resistant to pastoral or biblical guidance, and what steps can you take to become more receptive to God's direction?
Day 5: Inspiring a Godly Legacy
Our legacy is not about fame or recognition; it's about the spiritual heritage we leave behind. One can either be a cautionary tale or a testament to God's grace despite imperfections. The legacy left behind should inspire others to seek and follow God wholeheartedly. It is a call to live a life that not only honors God but also serves as a beacon for future generations to find their way to Him. The choices made today will determine the kind of legacy that endures, one that either points others towards God or away from Him [20:17].
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 1:4)
Reflection: What aspects of your current lifestyle might hinder your ability to leave a godly legacy, and what can you do to start shaping a legacy that inspires others to seek God?
Quotes
1) "All I can tell you is this: that the people who decide to plant their lives where God is end up with lives that are transformed into a life that has peace, hope, and love." [35:00] (Download)
2) "Life is not just filled with two options; there's always other choices that can be made. There was a third option: go back to Uncle Abraham, go back to where God is at work." [13:44] (Download)
3) "If you keep finding yourself away from God, you might need to change some things. Where do you need to be? You need to be with God." [33:06] (Download)
4) "My job is to show you what this book says about your life. If you'll do it, I'll walk with you all the way. But if you decide to go your own way, counseling's over." [34:18] (Download)
5) "God's law is written in our hearts, and we just instinctively know some things are wrong. Don't do those things; they are crimes against God." [17:02] (Download)
6) "God won't keep you out of trouble. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. You need to get right before the Lord." [31:49] (Download)
7) "You need to be where God wants you to be. This is not a hard question. God wants you to be with Him." [32:28] (Download)
8) "What kind of legacy do you want to leave? It's not about being famous; it's about whether you're going to leave a legacy of godliness." [20:17] (Download)
9) "Abraham messed up on more than one occasion, and he lies... Abraham, he's not the last person to keep sinning in the same way over and over again, is he?" [23:08] (Download)
10) "The people who decide to plant their lives where God is not at work, there is little that can be said. As a pastor, I can counsel and guide using the Word of God, but if one chooses to go their own way, they do so at their own peril." [33:42] (Download)
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