Remember Lot's Wife

REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 17:32

"Remember Lot’s wife."

Supporting Texts: Genesis 19:15-26, Matthew 24:37-39, Hebrews 10:38-39, Philippians 3:13-14, 2 Peter 2:6-9

INTRODUCTION

The warning given by Jesus in Luke 17:32 is one of the shortest yet most powerful statements in the Bible: "Remember Lot’s wife." This statement serves as a solemn reminder to all believers about the danger of disobedience, attachment to the world, and failing to completely follow God's instructions. Lot’s wife had an opportunity to escape destruction, yet she perished because of her divided heart.

Her story is recorded in Genesis 19:15-26, where God sent angels to rescue Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They were given clear instructions: "Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed!" (Genesis 19:17). Tragically, Lot’s wife disobeyed and looked back, instantly turning into a pillar of salt. Her story is a warning to those who hesitate in their walk with God or hold onto things He has commanded them to leave behind.

In today’s world, many Christians are like Lot’s wife—divided in their commitment to God, longing for the pleasures of the world while trying to walk the path of righteousness. The story of Lot’s wife teaches us about the dangers of spiritual complacency, disobedience, and attachment to the past. This message will highlight the key lessons from her tragic end and how we can avoid making the same mistake.

1. THE DANGER OF DISOBEDIENCE

a) God’s Instructions Are for Our Good (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

God’s commandments are meant to lead us to safety and blessings. When He tells us to move forward, obeying completely is the only way to experience His promises.

b) Delayed Obedience is Disobedience (Genesis 19:16)

Lot’s wife hesitated, and even Lot himself lingered until the angels had to forcefully remove them. Hesitation in obeying God can lead to destruction.

c) Halfway Obedience is Still Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Obeying some parts of God’s command while ignoring others is dangerous. Lot’s wife followed the angels but disobeyed by looking back.

d) Disobedience Brings Judgement (Hebrews 10:26-27)

God’s mercy is available, but persistent disobedience leads to judgment. Lot’s wife ignored the warning and faced the consequences.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 15:11-23)

Like Lot’s wife, Saul partially obeyed God, leading to his rejection as king.

2. ATTACHMENT TO THE WORLD CAN DESTROY DESTINY

a) Love for the World Leads to Spiritual Decline (1 John 2:15-17)

Lot’s wife was physically leaving Sodom, but her heart was still in the city. Many believers today struggle with letting go of worldly desires.

b) Looking Back Symbolises Longing for the Past (Philippians 3:13-14)

A believer who constantly looks back cannot move forward. God calls us to press on, not to dwell in the past.

c) You Cannot Serve Two Masters (Matthew 6:24)

Lot’s wife tried to serve God and hold onto Sodom at the same time, but it ended in tragedy.

d) Worldly Attachment Leads to Compromise (James 4:4)

Friendship with the world makes one an enemy of God. We must make a clear decision to follow Christ fully.

e) Biblical Example: Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)

Demas forsook Paul because he loved the world, just as Lot’s wife perished because of her attachment to Sodom.

3. A CALL TO TOTAL COMMITMENT TO GOD

a) Following God Requires Total Surrender (Luke 9:62)

Jesus said that anyone who puts their hand to the plough and looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.

b) Partial Commitment is Dangerous (Revelation 3:15-16)

God wants us to be fully devoted to Him, not lukewarm in our faith.

c) Obedience to God Brings Protection (Psalm 91:1-2)

Lot and his daughters were saved because they obeyed. Full obedience leads to divine preservation.

d) We Must Keep Our Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Instead of looking back, we should focus on Christ and the journey ahead.

e) Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4)

Abraham left his past behind and obeyed God completely, leading to great blessings.

4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF LOOKING BACK

a) Spiritual Stagnation (Luke 9:62)

Looking back hinders spiritual progress and growth.

b) Loss of God’s Presence (Judges 16:20)

Samson lost his strength when he compromised, just as Lot’s wife lost her life when she looked back.

c) Missed Divine Opportunities (Numbers 14:1-4, 22-23)

The Israelites who longed for Egypt never entered the Promised Land.

d) Destruction Instead of Salvation (Genesis 19:26)

Lot’s wife was close to safety but still perished because of her divided heart.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites in the Wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3)

They kept looking back to Egypt and failed to trust God for their future.

5. HOW TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH

a) Set Your Mind on Things Above (Colossians 3:1-2)