We Find a Family Who Because of Some Poor Decisions Was Devastated

HE LINGERED GENESIS 19

Text: Gen 19:16

Genesis 19:16 (KJV) 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.

Introduction:

We find a family who because of some poor decisions was devastated.

1. LOT LOOKED (13:7-10)

Genesis 13:7-10 (KJV) 7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. 8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. 9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

A. Worldly desire Isaiah 31:1 (KJV) 1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Many today are looking good things all the wrong way

 Success

 Popularity

 Happiness

Lot’s worldly desire led to a:

B. Wrong decision

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Lot started by pitching his tent toward Sodom, but was so impressed by it that he moved he and his family there.

2. LOT LINGERED

Genesis 19:16 (KJV) 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. Lot was:

 He was slow when he should have been quick.

 He was backward when he should have been forward.

 He was cold when he should have been hot.

Why did Lot linger?

A. He made wrong decisions early in life. (Gen 13:5-11)

B. He frequently fellowshipped with sinners. (Gen 13:11-13)

C. He dug his roots in a sinful environment.

Today many are lingering!

 They know more truth that they live.

 They believe in Heaven but don’t long for it.

 They know time is short but live as if it were long.

 They build their lives on things below.

 They understand the battle but rub shoulders with the enemy.  They say they love the Lord but seldom live for Him.

Because of Lot’s Looking and Lingering:

3. LOT LOST

A. He lost his insight.

Genesis 19:7 (KJV) 7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

B. He lost his testimony.

C. He lost his opportunity to reach his family and friends.

D. He lost his family.

 Many families today are headed the same way.

 They have lost their insight.

 They are losing their testimony, and as a result of losing their testimony they are forfeiting their opportunities to reach their family and friends.