TEXT: Genesis 19:15-28
OBJECTIVE
The students will be able to explain that being engrossed in the affairs of this life or being entangled in the things of the world, unless repented of, will eventually bring God’s judgment.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Although the prayers of the righteous will often prevent, for many years, the certain judgments of God from being carried out, the day of reckoning will finally come. If the way of escape is ignored, then nothing is left but to suffer the righteous anger of God. There are too many men and women who have been reared under the guidance of godly fathers and mothers and have grown into adulthood without availing themselves of the salvation of Christ. Oftentimes they will say that their parents’ prayers will avail for them and be sufficient. Not so! A parent’s prayers alone can’t save a son or daughter—salvation is between God and the individual. However, a parent’s prayers can and do hold off the day of reckoning for a season and will prevail with God as did Abraham’s prayers for his nephew Lot. We must realize that God gives each person his own choice as to what he will do, and eternal consequences will be faced by the decision he makes.
QUESTIONS
Sometimes the things of this life, as innocent as they may seem, trap people in sin to the extent that they lose their souls and must face the judgment of God just as Lot’s wife did. God is always faithful in giving timely warnings. There are many instances in the Bible where He warned men of impending judgment. God has also warned us in these days of the wrath that is to come upon the ungodly if they do not repent.
- Why did the Lord say the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were to be destroyed? See Genesis 18:20.
Response: Sodom and Gomorrah were to be destroyed because their sin was very grievous. Discuss with your students the fact that the sin of Sodom was not hidden from God, nor is anyone’s sin at any time (Numbers 32:23). Judgment for sin is still the same today.
- What do the cities of our day have in common with Sodom and Gomorrah?
Response: Sin is rampant in all of the cities of the world today. As the class discusses this fact, bring out that many people today are living as Paul told Timothy they would be in the last days, including people living without natural affections. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
- When Abraham was told of the intended destruction of Sodom, what steps did he take to ensure the safety of Lot and his family (Genesis 18:23-32)? How might his actions be an example to us?
Response: Abraham prayed and made intercession to the Lord to spare the city. He believed that if there were enough righteous people in the city, God would spare it. Help your students see that as Christians we, too, should pray for others no matter how wicked they might be. We know God is merciful and wants to save the lost, but He cannot unless they repent.
- What method did God use to get Lot and his family to leave the city?
Response: The angels told Lot to hasten. When he lingered, the angels took him and his wife and daughters by the hand and led them out. Have your class discuss the need of doing God’s bidding immediately. The prophet Isaiah warns us to “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
- Why do you feel Lot and his wife lingered before leaving Sodom?
Response: As your students discuss this, they will likely conclude that Lot and his wife thought about all their possessions, and the prestige and honor they had in the city. No doubt they also thought of their family who refused to leave with them. This made it hard for them to leave. Bring out that God’s Word tells us if our treasure consists of earthly things, our hearts will be set on these (Matthew 6:21). Continue the discussion with the thought that the more we become involved with the cares of this life, the slower we may be to answer the call of God.
- Once Lot and his family were outside the city of Sodom, what were they told? How soon after they left the city did the fire and brimstone fall? See Luke 17:29.
Response: They were told not to look back and not to stay on the plain, but to escape to the mountains. Judgment fell on Sodom the same day. Discuss with the class that the judgments of God are sure. Bring out that in God’s time, Jesus will take His people out of this world (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Continue the discussion by bringing out that God wants obedience. People sometimes feel they can do some “little thing” contrary to God’s command, but He wants complete obedience.
- What happened to Lot’s wife? Make a parallel between this event and the results which occur when one whom God has delivered looks back to the world.
Response: She became a pillar of salt because God had told them not to look back and she did—she was disobedient to God’s command. In Luke 9:62, Jesus said that anyone who looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God. When we start to follow the Lord there should be a determination to keep our eyes on the goal before us, not the sin and degradation we left behind.
- In Luke 17:32, we read that Jesus admonished the disciples to “Remember Lot’s wife.” What do you feel were the underlying reasons for this statement?
Response: Discuss with your class that He wanted them to see that as it was in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, so it would be in the days just prior to Jesus’ coming again. No doubt He was impressing upon them the severity of God’s judgment and also the importance of being ready for His return. Sum up this lesson by helping your students to know that no one escapes the judgment of God unless he has found shelter under the Blood of Christ.
CLASS ACTIVITIES
Explain the use of a trap. A trap is baited with food and is meant to entrap careless or curious animals. When an animal attempts to remove the bait, it springs the trap and is unable to free itself. Satan’s trap is intended to snare anyone who is unwary or indifferent.
Have one member of your class play the part of a reporter. Let each of the other students take the part of a citizen of Sodom or Gomorrah: Lot, Lot’s wife, one of Lot’s two daughters, one of Lot’s sons-in-law, etc. Let the reporter interview the people to see what their feelings were before the cities were destroyed. Then interview the survivors.
Make a Complete-A-Verse for this lesson. This can be done during class on a sheet of heavy paper, chalkboard, etc., or as a review with an overhead projector. Have the students guess which word belongs where. Here’s a sample verse to use for this lesson.
“But his _______ looked _______ from _______ him, and she _______ a _______ of _______.” Genesis 19:26
BACK
SALT
WIFE
BECAME
BEHIND
PILLAR
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