Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Lot Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Lot’s story is a warning about the dangers of compromise. Though he was a righteous man, his poor choices led to unnecessary suffering. His life shows us that while God is merciful, we must be careful not to align ourselves with ungodly influences.
CHARACTER STUDY OF LOT – NEPHEW OF ABRAHAM, ESCAPED SODOM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 13:8-12
"And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah... Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other." (Genesis 13:10-11)
Supporting Texts: 2 Peter 2:6-8, Genesis 19:15-26, Luke 17:32
INTRODUCTION:
Lot was the nephew of Abraham and played a significant role in biblical history. He journeyed with Abraham from Ur to Canaan and later settled in Sodom, a city known for its wickedness. Though he was a righteous man at heart (2 Peter 2:7-8), his choices brought him trouble.
His story highlights the consequences of selfish decisions, the dangers of compromising with the world, and God's mercy in delivering the righteous from destruction. Through Lot’s life, we will examine his strengths, weaknesses, and the lessons we can learn as believers.
1. LOT’S BACKGROUND AND RELATIONSHIP WITH ABRAHAM
Lot was part of Abraham’s household and benefited from his uncle’s faith and blessings.
a) Lot’s Family Lineage – He was the son of Haran, Abraham’s brother (Genesis 11:27).
b) Following Abraham – He travelled with Abraham from Ur to Canaan (Genesis 12:4).
c) Prosperity Under Abraham – Lot became wealthy due to his association with Abraham (Genesis 13:5).
d) Conflict Between Herdsmen – His herdsmen and Abraham’s herdsmen quarrelled over land (Genesis 13:7).
e) Biblical Example: Elisha prospered by following Elijah (2 Kings 2:9-10).
2. LOT’S DECISION TO DWELL IN SODOM
Lot’s choice of land showed his desire for material gain over spiritual well-being.
a) A Selfish Choice – Lot chose the fertile plains of Jordan based on sight (Genesis 13:10-11).
b) Compromising with the Wicked – He moved near Sodom despite its wickedness (Genesis 13:12-13).
c) Gradual Decline – He first pitched his tent near Sodom but later lived inside the city (Genesis 14:12).
d) Spiritual Blindness – He failed to discern the moral dangers of Sodom.
e) Biblical Example: Esau also made a bad choice for short-term gain (Genesis 25:29-34).
3. LOT’S CAPTIVITY AND RESCUE BY ABRAHAM
Lot’s decision to live in Sodom led to him being taken captive.
a) Sodom Was Attacked – Enemy kings invaded Sodom and took Lot captive (Genesis 14:11-12).
b) Abraham’s Intervention – Abraham rescued Lot with 318 trained men (Genesis 14:14-16).
c) Failure to Learn – Despite being saved, Lot returned to Sodom.
d) The Dangers of Compromise – His attachment to Sodom almost cost him his life.
e) Biblical Example: Samson ignored warning signs and suffered the consequences (Judges 16:4-21).
4. GOD’S WARNING TO LOT ABOUT SODOM’S DESTRUCTION
God sent angels to rescue Lot and his family from the coming judgment.
a) The Angels’ Visit – They warned Lot about Sodom’s destruction (Genesis 19:1-13).
b) Lot’s Hesitation – He delayed even after the warning (Genesis 19:15-16).
c) Divine Mercy – The angels had to physically pull him out of the city (Genesis 19:16).
d) A Call to Separation – Lot was commanded not to look back (Genesis 19:17).
e) Biblical Example: Noah obeyed God’s warning and was saved (Genesis 6:22).
5. THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND THE CONSEQUENCES FOR LOT
Despite being rescued, Lot suffered great personal losses.
a) The Cities Were Destroyed – Fire and brimstone consumed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25).
b) Lot’s Wife Looked Back – She disobeyed God’s command and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).
c) Loss of His Possessions – Lot fled with nothing, losing all his wealth.
d) His Daughters' Sin – His daughters later deceived him and committed incest (Genesis 19:30-38).
e) Biblical Example: Judas lost everything due to a wrong choice (Matthew 27:3-5).
6. STRENGTHS OF LOT
Despite his mistakes, Lot had some commendable qualities.
a) Hospitality – He welcomed the angels into his home (Genesis 19:1-3).
b) Righteousness Amid Wickedness – The Bible calls him a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7-8).
c) Courage to Defend the Angels – He tried to protect them from the men of Sodom (Genesis 19:6-8).
d) Obedience to Leave Sodom – Though hesitant, he eventually obeyed (Genesis 19:16-17).
e) Biblical Example: Daniel remained righteous in Babylon (Daniel 6:10).
7. WEAKNESSES OF LOT
Lot’s weaknesses led to his downfall and suffering.
a) Poor Decision-Making – He chose material wealth over spiritual security (Genesis 13:10-11).
b) Compromise with the Wicked – He lived among ungodly people (Genesis 13:12-13).
c) Attachment to Sodom – He hesitated to leave despite knowing its fate (Genesis 19:15-16).
d) Failure to Lead His Family Well – His wife and daughters made terrible choices (Genesis 19:26, 30-38).
e) Biblical Example: King Saul also made poor decisions that cost him his kingdom (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM LOT
