Topical Bible: Righteousness: Lot

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Lot, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is often discussed in the context of righteousness, particularly in relation to his life and choices. He is introduced in the Book of Genesis as the nephew of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. Lot's life is marked by a series of decisions that highlight the tension between righteousness and worldly desires.

Background and Early Life

Lot's journey begins when he accompanies his uncle Abraham from Haran to Canaan, as recorded in Genesis 12:4-5. This move signifies his initial association with the covenantal blessings promised to Abraham. Lot's choice to travel with Abraham suggests a willingness to align himself with God's chosen servant, indicating an early inclination towards righteousness.

Separation from Abraham

The narrative of Lot's separation from Abraham is pivotal in understanding his character. As their herds and flocks grew, strife arose between their herdsmen, prompting Abraham to propose a separation to maintain peace. In Genesis 13:10-11 , Lot is described as choosing the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, specifically the area near Sodom, because it was "like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt." This decision, while practical, also reveals Lot's susceptibility to the allure of prosperity and comfort, potentially at the expense of spiritual integrity.

Life in Sodom

Lot's residence in Sodom becomes a defining aspect of his account. Despite the city's notorious wickedness, Lot remains there, perhaps due to the material benefits it offered. In Genesis 19, two angels visit Sodom, and Lot demonstrates hospitality by inviting them into his home, a gesture that reflects his adherence to righteous customs. However, the depravity of Sodom's inhabitants soon becomes evident as they demand to abuse Lot's guests. Lot's attempt to protect the angels, even offering his daughters in their place (Genesis 19:6-8), underscores the moral complexity of his situation and the corrupting influence of his environment.

Divine Rescue and Aftermath

Lot's righteousness is ultimately acknowledged by God, who spares him and his family from the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19:15-16 , the angels urge Lot to flee, and despite his hesitation, "the LORD was merciful to him," and he is led to safety. This divine intervention highlights God's recognition of Lot's fundamental righteousness, despite his flawed decisions.

The aftermath of Sodom's destruction presents further challenges for Lot. His wife's transformation into a pillar of salt for looking back (Genesis 19:26) serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of longing for a sinful past. Lot's subsequent life in the mountains with his daughters, who deceive him into fathering their children (Genesis 19:30-38), illustrates the enduring impact of his earlier choices and the pervasive influence of Sodom's immorality.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament offers additional insight into Lot's righteousness. In 2 Peter 2:7-8 , Lot is described as a "righteous man" who was "distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless." This passage affirms Lot's inner turmoil and his fundamental alignment with God's standards, despite his compromised circumstances.

Conclusion

Lot's life serves as a complex study of righteousness amidst worldly temptations and moral challenges. His account is a testament to God's mercy and the enduring struggle to maintain righteousness in a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:8
(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Lot and Inheritance of virginity.
... Chapter III."The Lot and Inheritance of Virginity. ... They see there righteousness itself
and prudence, and love itself, and truth and temperance, and other ...
/.../chapter iii the lot and inheritance.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... the context, contain an important truth, that persecution is the common lot of every ...
This supposes, that we are made the righteousness of God in Christ, that ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... of Sabbaths, "believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he
was called the friend of God." [3991] Then, again, Lot, without circumcision ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... house at God's bidding; it was a good work to separate from Lot in so ... He believed
in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness." Surely, brethren ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Table of Contents
... Christian's Lot. [102]34. The Pharisee and Publican. [103]10. A Preservative Against
Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles, in Regard to Righteousness and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/table of contents.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... Not only the common lot of creatures (that none is sufficient to its own well ... Seek
ye first," says Christ, "the kingdom of God," and the righteousness thereof. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin: but the ...
... the body is dead because of sin: but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.". ...
Two only escaped the common lot, Enoch and Elias; for they pleased God, and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxviii and if christ.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ...
... claims of God's justice, satisfied the demands of His holiness, vindicated His
governmental rights and publicly exemplified His righteousness. "One lot for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 the fact of the.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... place to which he was to be conducted, and about his future lot in life ... recompensed
with the chastisement that is due to it according to the righteousness of God ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... from their constant pursuit of greater and greater perfection of righteousness,
until they ... are they numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm