2 Peter 2:4-10 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness… I. THE SPIRIT'S TESTIMONY CONCERNING LOT. Lot was a "just "man and a "godly." What disclosures shall the last day make! What changes in our views of individuals! 1. His state before God. Only as justified by faith can we be accounted righteous. 2. Lot's character. The bent and purpose of his soul was towards God. He ran not as he should have done in the way of God's commandments; trial upon trial was needed to keep alive the flickering lamp of spiritual life. II. HIS SITUATION IN SODOM. He first "pitched his tent towards" it, and the next step was downwards — he dwelt in Sodom. 1. I ask of that residence, was it profitable? I would not make it the chief motive to serve the Lord, that it shall be well with you here; but i would yet say lose not this world and that which is to come. 2. I ask, further, concerning that residence, was it happy? Did it bring peace to his soul? could he rejoice whilst there abiding? What saith the Word of God? It speaks of him as "vexed from day to day." "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation," and He did deliver Lot; but He suffered His servant to feel that "an evil and a bitter thing" it is to depart from the narrow way; whilst dwelling in Sodom, happiness must not be his. 3. Nay, was that residence safe? He came forth from it a fugitive who had entered it as a prince. Are you seeking to avoid reproach by some concession contrary to God's truth? Are you planning for the world's aid? Cast off your vain confidences, safety is not in them! III. THE HINDRANCES TO HIS REMOVAL MIGHT BE THESE. 1. The tie of property. There Lot had laid up his goods. For a time, doubtless, worldly prosperity was his, and the entanglement was strong. How strong that tie is to all! How great the grace to those who have burst from its hold! 2. The ungodly amongst whom he dwelt would be opposed to Lot's departure. He evidently stood in fear (if them, and he might dread to give them any excuse for violence. 3. His family had, fearful to relate, formed alliances in that city of evil; these would cling around him, and prevent the determination to depart. 4. But far more than all was that lethargy of soul the hindrance, which nourished by the atmosphere in which he lived — increased by each day's sojourn ill the infected city — would make him less and less capable of the effort needed for his escape.Conclusion: 1. What a God is He with whom we have to do! 2. What a world is that with which we have to contend! We dwell as it were on enchanted ground. 3. What depths of heart-deceit does the history of man bring to light! (F. Storr, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; |
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