Spiritual Vigilance: Remembering Lot's Wife and God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound lessons from Luke 17, focusing on the poignant reminder to "Remember Lot's Wife." This narrative serves as a powerful allegory for the spiritual vigilance required in our lives. The story of Lot's wife, who looked back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and was turned into a pillar of salt, is a stark reminder of the dangers of clinging to the past and the material world. It underscores the importance of having a preoccupation with Christ and the kingdom of God, which is not a physical realm but a spiritual reality that begins within us.
The Titanic disaster of 1912 serves as a historical parallel, illustrating the consequences of ignoring warnings and being unprepared. Just as the Titanic was ill-equipped with lifeboats, many are spiritually unprepared for the coming of God's kingdom. The kingdom of God, as Jesus explains, is not something that can be observed with the eyes but is a spiritual truth that must be embraced within the heart and mind of every believer.
Jesus warns against being consumed by the temporal pleasures and concerns of this world, urging us to focus on the eternal. The narrative of Noah and the flood further emphasizes this point, as people were caught unaware, indulging in daily life until the flood came. Similarly, the return of the Son of Man will be sudden and unexpected, and we must be spiritually ready.
The call to remember Lot's wife is a call to examine our own lives. Are we looking back, longing for the past, or are we moving forward, focused on Christ and His kingdom? The story challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our spiritual growth and readiness for the day of the Lord.
Key Takeaways:
- The kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that begins within us. It is not something to be observed externally but is spiritually ascertained as we grow in our relationship with Christ. This internal transformation is crucial for experiencing the kingdom in our lives. [10:34]
- Just as the Titanic was unprepared for disaster, we must be spiritually prepared for the coming of God's kingdom. Ignoring spiritual warnings and being consumed by worldly concerns can lead to spiritual peril. [04:33]
- The story of Noah reminds us that God's warnings are real, even if they seem improbable. Faith requires us to trust in God's word and prepare for His promises, even when they defy our understanding. [20:13]
- Jesus warns against being preoccupied with the temporal pleasures of life. Instead, we should develop a preoccupation with Christ, which brings peace and prepares us for His return. [12:18]
- Remembering Lot's wife is a call to focus on the future and not be held back by the past. Our faith, face, and feet should all be pointed in the same direction—toward Christ and His eternal kingdom. [46:24]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Luke 17
- [01:16] - Remember Lot's Wife
- [02:31] - The Titanic Analogy
- [06:21] - The Kingdom of God
- [08:11] - Spiritual Nature of the Kingdom
- [10:34] - Kingdom Starts Within
- [12:18] - Preoccupation with Christ
- [14:31] - Eschatology and End Times
- [17:21] - Days of Noah and Lot
- [22:13] - The Day of the Son of Man
- [26:08] - Specificity of the Kingdom
- [29:06] - Intimacy and Individual Faith
- [32:19] - The Rapture and Final Day
- [35:29] - Abraham's Intercession
- [38:20] - Lot's Government Role
- [41:02] - Wickedness in Sodom
- [45:04] - Justice and God's Holiness
- [47:57] - Wrath vs. Grace
- [51:30] - Remembering Lot's Wife
- [53:18] - Closing and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 17:32-37
- Genesis 19:15-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Remember Lot's wife" in Luke 17:32? How does this serve as a warning for believers? [27:41]
2. In the sermon, the pastor draws a parallel between the Titanic disaster and spiritual unpreparedness. What were the key factors that led to the Titanic's downfall, and how do they relate to spiritual vigilance? [04:33]
3. How does the story of Noah, as mentioned in the sermon, illustrate the importance of heeding God's warnings? What was Noah's message, and how did people respond to it? [20:13]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the kingdom of God being "in the midst of you"? How does this relate to the internal transformation of believers? [10:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the spiritual nature of the kingdom of God. How does understanding the kingdom as a spiritual reality change the way believers live their daily lives? [10:34]
2. Reflecting on the story of Lot's wife, what might cause someone to "look back" in their spiritual journey? How can believers guard against this tendency? [46:24]
3. The pastor mentions the importance of having a preoccupation with Christ. What does it mean to be preoccupied with Christ, and how can this focus impact a believer's peace and readiness for His return? [12:18]
4. In the context of the sermon, how does the narrative of Noah and the flood serve as a reminder of the reality of God's warnings? What does this teach about faith and preparation? [20:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you find yourself "looking back" like Lot's wife? What steps can you take to focus more on Christ and His kingdom? [46:24]
2. The sermon warns against being consumed by the temporal pleasures of life. Identify one area in your life where worldly concerns might be overshadowing your spiritual growth. How can you address this? [12:18]
3. Consider the concept of the kingdom of God starting within you. What practical steps can you take to nurture this internal transformation and experience the kingdom more fully in your life? [10:34]
4. The pastor draws a parallel between the Titanic's lack of preparation and spiritual readiness. What are some spiritual "lifeboats" you can prepare to ensure you are ready for the coming of God's kingdom? [04:33]
5. How can you develop a preoccupation with Christ in your daily routine? Identify one specific habit or practice you can incorporate to keep your focus on Him. [12:18]
6. Reflect on the story of Noah and the flood. How can you apply the lesson of trusting in God's word and preparing for His promises, even when they seem improbable? [20:13]
7. The sermon highlights the importance of living with an eternal perspective. What changes can you make in your priorities to align more closely with this perspective? [46:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom Within
The kingdom of God is not a physical place but a spiritual reality that begins within each believer. It is a transformation that occurs as one grows in their relationship with Christ, allowing His teachings and presence to shape their thoughts, actions, and desires. This internal change is crucial for experiencing the kingdom in our lives, as it aligns our hearts with God's will and prepares us for His eternal promises. The kingdom is not something to be observed externally but is spiritually ascertained as we cultivate a deeper connection with Christ. [10:34]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ today to experience His kingdom within you?
Day 2: Spiritual Preparedness
Just as the Titanic was unprepared for disaster, many are spiritually unprepared for the coming of God's kingdom. Ignoring spiritual warnings and being consumed by worldly concerns can lead to spiritual peril. The story of the Titanic serves as a historical parallel, illustrating the consequences of ignoring warnings and being unprepared. It is a call to be vigilant and ready, ensuring that our spiritual lives are aligned with God's will and prepared for His return. [04:33]
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure you are spiritually prepared for the unexpected return of Christ?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Promises
The story of Noah reminds us that God's warnings are real, even if they seem improbable. Faith requires us to trust in God's word and prepare for His promises, even when they defy our understanding. Noah's obedience in building the ark, despite the skepticism of those around him, serves as a powerful example of unwavering faith. It challenges us to trust in God's promises and act on His instructions, even when they seem beyond our comprehension. [20:13]
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
Reflection: Is there a promise from God that you find difficult to trust? How can you take a step of faith today to act on that promise?
Day 4: Preoccupation with Christ
Jesus warns against being preoccupied with the temporal pleasures of life. Instead, we should develop a preoccupation with Christ, which brings peace and prepares us for His return. This involves shifting our focus from worldly concerns to spiritual growth, allowing Christ to be the center of our lives. By prioritizing our relationship with Him, we find true fulfillment and readiness for His coming. [12:18]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What is one worldly concern that often distracts you from focusing on Christ? How can you redirect your attention to Him today?
Day 5: Forward Focus
Remembering Lot's wife is a call to focus on the future and not be held back by the past. Our faith, face, and feet should all be pointed in the same direction—toward Christ and His eternal kingdom. This story challenges us to let go of past attachments and regrets, embracing the new life and purpose that Christ offers. It is a reminder to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our spiritual growth and readiness for the day of the Lord. [46:24]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Is there something from your past that you need to let go of to fully embrace your future in Christ? What steps can you take today to move forward?
Quotes
The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed nor will they say look here it is are there for behold the kingdom of God is in the midst of you stop right there for for a few moments this is talking about the kingdom of God and as the substratum for the kingdom of God. [00:07:50]
The kingdom of God is not something that is physically observed please catch this if you don't catch this you're G to miss the lesson the kingdom of God is spiritually ascertained I'll say that one more time the spirit the the kingdom of God is spiritually ascertained you you you get your arms around the kingdom of God as you begin to grow spiritually. [00:10:24]
Develop a preoccupation with Christ one more time develop a preoccupation with Christ yes I know you're concerned about Trump yes I know you're concerned about egg prices yes I know you're concerned learned about your mortgage payment and your rent payment and your lease bills and how you're going to put food on the table and how you're going to keep your grandchildren and your children safe but you need to have a preoccupation with Christ. [00:12:06]
Don't don't live your life petrified of the end time as a Believer this is a believer's only package this is a believer's only sermon now if you're are not a Believer you got everything to be concerned about you got everything to be worried about but if you are a Believer a show enough believer don't worry about the end times God has that under control. [00:14:26]
Just because you haven't seen it does not mean that it's not real let me mess with you a little bit just because you don't understand it does not negate the veracity of it y'all still got that look on your face you you don't understand electricity but you go to the wall and you flip the switch and lights come off so just because you don't understand it just does not mean that you don't benefit from it. [00:19:15]
They had never seen rain coming from the sky but here it is this one man God's chosen man had one sermon here's here's the bridge version it's going to rain they had never seen rain before listen he wasn't preaching this every Sunday he was preaching this every day it's going to rain that's the message what's wrong with that man he's building something we've never seen before and he's given a message that we've never heard before. [00:20:17]
If you live this life just to gratify your flesh your flesh is going to turn on you come on let's let's have a little conversation a sidebar if you live to gratify your flesh wouldn't you think that your flesh would hunt you and say wait slow down today is the day James chapter 5 says be careful where you sow that's Paul who talked I'm sorry Galatians chapter 5 PA says to the church at galatia he says be careful where you sow. [00:23:49]
Remember Lot's wife you he you say remember Lot's wife verse 33 whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it but whoever loses his life will will keep it Let the church say huh I got to throw my life away in the service of the kingdom of God and God is saying if you sow your life into my kingdom you'll reap eternal life on the other side. [00:27:41]
Remember her marriage let me he you say marriage she was married to the right guy this is the nephew of Abraham whatever she wanted she had every louisvuitton bag every Gucci bag listen every red bottom she could fit in her closet she had it she didn't go to the she didn't go to the the the hairdresser sound like my Grandmama she she had she had the hairdresser come to her house y'all not feeling me remember her marriage. [00:48:57]
She makes the tragic mistake of disobeying God y'all not feeling me God judges her for a look and you and I have looked have lust have laid have lived and we still here we are trophies of God's Amazing Grace God can judge you just on the look y'all not feeling me she look and is turned into a pillar of salt. [00:50:24]
Don't get so caught up in this life to where you forget you have a maker I mean after all all that time you spend in front of the mirror stay there extra three seconds you didn't choose your eye color you didn't you didn't choose your your shape of your face your your height all of this is genetically predetermined you are a theological Wonder. [00:51:44]
There's coming a day and you don't want it to be Sav too late and you don't want it to be said too late can I ask you this question and I'll pray and we'll open the doors of the church are you saved are you living for that day are you looking for that day. [00:53:18]
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