What steps can Christians take to avoid the pitfalls seen in Sodom? The Warning from Genesis 13:13 “ But the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.” Because Scripture records this literally, the city’s fate stands as an enduring, factual caution light for believers today. What Went Wrong in Sodom? • Arrogant self-sufficiency – Ezekiel 16:49 • Glutted appetites and complacency – Ezekiel 16:49 • Neglect of the poor – Ezekiel 16:49 • Sexual immorality and perversion – Jude 7 • Hardened resistance to God’s warning – Genesis 19:14 Step One: Choose Your Direction Early • Lot pitched his tents “near Sodom” (Genesis 13:12) long before he sat at its gate (Genesis 19:1). • Psalm 1:1 reminds that the progression from walking to standing to sitting with the wicked begins with one small compromise. • Decide now to place your life where righteousness is nurtured, not eroded—home, friendships, entertainment, digital feeds. Step Two: Guard the Gate of Your Heart • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” • Regular, literal intake of God’s Word (Psalm 119:11) forms a shield against Sodom-like thinking. • Replace passive media consumption with active Scripture meditation and memorization. Step Three: Repudiate Pride, Cultivate Humility • “She was arrogant” (Ezekiel 16:49). • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Practical habits: – Begin each day thanking God for undeserved mercy. – Seek accountability; invite correction (Proverbs 27:6). – Celebrate others’ successes rather than self-promote. Step Four: Serve the Needy Without Apology • Sodom ignored the poor and needy; believers must do the opposite (James 1:27). • Schedule ministry instead of waiting for convenience. • Give resources, time, and advocacy—practicing tangible compassion protects the heart from self-indulgence. Step Five: Keep Sexual Morality Non-Negotiable • “Abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). • Establish clear boundaries: – Guard eyes: Job 31:1. – Guard body: 1 Corinthians 6:18—“Flee sexual immorality.” – Guard mind: Philippians 4:8 checklist for thought life. • Invite trusted believers to hold you accountable. Step Six: Stay Separate While Staying Present • 2 Peter 2:6-8 shows Lot’s agony inside Sodom’s culture. • We remain “blameless and pure…in a crooked and depraved generation” (Philippians 2:15) by: – Distinct values—not laughing at what God calls sin. – Distinct speech—truthful, grace-seasoned (Ephesians 4:29). – Distinct hope—pointing neighbors to Christ, not merely criticizing culture. Step Seven: Live Expectantly, Looking Forward • Luke 17:28-30 links Sodom’s destruction to Christ’s return. • Daily remember the literal coming judgment; urgency fuels holiness (2 Peter 3:11-12). • “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32)—don’t glance back longingly at what God is leaving for ashes. Summary Snapshot Avoid Sodom’s pitfalls by settling early who you walk with, feeding on Scripture, crushing pride, serving others, fleeing sexual sin, shining as separated witnesses, and living every hour as people who know that the Judge of all the earth will do exactly as His inerrant Word says. |
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