Genesis 19

Verse 1  And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

I.    The two angels are the same two angels that were with Abraham (18:22).

A.  They appeared as men (19:5).

B.   The angels recognized by the saved, but not recognized by the lost.

1.      Verse 1 - Lot knew them and their message was from God.

2.      Verse 5 - the homosexuals (lost people) didn't recognize the men as angels.

II.   Lot sitting in the gate of Sodom.

A.  Psalms 1:1 - Lot had progressed from:

1.      walking in the council of the ungodly;

2.   to standing in the way of sinners; (this doesn't mean standing between lost people and their salvation, but standing in the same place lost people stand.)

3.   to sitting in the seat of the scornful.

B.   Lot was probably an official of the city (one officially designated to oversee and witness public business.  Ruth 4:1 - When Boaz had public business, he went to those that sat in the gate of the city.

III. Lot recognized the men as being from God.

A.  He rose up to meet them.

1.      Compare with 18:2 where Abraham rose up and ran to meet them from the tent door.

2.   Lot didn't run to meet them, but waited for them to come to him.

B.   Even a backslider (a rebellious saved person) knows the men of God when they see them.

1.   The angels did nothing or said nothing to prove they were from God.

2.      Preachers and people of God today have God in them and people can see it.

3.   We don't need to prove to God's people that we belong to Him.

4.   We can't prove to unbelievers that we are of God.

5.      Matt. 12:38-45 - Jesus couldn't prove that He was the Son of God, for the Jews wouldn't believe what they already knew.

C.   Bowed before them.

1.      This showed respect for the men of God.

2.   All God's children ought to live so as to cause respect from others.

3.      They may not agree with our lives and doctrine, but they ought to be able to know that we really believe what we say we do.

Verse 2 and 3  And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. {3} And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

I.    Lot's protecting hand.

A.  Old feelings of love and fellowship were stirred up.

B.   Lot knew what would happen that night.

1.   The homosexuals and other wicked people would be "doing their thing".

2.      There is always more wickedness at night than in the daytime, for people think that if other people don't see their sins, God doesn't see them either.

3.      18:21 - God sees what happens at night, like He see what happens in the day time.

C.   Lot showing hospitality to God's messengers (pastor's are God's messengers today).

1.      Saved people have a desire to help and be with God's men.

2.   But Lot didn't want to be with them very much.

a.   He said he'd put them up one night and tomorrow they'd leave.

b.   He had no idea of the purpose of their visit.  He was not like the men of Bethlehem who trembled at the presence of Samuel, I Sam. 16:4.  Also note the difference in the result of the two visits.

c.   He had no thought that his world would ever end.

d.   He had no thought of the judgment of God.

II.   The angels respond.

A.  They refused - but why?

1.      Perhaps to see if Lot really desired them to stay.

2.      This shows us that Lot was afraid for their safety.

3.   To give us a picture that it's not wrong for the men of God to supply their own needs.  It's also not wrong for those needs to be supplied by God's people.

4.      Personally, I very seldom visit someone who asks me to "come by sometime".  If they really desire a visit a certain time will be mentioned.  Some people ask for a visit out of habit, not from desires.

B.   They continued to refuse until Lot pressed them greatly.

C.   Their needs were supplied.

1.      While the angels were as men, Abraham fed them and now Lot feeds them and makes a great celebration (just Lot's family members were present).

2.      Luke 10:7 - Jesus commanded the 70 to enter houses and eat and drink as provided for them.

3.      Matt. 6:33 - Our needs will be supplied when we put the things of God first.

4.   Our needs will be supplied by circumstances on this earth.  Probably not by a gift "floating down from heaven".

III. The change in Lot's household habits that night.

A.  He baked unleavened bread.

1.      Probably not the usual diet.

2.   18:6 - Abraham also made unleavened bread, but it is not mentioned because this is the ordinary food.

B.   I do believe Lot told his family these were heavenly guests.

1.      Apparently these four, that were at home, were the only ones that were saved from destruction.  (Lot, his wife, and two daughters.)

2.      Nobody else believed the day of destruction.

a.   Verse 12 - Lot had sons that didn't hear.

b.   Verse 14 - Lot's married daughters didn't hear because of the husband.

c.   Note that the mocking of the sons in law is taken as the daughters also mocking. (Num. 30:6-8, 10-15 - the heads of the family are responsible for the entire family {even if they're all lost.})

3.      What we do in our homes before our families has a great influence on them.

a.   Note verse 16 - They all had to be forced to leave.

b.   Lot did not take the leadership in leaving, as he hadn't taken he leadership in living for God.

Verse 4-11 - The episode with the men of the city.

I.    Verse 4.  But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

Before they lay down.

A.  For the nights rest.

B.   It didn't take long for news of the two strangers in town to get around.

1.      This shows the terrible degree of their sinfulness.

2.   The desire for new and different flesh -- This is of the devil.  (even today).

3.      This shows it is a pure sensual thing the men of Sodom are after.

II.   The men of the city.

A.  This is probably not all of the men of the city.

1.   The men of Sodom refers to those homosexuals of the city.

2.      Verse 14 - The sons in law of Lot were married, so probably weren't homosexual.  Apparently they were not stricken with blindness.

B.            Compassed the house - completely surrounded with the intent to force their way of life on Lot's visitors.  Luke 17:28-30 - In the last days, homosexuals shall try to force their way of life to be accepted.  This is happening today - 1984.

1.   In the 1960's and 1970's, homosexuals began to come out of secret.  At that time they were considered queers, and rightly so.  They called themselves "gay".  Look up the two words in the dictionary.)

2.      Homosexuals later were said to have a "variant life style", and began to be accepted by the majority of people.

3.      Now, 1984, they want to force their sinful ways on everybody else.  Rom. 1:32.

C.   Young and old - Old homosexuals in Brother Goff's church in Ardmore, Oklahoma.  Everybody knew it, and thought an old man couldn't be a homosexual.

1.      Instead of the older people seeing the sin of their way and teaching the younger people to do right, they encouraged them to follow wickedness.

2.   II Cor. 4:4 - the devil has blinded their minds.

3.      Young people will always look to their elders for an example.  It's a shame when homosexuals are their guide.  Let us be a good example.

4.      Today's young people (and many "adults") admire movie stars, rock musicians, country western singers, nearly anybody that is a "success" in this world.

D.  From every quarter - all the homosexuals from every part of town.

III. Verse 5.  And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

May know the men.

A.  In 1977 or 1978, Phil Donahue interviewed a homosexual pastor.  He said that the Hebrew word "yada" sometimes means "to interrogate".

1.   The claim is the citizens were afraid Lot was keeping spies.

2.   The context reveals that the use of the word "yada" means in a sexual way as:

a.   Verse 8 - Daughters had not "known" man (the exact same Hebrew word.)

b.   Luke 1:34 - Mary knew not a man.

3.      Note that a homosexual pastor was using the Hebrew to prove his point.

a.   Many "Baptists" use this same principle today.

b.   A study of the Hebrew and Greek will reveal no more than a thorough, prayerful study of the context will reveal.

c.   Many students let their intellect lead them instead of the Holy Spirit.

d.   W. O. Vaught of Little Rock, Arkansas, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church (Southern Baptist).

1.      Believes in universal, invisible church.

2.      Doesn't believe in election as taught by the Bible.

3.      Doesn't believe in a sinner repenting to be saved.

4.      Believes in some kind of "Angelic Conflict" that is increasing in intensity as the world come to a close.  Takes it from II Thess. 2.  He said that if you don't understand the Greek you can't get it from the King James Version.

5.      How can you believe a man who doesn't believe in the local church, election, and repenting?

6.      Note the homosexual and this Baptist believe you need Hebrew and Greek to understand.

B.   In verse 8, Lot uses the exact same Hebrew word "yada" and the meaning is "to know a man in sexual intercourse.

IV. Verse 6.  And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

Lot's intentions is to protect the men (angels).

A.  This is what he says in verse 8.

B.   It would have been good (better) if Lot had wanted to be hospitable to the men of God.

C.   There ought to be a natural spiritual desire to protect the men of God.

1.      Faithful church members ought to love their pastor and do all they can to help him in the work and protect him from evil people and evil talk.

2.      Saved people that have become rebellious (like Lot) have a natural spiritual desire to protect God's men.

3.   It's likely that people who continually rebel against the church and its leadership (in the pastor) are lost, especially when God has established the leader and he is trying to follow the Lord.

D.  Verse 6 - "Lot shut the door" - is proof that he wanted to protect the men, even if he must give up his two daughters to do it.

V.  Verse 7  And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

Lot believes homosexuality is evil.

A.  He had lived in its midst for many years.

1.   He had opportunity (as a leader in the city) to stop it, but had done nothing.

2.      Evidently nobody knew he was opposed to it.

3.   It's also true that those homosexuals were content to continue in the practice, even though they knew it was evil.  Lost people don't care.

B.   People that are saved know what the truth is.

1.      They may not act like it or live like it.

2.   But in their heart, they fully recognize the truth.

C.   He called them "brethren".

1.   He is trying to address them as the friends they have always been.  (Verse 9 - they reject this confederation.)

2.   He is trying to calm them down by calling them brethren.

VI. Verse 8  Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

Why did Lot offer his two daughters to the Sodomites?  I do not believe there is an answer I can prove from the Bible, but I will offer these thoughts.

A.  He knew they wouldn't take them for they were homosexuals.

B.   He was trying to show the men the earnestness of his request to leave his guests alone.

C.   He was trying to use his daughters while he and his wife and the two angels escape.

1.      This is certainly in error.

2.   Lot didn't want to leave the city the next day, much less that night.

D.  He didn't love his daughters.

1.      This certainly seems doubtful for he was saved and had a love for God, therefore had a love for his family.  We know he was so backslidden else he wouldn't have stayed in Sodom.

2.   II Peter 1:5-9 - In this list, charity (love) comes last.  This is because real Godly love is developed by trying (being diligent, verse 5).  Lot didn't try to develop Godly love therefore it is possible (very possible) that he really didn't love his family or daughters the way he should.

E.   Lot was confused and didn't know what he was saying.  If Lot had been following the Lord, He would have given him the proper thing to say.

F.   He was choosing the least of two evils.

1.   We should never close the lesser of two evils.

2.      Why not chose the way of God.

3.      You cannot avoid sin by committing sin.

G.   He made a rash statement that was most certainly in error.  Note:  Judges 11:31 - Jephthah vowed to give, as a burnt offering, to the Lord the first thing that came out his door when he returned from successfully defeating the Ammonites.  His only child, a daughter, came out and he offered her as a burnt offering to the Lord.

H.            Whatever the reason Lot offered his daughters, there is one thing for certain: he paid a terrible price for the statement.

1.   The girls were not taught to rely on the Lord for anything.

2.      Even after the angels forced them to leave Sodom, they didn't believe in God.

3.      They followed rebellious Lot into the city of Zoar, then into the mountains.

4.      They both got their father drunk, lay with him and had sons by him, verse 36.

5.   Sin always brings terrible consequences.

VII.      Verse 9-10 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. {10} But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

Blood is thicker than water.

A.  With the lost.

1.   Lot had lived in Sodom a long time.

2.   He was an important person in the city.

3.   The homosexuals reminded Lot he was not a native of the city, but an outsider.

4.      Lost people seldom totally accept anyone outside their own family.

5.      Especially those lost people who are determined to do evil.

6.      Sometimes they won't accept their own family if they go against their sinful ways.

B.   With the saved - NOTE: With saved Lot, the words (it was truth) of the angels (men of God) meant more than the words of the lost (and they hadn't been in Sodom but a few hours).

1.   To a growing saved person, his church family is the most important thing in his life.

2.   His joy and fellowship is around the word of God with God's children.

3.      These people become more precious than our families ever could.  (Especially if our families are lost.)

4.   If our families are saved and we do not live near them, our church family means more to us than our families.

5.      Sometimes the best thing we can do is move away from our families so we are able to hold our church family in its proper place.

C.   When people in church take sides with their family and against the word of God:

1.   It's for sure they aren't serving God in that thing.

2.      There is a good possibility they are lost.

3.   It is a mark of salvation when a person takes a stand for the Word, even when it's against his family.

VIII.     The homosexuals attempt to get their way.

A.  Verse 9.

1.      They told Lot to stand back from his own door.

2.      They began to threaten Lot himself.

3.      They got near the door in order to break it down.

B.            Homosexuals today are just like this.

1.      They want their evil ways to be accepted.

2.      They want the right to teach others that their "variant life style" (a total sin) is okay.

C.   The angels protected Lot and his family.

1.   God must protect us and our families today.

2.   Lot and his wife and two daughters was taken from among them, just like Jesus will take us out of this wicked world at the rapture.

3.   In the meantime, may God lay his protecting hand on us to keep us from evil people.

4.      May God help us to not leave this world like Lot left Sodom.

a.   No family.

b.   Forced out.

c.   No reward - put treasure in wrong place, Matt 6:19-21.

D.  The door was shut.

1.      Only those belonging in the house were allowed in the house.

2.      Only those that belong to Christ will be allowed in the rapture.

3.   All others will be on the outside.

IX. Verse 11  And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

The blindness of the homosexuals.

A.  They already had spiritual blindness.

1.   II Cor. 4:3,4 - The devil has blinded their minds lest they believe.

2.      Matt. 13:15 - They enjoyed their sins, therefore, they didn't want salvation.

3.      Acts 13:46 - They judged themselves unworthy of eternal life.

4.   I Cor. 6:9-11 - Some of the Corinthians were homosexuals, but when they were saved, they quit.  This shows us that homosexuals are not born, but are just following their own sinful lusts.

5.      Those people that won't believe the Bible will continue to believe that homosexuals are "born homosexuals".

B.   Now they have natural blindness.

1.      Only those men that were causing the uproar.  Not all the men.

2.   The physical blindness was the result of the spiritual blindness.

C.   They continued trying to get into Lot's house.

1.      Miracles do not convince lost people that they are sinners and need forgiveness.

2.      They were going to continue their homosexual activities even when they are blinded by a miracle from God.

D.  II Thess. 2:10-12 - Those evil people who knowingly and willingly follow Satan will, at the rapture, be given strong delusion.  So it will be impossible for them to be saved.

1.      Physically, they couldn't even find the door to Lot's house, much less the blessings in the house.  (Meeting the men {angels} of God.

2.   A lost person can't find the rich blessings of God and not admit their sinfulness.

3.   A saved person (like Lot) can't find true happiness as long as they don't totally trust the Lord.  They can find escape from many evils in this world.

Verse 12-13  And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: {13} For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

I.    This is the first time the angels told their mission.

A.  Lot didn't ask.

B.   These things happened so that even Lot would see that God was justified in destroying the cities of the plain.

1.   No sin happens without giving God glory.

2.      Many things that we consider evil, happen so we (and others) can have our eyes opened to see how evil things really are.

3.      Then we can understand and give God glory for His tender mercies and fierce judgments.

4.   Lot, his wife, and two daughters never complained that God was unjust in destroying Sodom.

C.   With news of destruction comes an invitation to save others.

1.      Need to reach our own families before we reach others.

2.      Nobody will be saved if we don't tell them.  People aren't being saved today as in days past because God's people aren't as concerned as they used to be.

3.   If the lost have no respect for the saved person, they will not listen to his message.

a.   It's very seldom you'll win a stranger to the Lord.

b.   Jack Hyles method of winning strangers in 60 seconds is very doubtful.

c.   We must gain their respect and friendship, then they'll listen to the message of God.

4.   Lot was in no danger of being destroyed and desired that others would not be in danger.

a.   When people are saved, they are in no danger of ever being lost.

b.   Their first reaction to salvation is to share with others so they will also be saved from danger.  (This is motivated by love for the Lord and love for the other person. --- fulfilling the law!)

c.   The reason the message is not shared is because the devil has his way with us.

d.   Grandpa Chapman was considered a fanatic by many saved (?) Baptists.  But he was doing his job.  The ones calling him a fanatic wasn't doing anything, except fussing at somebody else.

II.   Verse 14  And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.

Lot went to tell others.

A.  He gladly took these "newcomers" advice because in his heart he knew it was the truth.

1.      some saved people will go the way of the world when things are going good.

2.      Some saved people must see that destruction is coming tomorrow morning (first thing) before they ever do anything.

B.   Lot went out in a time of danger.

1.   If the homosexuals had caught him, they would have killed him, but they couldn't see him.

2.   God always takes care of those who would hurt us, if only we would completely trust Him.

3.   He had great zeal, but it was too late -- His sons in law didn't believe him.

4.      Mocked - play with.  They thought Lot was playing a game with them.

a.   This shows us that Lot hadn't spoken seriously to his family about God.

b.   It seems they thought this was just one more prank that "laugh a minute Lot" was pulling on them.

c.   They didn't think it strange that Lot would use God as a part of a joke.

C.   The others Lot talked to remained lost.

1.      God's word would not return void, for they would be held more accountable than the others. (because they heard).  Matt. 11:20-24.

2.   If you only hear the gospel one time and do not accept the Lord as your Savior, you'll justly go to hell, and hell will be hotter for you than for that person who never heard at all.

3.      These people only had one opportunity at salvation.  How many opportunities have you had?

Verse 15,16  And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. {16} And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

I.    The morning arose.

A.            Evidently about the time of twilight, before the full daylight came.

B.   Verse 23 - When full daylight came, Lot was already in the town of Zoar.

II.   The angels hastening Lot.

A.  Verse 6-11 - Lot had a great love for the city and its ways and desired for that city and its ways to continue.

1.      Verse 6 - Lot shut the door not only to protect the angels, but also so the angels couldn't see the exceeding wickedness of the people.  Many of God's children try to stand in the way of God seeing their wickedness and the wickedness of their friends.  Sometime we convince ourselves that our sins are not that bad before God.

2.      Verse 10 - The angels had to force Lot to come to safety.

B.   Verse 15 - The angels trying to hurry Lot - encouraging him to be faithful to God and leave this world alone.

1.      Verse 16 - Lot lingered - not anxious to go.

2.      Compare verse 10 to verse 16 - The angels use their hands to bring Lot and his family to safety.

a.   Ps. 91:11,12 - The angels shall bear us up in their hands.

b.   Luke 16:22 - The angels carrying Lazarus into Abraham's bosom.

C.   This is a picture of the end of this age when saved people will be so tied up with this world (so rebellious against God) that they will not welcome the rapture.  How do you feel about the rapture?

III. Thy wife and two daughters, which are here.

A.  Those of his household (under the protection of his roof) will be saved from wrath.

1.      From this scripture, God will watch over our children as long as they remain under our roof, even if they are of child bearing age. (verse 30-38).

2.   We don't have to worry if our children aren't saved when they are 10 or 12 years old, but keep on teaching them the truth and praying for them.

3.   God will protect them while they are under our care and supervision.

B.   It would be hard to leave those of our own families behind.

1.      This is what God calls us to do.

2.      Matt. 8:21,22 - This scripture does not mean to go and bury the father which is already dead, but to wait until the father dies before following Christ.  (Serve the family first, then Christ.)

3.   The mark of a true saved, dedicated person is when they take a stand with God and against their sinful worldly families.

4.   In the end of the church age (just before the rapture) there will be many saved people who will stop following God and follow their families instead.

IV. Lest thou be consumed.

A.  There is no chance whatever that Lot would be destroyed and go to hell.

1.      Rom. 8:35-39 - Nothing shall separate us eternally from God.

2.      John 6:37 - God will not cast us out.

3.      John 10:28,29 - We can't get out of God's hand.

B.   A saved person can lose his life by staying around sin all the time.

1.      Lot's life is almost ruined by compromising with sin.

2.   Lot has an opportunity now to change his ways and begin afresh.

3.   But note what he does with this uninvited opportunity!!

V.  The mercy of the Lord.

A.  Lot did not ask for mercy.  He was happy facing the judgment of God with these wicked people.

B.   Verse 29 - God blessed Lot because of Abraham.

1.      Most of us have received mercy from God because of our families who prayed for us.

2.      Saved people ought to pray for all others that God might have mercy on them.  We are in error if we don't.

Verse 17-22

I.    Verse 17  And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

The orders after they got out of Sodom.

A.  Being brought out by the angels.

1.   The angels always do their job.

2.   The angels may advice us correctly, but men disobey.

B.   Escape - Some responsibilities for our well being is in our own hands.  Don't blame God for our failures.

C.   Put this way of life and its love away from you.

1.      Don't look back - don't long for these sins that have been put away.

2.      Escape to the mountain, not to the plain.  A totally different way of life for the consecrated Christian.

II.   Verse 18-20  And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord: {19} Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast showed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die: {20} Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

A.  Lot, being delivered from destruction was so ungrateful as to immediately refuse to obey even the slightest command.

1.   He had a fear of a different way of life.  We also have a fear of the unknown, but ought to walk by faith, relying on God to control he evil that would attack us.

2.   He had a knowledge of the mercy of God on him, but didn't want any more.  We can also be grateful for God saving us and yet have no desire to live for God.  We must learn to break old sinful habits and give ourselves totally to the Lord.

B.   Desire to stay in a little city.

1.   His belief that little sins would not lead to bigger sins.

2.   He hadn't learned much about how gradual "big" sins come upon us - usually from "small" sins.

C.   Gen. 4:17 - Cain building the first city.

1.      Most lost people like to congregate so they can sin more.

2.      There is more meanness going on in cities than in the country.

3.      There is more understanding of how to live in the "country" than in the "city".

a.   Terry Van Doyle said most students at A. S. U. don't know anything about working or practical things.

b.   In some places, it matters that "brand name" clothes you wear.

1.      "Calvin Klin" at $44.00 a pair (for blue jeans).

2.      Got to wear "Nike" tennis shoes, not "Wal-mart specials".

4.   As our country life becomes more modern through (1) T. V., (2) Cable T. V., (3) Satellite T. V., (4) cars going to distant places, so forth - country life is getting meaner and meaner.

III. Verse 21,22.  And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. {22} Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

A.  Lot's prayer was answered.

1.   He prayed for the wrong thing, but God gave it to him.

2.   We can also pray for the wrong thing and God will give it to us.

B.   The city of Zoar (meaning "a little one") was spared because Lot wanted to go there.

1.      Righteous men may hold back the judgment of God by their presence in a place.

2.      Note the great love and patience God had for Lot in granting this request.

C.   The power of the angel.

1.   God had fore knew that Lot would desire to go to Zoar and made preparation for it by allowing him to go.  (and so instructing the angel beforehand) yet not compelling him to go.

a.   God gives saved people a "free choice" in service along certain lines.

b.   There are things saved people will do.  (Will of Purpose).  Example: Jonah.

c.   There are things saved people have a choice about (Will of Command).  Example: David in I Samuel 23:1-15 (especially verse 11-13).

2.   The angels power was limited because he couldn't destroy the cities of the plain until Lot was save.

a.   God will not bring about the time of Jacob's trouble until His churches are save in heaven.

b.   If we desire to be safe in heaven at the rapture, then let us hasten to separate ourselves from this world.

Verse 23  The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

I.    The time was early morning, but before mid morning.

A.  The people of the cities of the plain were awake, going about their daily business.

1.      They continued to have no thought of God or their sins.

2.      They were destroyed while still in their sins.

3.      Lost people do not care for warnings of judgment and make no move to repent.  Finally, they die in their sins and face eternal destruction in hell.

4.   The idea that millions of lost people will be saved when the Lord raptures out His own is pure hog wash.  II Thess. 2:11,12 says that God will send them strong delusion that they would believe a lie and not be saved.

II.   God will "delay" judgment on this earth until His children are safe with Him.  II Peter 3:9 - not willing that any should perish, but that all (the elect) should come to the knowledge of the truth.

Verse 24,25  Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; {25} And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

I.    "Rained" - the same Hebrew word "Matar" as in Gen. 2:5 and 7:4.

A.  This came from the sky, not from the earth.

1.      This is not a volcanic eruption - there is no molten rock (lava) in the area.

2.      This is not an earthquake.

B.   This is the judgment of God.

1.      Cannot escape the judgment of God.

2.      Example - in a field and hear the rain coming, but can't run fast enough to outrun it.

3.   I Kings 18:41 - Ahab and Elijah trying to outrun the rain.

II.   Fire and Brimstone.

A.  Fire is the Hebrew word "esh" meaning fire.

1.      Rev. 1:14 - Jesus' eyes in judgment appear as flames of fire.

2.   II Thess 1:8,9 - God will come in flaming fire, taking vengeance on unbelievers.

3.   II Peter 3:10 - God shall destroy the earth with fervent heat and fire.

4.   II Kings 1:10,12,14 - God destroyed His enemies (and Elijah's) with fire from heaven.

B.            Brimstone is from the Hebrew "Gophrith" meaning bitumen or pitch.

1.      Sometimes called sulfur - a well known simple mineral substance, easily melted, very inflammable, and when burning emits a peculiar suffocating odor.

2.      Gen. 6:14 - (a) pitch it within and without with (b) pitch.

a.   Pitch from Hebrew "Kaphar" meaning "to cover" as in the atonement.

b.   Pitch from Hebrew "Kophar" meaning "bitumen" as in asphalt.

3.      Either we are covered (atoned) from the judgment of God by Jesus Christ, or we are exposed to the judgment of God.

III. The cities involved.

A.  Verse 24 - Sodom and Gomorrah.

B.   Verse 25 - The cities of the plain.

1.      Deut 29:23 - Admah and Zeboiim.

2.      Gen. 14:2 - The five cities of the plain are the four cities mentioned above plus Zoar.

C.   Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim were destroyed.  Zoar was spared because of Lot.

D.            Abraham delivered these five cities once (Gen. 14) and tried to deliver them again. (Gen. 18:23-33)

1.      Abraham was not a failure because these cities continued in their wickedness.

2.   We are not a failure if people we love continue in their wickedness.

3.   We can only be a failure if we fail to witness to them. (Ezk. 33:1-9)

IV. The destruction of all.

A.  All human life.

B.   All animal life.

C.   All plant life.

Verse 26  But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Luke 17:32 - "Remember Lot's wife".

I.    Mrs. Lot turned into a pillar of salt.

A.  Salt used right is good.

1.      Matt. 5:13, Mark 9:49,50, Luke 14:35 - We ought to have a little "salt" in our Christian life.

2.   Job 6:6 - Salt used to season food.

3.      Lev. 2:13, Ezk. 43:24 - Used in sacrifices (meat offerings).

4.   Salt used to ratify a contract or make a covenant.

a.   Lev. 2:13 - The burnt offering is a symbol of a covenant.

b.   Num. 18:19 - The heave offering is a covenant of salt.  (The heave offering gives the firstling of all to the Lord.)

c.   II Chron. 13:5 - David is king forever by a covenant of Salt.  See II Sam. 7;12 - Nathan talking to David at God's command.

d.   The covenant of Salt is:

1.      An unending alliance between friends.

2.      Symbolizing.

a.            hospitality

b.            antiseptic

c.            durability

d.            fidelity

e.            purity

5.   II Kings 2:19-22 - healing - Elisha healed the bad waters with salt.  (This in part to prove that he was a prophet of God.)

B.   Too much salt is not good.

1.   Too much salt makes food unfit to eat.

2.   The Dead Sea (The Salt Sea) is so salty, no fish can life there and a human can almost float unaided in its waters.  However, overexposure to the salt will cause skin problems and can cause ill health.

3.   The mountain, Jebel Usdum, located on the southern shores of the Dead Sea, is seven miles long and several hundred feet high.  It is composed almost entirely of salt.  There is no vegetation there at all.

C.   This is why God turned Mrs. Lot into a pillar of salt.

1.   She is probably saved, but there is no fruit or leaves about her life at all.  (Matt. 21:18-22 - Since the fig tree didn't bear fruit for Jesus, He forbid it to bear leaves.  Fruit shows there is life for future generations in the tree, and the leaves show there is life in the tree.)

2.   She is an example of the saved, rebellious, self centered person who becomes repulsive to God and all that are around her.

3.   Salt loses its savour (smell, fragrance, usefulness) when exposed to air.  Satan is the Prince of the power of the air.  God's children lose their saltiness when overexposed to the world and its enticements.  (Matt. 5:13, Mark 9:49,50 14:34.)

4.      Contrary to the popular notion, Mrs. Lot isn't turned into a pillar of salt as the angels are forcing her to leave her home in Sodom.  According to the scripture, she is already in Zoar when she looks at the destruction of Sodom and is turned into a pillar of Salt.

5.   She is a public warning to all that are in the city.  (Wouldn't that give people something to talk about?  Maybe that has a bearing on Lot leaving Zoar!)

6.      Luke 17:32 - A public warning to all that God will make us totally barren.  See also Matt. 25:29,30, and Luke 19:26.

II.   She suffered a "divided will".

A.  Lot took his wife into a "hell hole" and she came to like it there.

B.   Gen. 19:15,16 - She didn't want to leave her home.

C.   Gen. 19:17-22 - She saw the compromise her husband had gotten from the Lord and decided the Lord really didn't mean what He said.

D.  Gen. 19:12-14 - She didn't mock as others but believed that judgment was coming.

E.   The following is copied from a booklet entitled "Remember now thy creator in the Days of thy youth".  Ecclesiastes 12:1 by J. L. Tucker.

In answering the question regarding the coming of the kingdom of God, Jesus declares the conditions that will be existing in the world just prior to His return the second time: "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, and drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  Even thus shall it be in the days when the Son of man is revealed...remember Lot's wife."  Luke 17:28-32.  (Read Gen. 18 and 19).

Why is it we are to remember?  She belonged to an excellent family.  She is of those who heard the call of God to leave Ur of the Chaldees.  She evidently was a sharer in Abraham's faith and perhaps hundreds of times had prayed at his altar.  The world owes much to this remarkable family.  But one day she and her husband Lot made a choice; and with that selfish choice they were soon in Sodom, and shortly thereafter, Sodom was in her heart.

Sodom's society was vicious, shameless, incontinent, impious, vile, rotten, immoral, degenerate, sex perverted, and reprobate.  (See II Peter 2:6,8; Jude 7; Ezekiel 16:49,50; Genesis 19:13, 19:20).  And yet into the midst of this pollution and moral filth, Mrs. Lot, for selfish reasons, (perchance money, a lovely home, social prestige) takes her children.  And she came to love it.  She came under its spell.  the gay life of Sodom became attractive to her.  She became one of the Sodomites.

Mrs. Lot was warned.  Not only that, she was the object of earnest, intercessory prayers on the part of Abraham.  In mercy God sent angel messengers to urge her out of the city.  In spite of God's interest she failed.  She perished with the rottenness sot in Sodom.

Why this ruin when she was so faithfully warned?  We could not say it was her unbelief, for she believed the angels.  She did not mock as other members of her family did. She responded to the message and started from the city; but there was no eagerness in her heart, there was no enthusiasm for this program.  With her husband she lingered, loathe to leave.  With death at her heels, she lingered; with life secure on the mountain tops, still she lingered -- she seemed to want to stay as long as she could even in the midst of impending danger.

Dear reader, I ask you this direct question: "Have you lingered and hesitated over the call of God?"  Untold millions have done so until the best years were gone.  They have lingered until the sunset of life, they have lingered until their children have grown up and gone out into the world, until the world holds them with bands of steel.  They have lingered until the voice of God has grown dim.  Linger no longer; there is still hope?

At last Mrs. Lot starts, the angels move her forward.  The command is: "Look not backward."  Why didn't she win?  Why didn't she reach the mountain top of safety?  The record says: "She looked back."  It seemed a slight offence, but it was disobedience to God's command; and I want that every reader shall know that our God is particular in regard to our obedience.  What did this offense indicate?  It indicated a divided will.  It revealed the fact that she was still in love with Sodom.  Two voices are calling to her: the voice from the highlands, the voice of God, calling her to liberty, to salvation, to purity of life; and the voice of the lowlands, the voice of Sodom, the voice of society, the voice of popularity; and the voice from Sodom wins.  She stands as an example of the tragedy of a divided heart.

The great testing day is before us.  Jesus has given us this one illustration from times past to make us think of how we should relate ourselves in reference to the coming of our Lord and Saviour.  Luke 21:34-36.

If just now the Holy Spirit has made us conscious of our back slidings, our wanderings from God; if we are brought face to face with the fact that there is really no joy in our religion, no happiness in our service, shall we not, as we remember Lot's wife and the tragic and thereof, kneel in prayer and say, "Lord, I am sorry for the half heartiness that has come into my life.  Help me to love righteousness and hate iniquity.  Open my eyes that I may see the ruin that my life is bringing into the lives of my loved ones.  Help me to realize what my example has been, and give me grace to redeem the days that have been wasted ere it is forever too late."  Won't you do this now?  Remember Lot's wife.

III. This is the condition of people in the last days.

A.  On Phil Donahue Show, 1/20/82 -- James Robison is a guest.  The audience didn't think James Robison had the right to say that homosexuals were wrong because it made them feel bad.  (They had the idea that homosexuals were born, not made.)  Bro. Robison said homosexuals could quit being a homosexual by the power of God.  Also that a normal person could become a homosexual by following his natural depravity.

1.      Most of the people didn't think Brother Robison had the right to preach what he did and that he shouldn't have a media program telling of his beliefs, but that the homosexuals did have the right.  The people stated that when Brother Robison was canceled from T. V. that his rights to free speech wasn't involved because he was a guest on the Phil Donahue Show.  (But we need to remember that it's one thing to be a guest on somebody else's show and to have our own show.)

2.      When the program ended, Donahue had his arm around Robison and told the audience that they were representative of the American people (there were less than 100 there).  Donahue was confident that when preachers found out that it wasn't "popular" to preach against homosexuals, they would quit preaching against them and welcome them into the religious community.  James Robison was shaking his head with disagreement and unbelief.

B.   There was a time when preachers of every rank and file preached against particular sins.  Now churches will get rid of them and get somebody else.  II Tim. 4:3,4.

1.      Clothing - preachers used to preach against ungodly dress, but now they are doing it themselves.

2.      Women speaking in church - now women are being ordained for pastors.

3.      Smoking - but not many preachers smoke.

4.      Drinking - now preachers are afraid of offending those people that get drunk, or church members who take an "occasional" beer.

5.      Mixed swimming - now whole churches are involved.

6.      Rock and roll - 30 or 35 years ago there wasn't any rock and roll.  Most pastors don't preach against these things because many of their young people listen to the trash and the pastors want them to keep coming.

7.      Long hair on men - came in with rock and roll.  Now many preachers have long hair.

8.      Fornication, adultery, and divorce - now preachers are doing all this and their members are too.

9.      Excluding anybody from church - now they put up with anything and everything and God isn't blessing at all, and the church has lost their influence in the community.

10.      Afraid of losing membership and money - Don't trust God to replace anybody or to provide for the needs of the church.

C.   Israel didn't listen either.

1.   Is. 32:9-15 - God charging the "at ease" women to get busy for God's sake.  These women were not lazy, they were busy supplying for their families, but they had forgotten to serve God while they supplied for the needs of their families.  This prophecy was written about 100 years before 606 B. C.

2.   Jer. 6:9-17 - dull of hearing, therefore judgment to be upon them.  This prophecy was uttered about 6 hears before 606 B. C. It was not well known that Israel would be in captivity for 70 years even though God had his men preach it.  Jer. 25:11.  Daniel, who was lead into Babylon captivity, was not told how long the captivity would be.  He found out by reading the bible, Daniel 9:2.  therefore you know that the people didn't listen to the men of God.  Today, a rebellious people still don't listen to God's men.

3.      Zeph. 1:12-18 - Judgment upon those that are comfortable.  This was written between 642 and 611 B. C. (See Zeph. 1:1).  This prophecy could have been given as close as four years from 606 B. C.  (The destruction of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar, but the people didn't listen.)

D.  Take warning today.

1.   II Tim. 4:4,5 - Saved people shall turn their ears from the truth and be turned to fables.  Today, (1989) many of God's people don't want to hear the truth of the Word of God.  They rather want somebody to tickle their ears with stories.

2.   II Tim. 3:7 - Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

3.   I Thess. 5:1-8 - Christ shall come in the night as a thief.  We need to be ready.  But instead of being ready, we are very busy building houses to live in and planning for our retirement.

4.      Matt. 24:12 - Iniquity shall abound and the love of many shall wax cold.

5.      Luke 18:8 - Shall he find faith on the earth when he comes?

6.   Ps. 50 - God is a silent God.  There was 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament.  God is a silent God now, but one day that will all change.  See Ps. 2.

Verse 27,28  And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: {28} And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

I.    Verse 27.  Abraham looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah.

A.            Abraham got up early that day.

1.   He may have gotten up early every day, but the Bible especially notes that he got up early.

2.   He knew the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was at hand, and probably prayed for the people that night.

3.   At least we know that he got up early and went to the place where he last spoke to God to see what would happen.

B.            Abraham didn't turn into a pillar of salt.

1.   He didn't have a command from God to not look toward Sodom.

2.      Mrs. Lot was the one that had that command.

3.      Some people are required to do some things that others are not required to do.

4.      Whatever God asks you to do, you ought to do, not caring whether somebody else approves or not.

5.   The one who is disobedient is the one who reaps the consequences of disobedience.

C.   God did what he said he would do.

1.      There is no doubt in my mind that God looked through the city of Sodom for 10 righteous people, Gen. 18:32.

2.   I don't think Abraham was surprised when he saw the destruction of the cities.  I believe he had a sorrow in his heart because of the destruction of people and property.

3.      One lesson we all should learn is that God will certainly do what he said he would do!

II.   Compare the difference of attitude between Abraham and Lot's wife.

A.  Both looked on in horror and sorrow.

1.      Abraham with compassion of lost souls.

2.      Lot's wife with desire for lost loved ones.

B.   Both looked with despair at the loss of property.

1.      Abraham thinking what a waste of people and property.

2.      Lot's wife with despair at losing her living and all her wealth.

C.   Both looked at the loss.

1.      Abraham knowing those people could have glorified God, willingly.

2.      Lot's wife wanting to be back there enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season.

III. The smoke of the furnace.

A.  Like the smoke from burning pitch (tar).

1.      Black and rolling with heat.

2.      Filling the air with it peculiar odor.

B.   This is the judgment of God.

1.      Swift when it gets started.

2.      Viewed by God's children (The casting of the lost into the Lake of Fire will be viewed by saved people.)

Verse 29  And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

I.    A recapitulation of the preceding verses in chapter 19.

II.   Destruction of the cities of the plain.

A.  Not only was Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed, but also the cities of Admah and Zeboim - Deut. 29:23.

B.   Gen. 14:2 - Zoar was spared for Lot's sake.

III. The reason God saved Lot.

A.  The prayers of Abraham for him and the cities.

1.   It was not Lot's goodness that saved him from destruction.

2.   Lot was living just like all the other wicked inhabitants, and wasn't looking for God's judgment or salvation.

B.   It's not our goodness that causes God to spare us.

1.      When we were lost, it was the prayers of other saved people that God heard.

2.   II Peter 3:9 - The reason we've not been destroyed with other sinners is because of God's goodness toward us.

IV. Lot was sent out of the city.

A.  It was not his idea to leave.  God forced him to leave.

B.   At the rapture there will be saved people that won't be ready to leave this world.  God will force them to go.  ("Remember Lot's wife.")

 THE EVENTS IN LOT'S LIFE AFTER HE LEFT SODOM

Verse 30-38

Verse 30, And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

I.    Lot couldn't stay in Zoar.

A.  Perhaps he thought the inhabitants were against him and blamed him for the destruction of the four other cities in the plain.

B.   Perhaps Lot failed to believe the promise of God (19:21) and believed that God would also destroy Zoar.

C.   The places we chose for safety are never places of safety at all.

1.   Lot finally wound up in the place God told him to go.

2.   We will also finally wind up in the place God tells us to go.

3.      Jonah did.

D.  Perhaps Lot thought he could gain riches again by entering Zoar, but when he saw that all opportunity of becoming wealthy was gone, he decided he had nothing to lose by obeying God.

II.   Lot dwelt in the mountains.

A.  The word "dwelt" seems to indicate that Lot "lived on a permanent basis" in the mountains.

1.      Compare with Gen. 19:30 - Lot feared to dwell in Zoar.

2.      Compare with Gen. 19:30 - Lot dwelt in a cave.

B.   We don't know how much time passed while Lot was in the mountain.

1.      Evidently Lot and his daughters died in the mountain.

2.      There must have been enough time passed for the girls to think they were going to live the rest of their lives in that cave.

3.      They didn't think they had any hope of a husband and children.

III. Lot was bone poor.

A.  All of his wealth was destroyed when Sodom was destroyed.

1.   All of our wealth will be destroyed when Christ comes for us at the rapture.

2.   II Peter 3:11 - Seeing that all these things shall be destroyed, what manner of persons ought we to be?

B.   Matt. 6:19-21 - We ought to lay up treasure in heaven.

1.      Luke 16:1-13 - We ought to be faithful in money, using the money and material things God has given us to support the church and God's ministers, and missionaries.  Only when we understand what money is for will God allow us to grow in other spiritual matters.

2.   I Cor. 3:10-15 - As we live our daily lives, are we building a home in heaven, or a home on this earth?  Will we be "saved, yet so as by fire", or have many rewards in heaven?

C.   Lot carried some possessions with him into the mountain.

1.   We do not know exactly what he carried with him, but we know of one thing.

2.   He carried wine with him or else he grew the fruit to make the wine.

D.  The destructive forces of wine.  (The misuse of wine.)

1.      Even though Lot had seen the judgment of God on abuses, he still hadn't learned that God meant what he said and would bring all sin into judgment.

2.      Prov. 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink a raging.

3.      Prov. 21:17 - The lover of wine and oil shall not be rich.

4.      Prov. 23:29-32 - The result of too much drinking.

5.      Prov. 31:4 - Not good for those in authority to drink wine or strong drink.

6.      Prov. 23:20 - Be not among winebibbers (drunks).

7.   Is. 5:11-14 - Too much drinking leads to hell.

E.   Lot was bone poor, but he had the most precious possessions in the world with him - his two daughters.  He didn't realize how wealthy he was.

1.      Many times we do not realize how wealthy we are when we have our children around us.

2.   We keep on working to have material possessions, not realizing that God gives us a very great gift when he gives us our children.

Verse 31-35, And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: {32} Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. {33} And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. {34} And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. {35} And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

I.    The condition of Lot's daughters.

A.  Note what Lot's daughters think of him.

1.      They know he won't parent their children if he is in his right mind.

2.      They know he has some principles, and they also know how to cause him to "bend" those principles.

3.      They know Lot will tolerate a "little sin" like drinking, so they use that compromise to get what they want from him.

4.   The sobering thought for parents is that our children know our compromises and they also know how to "work" us so we will give in to what they want.

B.   What they do is a product of their raising.

1.   As sad (or as joyful) as it is, what our children do is the result of how we raised them.

2.   I cannot doubt Lot's love for his daughters, but he didn't raise them to trust God for their daily needs, or for their great lifetime needs.

3.      They could not see how they could bear children except by their father.

4.      They weren't walking by faith, but by sight.  Lot at how much trouble they got into!

C.   They think to themselves that they have a noble purpose in their sinful act.

1.      Their purpose is to provide seed of their father, to "carry on the family name" since all of Lot's sons were dead.

2.      Some people believe "the end justifies the means".

3.      This is false, for we cannot do sin that good may come.

D.  Perhaps their wild living in Sodom lead them to conspire together in this foul deed.

1.      They may have seen this happen many times in Sodom.

2.      They had not studied their Bibles, else they would know that incest is sin.

3.      Incest is an abomination in the sight of God.  How much worse when two sisters conspire to rape their father and have his children!!!

II.   Lot did not know what happened.

A.  Some may doubt this is true, but that is the same as doubting the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.

B.   The wine did not affect him to make him unable to engage in a sexual act.

C.    What a horrible feeling must have come over Lot when he realized that both his daughters were pregnant and that he is the father!!

III.  John Gill states that the daughters of Lot lay with him in order to produce the Messiah.

A.    This is a totally ridiculous idea.

1.      The Bible states nothing like this at all.

2.      John Gill states that the girls believed the entire world had been consumed by fire and they were the only ones left alive, therefore they believed they were doing the right thing to produce offspring by their father.

3.      John Gill also states the girls believed they were doing the right thing because this thing was taught in the false religions of the day.

4.      Whether the girls thought they were doing right is irrelevant.

5.      They were not doing right.

B.    Before us is a clear case of a person convincing themselves it is okay to sin IF the results are what is desired.

1.      I do not believe the girls believed the entire world had been consumed by fire.  If they did believe that it is because they didn’t know the clear Word of God.

2.      The daughters didn’t have any thought at all of producing the Messiah, because they weren’t looking for a Messiah.

3.      They were only looking to produce offspring for their father.

4.      They believed they didn’t have a chance of getting a husband, and wanted to continue their father’s name.

5.      It is as simple as the Bible states it.

Verse 36-38, Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. {37} And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. {38} And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

I.    They were not ashamed.

A.  The name "Moab" means "of his father".  This not only has reference to Moab's father, but also that the firstborn daughter had the child of her father.

B.            Benammi means "son of my people".  This has reference to the child being conceived by Lot.

C.   Ammon means "sons of renown, mountaineers".  This has reference to the act of conception and child bearing and giving birth taking place in the mountains.

II.   The Moabites and Ammonites.

A.  First dwelt in the highlands surrounding the dead sea, extending as far north as the mountains of Gilead.  The Amorites drove them south, so their territory covered an area east of the dead sea and north about half way of the dead sea.

B.    The Ammonites are most frequently mentioned and included in the peoples of Moab.

III.  Lot didn’t intend to wind up like he did.

A.    No sinner does.

B.    No saint does.

C.    The conclusion of our entire lives is bound up in the daily activities of each person, whether these activities are holy or unholy.

D.    Sad, but true.