Choosing Our Spiritual Dwelling: Lessons from Abraham and Lot
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound narrative of Abraham, Lot, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, drawing lessons about where we choose to dwell spiritually and the consequences of our choices. We began by examining Abraham's encounter with the Lord by the Oaks of Mamre, a place of previous divine meetings and a symbol of where one parks their life spiritually. Abraham's hospitality towards the three visitors, one of whom was the Lord, contrasted starkly with the inhospitality and wickedness of Sodom. This hospitality is not merely a cultural nicety but a spiritual imperative that reflects God's own welcoming nature.
We delved into the significance of Abraham's intercession for Sodom, where he negotiated with God over the number of righteous people needed to spare the city. This passage teaches us about the value of the righteous and God's justice, which does not indiscriminately destroy but seeks to preserve life where righteousness is found. Abraham's plea reveals his understanding of God's character and his own role as an intercessor, a model for us to follow.
The narrative then shifts to Lot, who, despite his righteous standing, hesitated when instructed to flee the impending judgment. This hesitation speaks volumes about the pull of our environment and the danger of becoming too comfortable in places that are not aligned with God's righteousness. Lot's wife's transformation into a pillar of salt serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of longing for a life that God has called us to leave behind.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was highlighted as the ultimate expression of God's mercy, offering us a way to dwell in His presence rather than in the judgment we deserve. The sermon emphasized the importance of choosing to dwell where God is, to surround ourselves with righteousness, and to extend hospitality and justice as reflections of God's character.
Key Takeaways:
1. Hospitality is not a mere social grace but a spiritual act that reflects God's welcoming heart. When we open our doors and hearts to others, we are participating in a divine practice that honors God and blesses those we serve. This is a call to see beyond our regular circles and embrace those who are new among us, offering them the warmth and love of Christ. [04:47]
2. Intercession is a powerful tool in the hands of the righteous. Abraham's negotiation with God over Sodom teaches us that our prayers can influence the course of events and bring about mercy. We are called to stand in the gap for our communities, pleading with God for His grace and intervention in the lives of others. [27:14]
3. Our spiritual dwelling place is of utmost importance. Like Lot, we may find ourselves hesitating to leave behind what is familiar, even if it is not in line with God's will. We must be vigilant and willing to follow God's leading, even when it means leaving behind the comforts we have known. [37:22]
4. The consequences of our choices are real and far-reaching. Lot's wife's transformation into a pillar of salt is a stark reminder that our decisions have weight, especially when it comes to obeying God's commands. We must live with an eternal perspective, valuing God's promises over the temporary allure of sin. [40:34]
5. Jesus is the embodiment of God's mercy, offering us a place to dwell in His presence. By trusting in Him, we are spared from judgment and given eternal life. This gift of salvation is not just a future hope but a present reality that should shape how we live and interact with the world around us. [43:58]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 18:1-33 - Abraham's encounter with the Lord and his intercession for Sodom.
2. Genesis 19:1-29 - The story of Lot, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lot's wife's transformation into a pillar of salt.
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Abraham take to show hospitality to the three visitors? ([03:26])
2. How did Abraham negotiate with God regarding the fate of Sodom? ([24:39])
3. What was Lot's initial reaction when the angels urged him to leave Sodom? ([37:22])
4. What happened to Lot's wife when she looked back at Sodom? ([40:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is hospitality considered a spiritual act rather than just a social grace, according to the sermon? ([04:47])
2. How does Abraham's intercession for Sodom reflect his understanding of God's character? ([24:39])
3. What does Lot's hesitation to leave Sodom reveal about the pull of our environment on our spiritual decisions? ([37:22])
4. How does the transformation of Lot's wife into a pillar of salt serve as a warning about longing for a life that God has called us to leave behind? ([40:04])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were new to a community or church. How did the hospitality (or lack thereof) you received impact your experience? How can you extend hospitality to newcomers in your own community? ([04:47])
2. Think about someone in your life who is struggling or in need of prayer. How can you stand in the gap for them through intercession this week? ([27:14])
3. Are there areas in your life where you feel too comfortable, even though they may not align with God's will? What steps can you take to move towards a spiritual dwelling place that aligns with God's righteousness? ([37:22])
4. Consider a recent decision you made. How did you weigh the eternal consequences of that decision? How can you ensure that your future choices reflect an eternal perspective? ([40:34])
5. How does the understanding of Jesus as the embodiment of God's mercy shape your daily interactions and decisions? What specific actions can you take this week to dwell more fully in His presence? ([43:58])
6. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with leaving behind a past life or habit. How can you support and encourage them to follow God's leading, even when it means leaving behind familiar comforts? ([37:22])
7. Reflect on the story of Lot's wife. Is there something in your past that you are still longing for, which God has called you to leave behind? What practical steps can you take to fully embrace the new life God has for you? ([40:04])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Hospitality
Hospitality extends beyond mere social interaction; it is a spiritual discipline that mirrors the heart of God. When individuals open their homes and lives to others, they participate in a sacred tradition that honors the Creator and provides blessings to those they serve. This divine hospitality is not limited to friends and family but also includes strangers and those who are new to the community. It is an act of love and service that reflects the welcoming nature of Christ, who opened His arms to all. By practicing hospitality, believers can demonstrate the love of God in tangible ways, creating spaces where grace and kindness prevail. This is an invitation to look beyond one's comfort zone and to offer the warmth and love of Christ to everyone, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized. [04:47]
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." - Hebrews 13:2
Reflection: Who is someone outside of your regular circle that you can show hospitality to this week, and how will you do it?
Day 2: The Power of Righteous Intercession
Intercession is a potent act that can shape the destiny of communities and bring forth God's mercy. Abraham's dialogue with God over the fate of Sodom illustrates the significant impact that the prayers of the righteous can have. This biblical example encourages believers to stand in the gap for those around them, seeking divine intervention and grace. Intercession is not a passive activity but an active engagement with God's will, requiring faith, persistence, and a deep understanding of His merciful nature. It is a call to use one's relationship with God to advocate for others, to plead for mercy, and to influence the course of events through prayer. As intercessors, believers are invited to take on a role that can alter the spiritual climate of their surroundings and bring hope to desperate situations. [27:14]
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14
Reflection: What is a specific situation in your community or among your loved ones that you can fervently intercede for today?
Day 3: Choosing Our Spiritual Residence
The decision of where to establish one's spiritual residence is of paramount importance. Like Lot, who hesitated to leave Sodom, believers today may struggle to leave behind familiar yet spiritually unhealthy environments. This hesitation can hinder one's walk with God and lead to compromising situations. It is crucial to be alert and responsive to God's guidance, even when it requires stepping out of comfort zones. The choice of a spiritual dwelling place should align with God's righteousness and truth, and it often involves making difficult decisions to forsake the familiar in pursuit of a life that honors God. Believers are called to be vigilant, to seek God's presence continually, and to ensure that their lives are built on a foundation that reflects His holiness and love. [37:22]
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15b
Reflection: What familiar habits or environments might God be calling you to leave behind, and what steps can you take to align your life more closely with His will?
Day 4: The Weight of Our Decisions
The story of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt is a vivid illustration of the consequences that come with disobedience and a longing for a sinful past. This serves as a warning that the choices made in obedience to God carry significant weight and can have lasting effects. Believers are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, valuing God's promises and directives above the fleeting pleasures of sin. The call is to make decisions that reflect a commitment to God's kingdom and to live in a manner that is consistent with the teachings of Scripture. By doing so, one can avoid the pitfalls of regret and instead experience the fullness of life that comes from walking in obedience to God's commands. [40:34]
"Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it." - Luke 17:32-33
Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing where you need to choose obedience to God over the comfort of the familiar?
Day 5: Living in the Light of Jesus' Mercy
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate manifestation of God's mercy, providing a way for humanity to dwell in His presence and escape the judgment deserved for sin. This gift of salvation is not merely a future hope but a present reality that should influence daily living. Believers are called to trust in Jesus, embracing the life He offers and allowing it to shape their interactions with the world. This involves living out the values of the kingdom of God, extending grace, and pursuing righteousness in all areas of life. The mercy received through Christ is a catalyst for transformation, inspiring a life that honors God and serves as a beacon of hope to others. [43:58]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." - Galatians 5:13
Reflection: How can you more fully embrace the reality of Jesus' mercy in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to reflect His love to those around you?
Quotes
1) "Where you park your life may determine whether or not you are the recipient of God's blessing or God's judgment." [02:47] (Download)
2) "Abraham's not messing around; he's now bringing four rolls from Texas Roadhouse out, okay? He's going to load these guys up." [10:40] (Download)
3) "God knows everything and not only does God know everything, God can do anything. God can even give a child to an old man and an old woman well past childbearing years." [16:14] (Download)
4) "Abraham is appealing to God's nature. He says, 'Far be it from you; shall not the judge of all the Earth do justice?'" [25:19] (Download)
5) "One of the big points of this long story is this: Where are you going to dwell spiritually? Are you going to be like Abraham and dwell where God is?" [42:43] (Download)
6) "God wants to extend mercy to you so you could dwell in His presence, or you can dwell where there's immorality and unrighteousness, knowing that you will ultimately receive judgment." [43:23] (Download)
7) "The Lord is saying, 'I will tell Abraham what I do with unrighteous and unjust people, and then I'm going to do what I said I would do with an unrighteous and unjust people.'" [21:07] (Download)
8) "We must as members of this church look and see people that may be new in our midst and make them feel welcome." [04:47] (Download)
9) "The Lord is merciful and he simply says, 'No, but you did laugh.' It's silly when we try to lie to God." [17:26] (Download)
10) "The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. I will go down now and see whether they have done entirely according to its outcry which has come to me." [21:54] (Download)
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