WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.280 Thank you very much Fiona and thank you Alistair for reading such a long and difficult passage. 00:00:07.120 --> 00:00:11.599 So I have the great task of speaking on this passage for 30 minutes. 00:00:12.060 --> 00:00:13.800 It will not be longer than that, do not worry. 00:00:14.859 --> 00:00:17.219 Thank you all for coming out tonight, it's great to see you. 00:00:17.620 --> 00:00:20.559 It would be really helpful if you had that passage open in front of you 00:00:20.559 --> 00:00:24.100 as we think about what God has to say to us through his word. 00:00:24.100 --> 00:00:27.699 But let me just pause very quickly and pray before we begin again. 00:00:27.699 --> 00:00:34.619 Father as we come to your word we ask that you would give us soft hearts and open ears 00:00:34.619 --> 00:00:38.840 to hear what you have to say and that we would learn what your word has to say to us. 00:00:39.060 --> 00:00:40.740 In Jesus name, Amen. 00:00:42.100 --> 00:00:47.980 So keep Genesis 18 and 19 open in front of you and I want to ask us a question as we begin. 00:00:48.840 --> 00:00:51.560 What does it take to be a judge? 00:00:52.719 --> 00:00:57.399 And if you're a judge, what does it take to be the best judge in the world? 00:00:58.179 --> 00:01:03.940 Now there is no official best judge in the world award, but I think if there were, 00:01:04.420 --> 00:01:07.340 Frank Caprio would be in the first place. 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:09.900 Now maybe you've heard of this judge. 00:01:10.060 --> 00:01:13.200 He is an 80 year old judge who is sitting in, 00:01:13.620 --> 00:01:18.180 he was a sitting judge in the city of Providence in Rhode Island in the United States. 00:01:18.840 --> 00:01:20.640 Now maybe you've never heard of this judge. 00:01:20.640 --> 00:01:26.879 But he is famous all over social media because of some short videos that came out in 2016, 00:01:27.359 --> 00:01:29.019 which are filmed in his courtroom. 00:01:29.659 --> 00:01:36.000 Now this judge is so popular because of his wittiness and because of his humour and his care 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:38.379 for the people who come into his court. 00:01:38.760 --> 00:01:44.299 So for example, one short video shows the case of a father and a young son who come in 00:01:44.299 --> 00:01:47.439 and the father's been given a fine for a parking ticket. 00:01:48.159 --> 00:01:52.859 And instead of the judge telling this five-year-old boy to sit down and be quiet 00:01:52.859 --> 00:01:55.579 because the court is in session, he says, come up. 00:01:55.959 --> 00:02:01.280 So the son gets up and goes up to the stand and the son gets to decide his father's fate. 00:02:02.539 --> 00:02:04.359 Now you can imagine what the fate was. 00:02:04.859 --> 00:02:07.519 It was that he had to buy, his dad had to buy him breakfast. 00:02:07.519 --> 00:02:09.659 That was all the punishment that was required. 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:14.060 But the judge also deals with some horrible cases. 00:02:14.579 --> 00:02:16.299 It's not all fun and games. 00:02:16.979 --> 00:02:22.800 Some people come in in terrible situations and the judge listens to their case 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:26.159 and he is why their situation is so bad. 00:02:26.280 --> 00:02:30.659 And often he will say to them, if their situation is terrible, you can go. 00:02:30.939 --> 00:02:32.099 No punishment is required. 00:02:32.680 --> 00:02:34.039 Life is hard enough as it is. 00:02:34.039 --> 00:02:40.519 Sometimes he is more humorous and he'll say, you can leave as long as you promise never to do it again. 00:02:40.879 --> 00:02:44.019 Or you can leave if you promise to go to university one day. 00:02:45.399 --> 00:02:51.479 But if this judge was like this in every single case, he wouldn't be a very good judge, would he? 00:02:52.959 --> 00:02:56.620 So whilst it's necessary for a judge to be gracious and forgiving, 00:02:57.459 --> 00:03:01.459 a judge must also do what his job title demands, mustn't he? 00:03:01.460 --> 00:03:08.600 If a judge always shows grace and never punishment, can he really be a good judge? 00:03:09.920 --> 00:03:14.819 So whilst Judge Caprio is a very likable and popular judge, 00:03:14.860 --> 00:03:17.920 I don't think we can say that he's the perfect judge. 00:03:19.360 --> 00:03:22.800 But in the passage that was read to us earlier on by Alistair, 00:03:23.020 --> 00:03:27.400 we see God being described as the perfect judge. 00:03:27.400 --> 00:03:37.319 The judge, the rightful judge of all the earth, who is both abundant in grace and who also shows divine justice. 00:03:37.980 --> 00:03:40.379 And the key verse in these whole two chapters, 00:03:40.599 --> 00:03:44.939 which give us the right focus on this whole Sodom and Gomorrah narrative, 00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:48.319 is in 18 verse 25, where it says, 00:03:48.319 --> 00:03:52.180 Will not the judge of all the earth do right? 00:03:52.180 --> 00:03:56.340 Will not the judge of all the earth do right? 00:03:57.300 --> 00:04:01.819 So let's look at this passage and see how God is the perfect judge. 00:04:02.659 --> 00:04:07.719 The first thing that we see is that God has abundant grace. 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:12.020 Chapters 18 verses 16 to 33, abundant grace. 00:04:12.020 --> 00:04:17.139 So at the beginning of chapter 18, Abraham's visited by three people, 00:04:17.420 --> 00:04:19.699 one of whom is described as the Lord. 00:04:20.400 --> 00:04:23.560 And it's believed that these people are God and two angels. 00:04:23.560 --> 00:04:26.180 That's what the text seems to be saying. 00:04:26.900 --> 00:04:34.180 And in verse 16 and 17, we see the beginning of a very interesting conversation between Abraham and God. 00:04:34.180 --> 00:04:44.120 In verses 17 to 19, God seems to be bringing Abraham into his decision of whether or not he should destroy Sodom and Gomorrah 00:04:44.120 --> 00:04:47.639 because of the outcry on account of their evil. 00:04:48.519 --> 00:04:50.740 Now, what do you think God's expecting at this point? 00:04:51.439 --> 00:04:55.100 Is God expecting Abraham to say, yes, God, destroy them? 00:04:56.060 --> 00:04:56.660 No. 00:04:57.780 --> 00:05:02.939 God is encouraging Abraham in these verses to plead for the people of Sodom. 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:09.199 God is challenging Abraham to act wisely and nobly for justice's sake. 00:05:10.360 --> 00:05:16.319 God says these things so that Abraham is invited to intercede to pray for the people of Sodom. 00:05:17.360 --> 00:05:20.720 And God gives Abraham this opportunity because of who he is. 00:05:22.220 --> 00:05:23.420 Look at verse 19. 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:27.779 Abraham is described as God's chosen one. 00:05:28.920 --> 00:05:31.439 He is the one who will direct his children, 00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:36.439 teach them the way that they should live and direct them not to live in a certain way. 00:05:37.980 --> 00:05:42.699 Abraham will encourage his whole family to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right 00:05:42.699 --> 00:05:44.660 and by doing what is just. 00:05:45.740 --> 00:05:47.259 And so Abraham will be influential. 00:05:47.259 --> 00:05:49.800 And God says, pray for the people of Sodom. 00:05:51.139 --> 00:05:54.759 And Abraham accepts this invitation and he intercedes for them. 00:05:54.759 --> 00:05:57.879 And some of the stuff that he says is rather bold. 00:05:58.539 --> 00:06:01.019 So look at verses 23 to 25. 00:06:01.019 --> 00:06:04.799 Then Abraham approached him, that is God, and said, 00:06:04.899 --> 00:06:07.159 Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:10.879 What if there are 50 righteous people in this city? 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:17.039 Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the 50 righteous people in it? 00:06:17.399 --> 00:06:19.639 Far be it from you to do such a thing. 00:06:20.139 --> 00:06:24.240 To kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. 00:06:24.459 --> 00:06:26.060 Far be it from you. 00:06:26.060 --> 00:06:30.579 Will not the judge of all the earth do what is right? 00:06:31.980 --> 00:06:35.439 That's some pretty bold stuff to say to the God of the universe, isn't it? 00:06:36.800 --> 00:06:39.060 And maybe you remember the times when you were a kid 00:06:39.060 --> 00:06:43.079 and your teacher or your parent told you that something was going to happen 00:06:43.079 --> 00:06:46.860 and you sat down and took it because you were frightened of the consequences. 00:06:47.319 --> 00:06:48.959 You wouldn't dare answer back. 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:51.100 Well, not Abraham. 00:06:52.060 --> 00:06:54.840 See, he intercedes for the people of Sodom. 00:06:54.839 --> 00:06:59.699 Abraham can be bold because he knows who he is speaking to. 00:07:00.719 --> 00:07:02.659 This is the God who chose him. 00:07:03.299 --> 00:07:09.279 The God who singled him out to receive the amazing promises of a people, of a land, 00:07:09.479 --> 00:07:12.159 and that he would be a blessing to the whole world. 00:07:12.160 --> 00:07:15.920 God has chosen him and made a covenant with him. 00:07:16.580 --> 00:07:19.060 God has seen Abraham's ups and his downs. 00:07:20.080 --> 00:07:22.080 Abraham has been faithful and obedient, 00:07:22.680 --> 00:07:26.360 but God has also seen Abraham's doubts and failings. 00:07:27.140 --> 00:07:30.180 God knows Abraham and Abraham knows God. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:35.580 And this is the setting of the courtroom style discussion that we see in the following verses. 00:07:35.579 --> 00:07:41.259 Abraham is presenting his case before the judge of all the earth. 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:44.839 It's like a scene from the movie Twelve Angry Men. 00:07:45.039 --> 00:07:46.120 Maybe you've seen it. 00:07:46.180 --> 00:07:48.000 If you haven't, it's a good movie to go and watch. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:56.079 It shows a murder trial where 11 out of 12 jurors convict an accused teenager of murder. 00:07:56.079 --> 00:08:00.839 But one juror, juror number eight, says no. 00:08:01.979 --> 00:08:03.159 And he votes not guilty. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:07.199 Because he says that they haven't reviewed the evidence enough. 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:12.060 And so the movie clearly lays out this courtroom discussion 00:08:12.060 --> 00:08:14.060 where evidence is brought before the jurors 00:08:14.060 --> 00:08:18.399 so that they can make an informed finding of guilty or not guilty. 00:08:18.399 --> 00:08:21.719 Abraham is pleading with God, saying, 00:08:21.899 --> 00:08:25.359 Far be it from you, God, to destroy a whole city 00:08:25.359 --> 00:08:27.659 if some of your people live there. 00:08:28.179 --> 00:08:29.799 Far be it from you. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:32.539 Won't the judge of all the earth do what is right? 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:34.659 And the answer is yes. 00:08:35.299 --> 00:08:38.199 The judge of all the earth will do what is right. 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:42.399 And so Abraham begins with his list of questions. 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:47.220 What if you find 50 righteous people in this city? 00:08:47.220 --> 00:08:52.340 Now, a righteous person is someone who's walking in line with God, 00:08:52.440 --> 00:08:54.639 someone who is in a right relationship with God. 00:08:55.019 --> 00:08:58.879 If you find 50 people, God, surely you won't destroy Sodom. 00:09:00.139 --> 00:09:02.399 And God answers in verse 26 and says, 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:06.680 If I find 50 people in that city, I will not destroy it for their sake. 00:09:08.120 --> 00:09:09.940 Do you see God's abundant grace? 00:09:10.940 --> 00:09:13.080 God listens to Abraham's case 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:17.259 and he communicates with a fallen, corrupt human being. 00:09:18.180 --> 00:09:20.020 God doesn't have to have this discussion. 00:09:21.360 --> 00:09:24.540 God didn't need to listen to Abraham's intercession, but he does. 00:09:26.220 --> 00:09:30.960 Abraham knows that he is absolutely nothing in comparison to God. 00:09:30.960 --> 00:09:35.540 All of these lists, these questions that he asks 00:09:35.540 --> 00:09:39.900 are all coming from a position of self-recognition in verse 27. 00:09:40.800 --> 00:09:44.080 Abraham knows that he is dust before God. 00:09:45.060 --> 00:09:47.500 And from this place of self-awareness, 00:09:47.580 --> 00:09:51.340 he pleads for the other people who were but dust in Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:56.720 And so Abraham goes from 50 righteous people all the way down to 10. 00:09:57.940 --> 00:10:00.120 What is the constant refrain we hear from God? 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:06.560 Verse 26, 27, 29, 30, 31 and 32. 00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:12.399 If you find that many people in the city, then surely I will not destroy it. 00:10:13.700 --> 00:10:18.680 So whilst this conversation highlights the abundant grace and mercy of a loving God, 00:10:18.679 --> 00:10:22.199 it also highlights the depravity of Sodom. 00:10:23.159 --> 00:10:26.139 There aren't even 10 righteous people living there. 00:10:27.539 --> 00:10:31.099 And yet Abraham intercedes for them, even though he doesn't know them, 00:10:31.399 --> 00:10:34.279 because he cares and fears for their souls. 00:10:35.859 --> 00:10:40.500 Abraham knows that the whole world is sinful and naturally deserving of God's wrath. 00:10:40.759 --> 00:10:43.199 Yet God encourages him to pray. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:44.479 And that's what he does. 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:48.680 Now, what does this whole conversation mean for us? 00:10:49.039 --> 00:10:51.720 Does it have any bearing on our lives? 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:55.039 Well, friends, I would definitely say that it does. 00:10:55.899 --> 00:11:00.659 Because the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is to serve as a reminder to Abraham 00:11:00.659 --> 00:11:02.159 and all of his descendants, 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:07.100 just how serious sin and rebellion against God are. 00:11:07.100 --> 00:11:13.480 So Abraham is to instruct his children and his whole household to keep the way of the Lord. 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:21.259 And the destruction of Sodom is to be a practical reminder to him and to us of the seriousness of sin, 00:11:21.379 --> 00:11:26.100 because we are descendants of Abraham through God's covenant and God's promises. 00:11:26.100 --> 00:11:32.159 The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah should remind us of the seriousness of sin 00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:37.139 and the serious spiritual condition of the people around us. 00:11:38.360 --> 00:11:42.259 The New Testament explains that this destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 00:11:42.259 --> 00:11:49.040 is an example of what will happen to those who do not trust in the judge of all the earth. 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:52.379 So let me ask us a difficult question this evening. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:12:00.860 How many times do we consider the eternal consequences of the sins of our loved ones? 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:05.519 Our desire should be to warn them, 00:12:06.740 --> 00:12:10.539 to tell them the good news that forgiveness for their sins is possible 00:12:10.539 --> 00:12:15.019 and to do as Abraham did and intercede for them before the living God. 00:12:16.779 --> 00:12:18.620 We have a gospel to proclaim. 00:12:19.779 --> 00:12:25.480 But for us to do that, we need to have a deep care and love for the lost people of this world. 00:12:26.740 --> 00:12:30.599 Charles Spurgeon, a well-known pastor, once said, 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:35.879 If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our dead bodies. 00:12:36.319 --> 00:12:40.819 And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped around their knees, 00:12:41.159 --> 00:12:42.519 imploring them to stay. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:47.240 If hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:53.120 and let nobody go unwarned and nobody go unprayed for. 00:12:55.200 --> 00:12:57.659 We need to start on our knees before God. 00:12:58.399 --> 00:13:00.399 We need to be praying for people, 00:13:01.060 --> 00:13:04.620 praying that they would see the seriousness of their rebellion against God 00:13:04.620 --> 00:13:07.139 and ask that God would open their eyes 00:13:07.139 --> 00:13:10.440 and give us opportunities to speak to them about Jesus. 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:18.760 Today, so many people become Christians because they have contact with a friend or a family member 00:13:18.760 --> 00:13:21.300 who's been praying for them for years. 00:13:22.300 --> 00:13:26.400 Our temptation would be to give up and stop praying 00:13:26.400 --> 00:13:29.660 or maybe to pray less regularly when we see no fruit. 00:13:29.659 --> 00:13:37.319 But Genesis 18 should give us the encouragement to keep on praying regardless of how we feel. 00:13:39.120 --> 00:13:47.179 Maybe you've been praying for a friend, a sibling, a parent or a son or a daughter for many years 00:13:47.179 --> 00:13:49.500 and you haven't seen any fruit from those prayers. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:51.819 Do not be discouraged. 00:13:51.820 --> 00:13:57.020 And do not ever stop praying for them. 00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:00.160 When you feel discouraged and feel down, 00:14:00.280 --> 00:14:04.420 please speak to brothers and sisters here and get them to pray with you. 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:07.700 Bring these people before God in prayer together. 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:11.560 Bring them before the perfect judge with abundant grace 00:14:11.560 --> 00:14:14.980 that he might open their eyes and hearts. 00:14:16.280 --> 00:14:18.320 Don't let your feelings of disappointment 00:14:18.320 --> 00:14:22.260 stop you from doing the most important thing you can do for people. 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:23.440 Pray. 00:14:24.780 --> 00:14:27.100 Our feelings don't matter. 00:14:28.400 --> 00:14:31.540 People's eternal state before God does. 00:14:33.260 --> 00:14:36.320 We need to pray for a burden for the people around us. 00:14:37.280 --> 00:14:41.920 Pray that God would help us look over the city that we live in and weep 00:14:41.920 --> 00:14:45.140 because there are people who are lost without God 00:14:45.140 --> 00:14:47.480 and who are on a path which will lead them to destruction. 00:14:48.320 --> 00:14:52.700 Let us keep praying to the perfect judge of all the earth 00:14:52.700 --> 00:14:54.620 because he will do what is right. 00:14:55.879 --> 00:14:59.940 And let's be thankful that we have been shown abundant grace. 00:15:00.620 --> 00:15:04.900 The grace which allows us an unholy, sinful people 00:15:04.900 --> 00:15:09.080 to come and pray to a holy and pure God. 00:15:09.800 --> 00:15:13.700 That is abundant grace from the perfect judge. 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:18.080 But for God to be the perfect judge, 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:20.740 justice also needs to be done. 00:15:21.440 --> 00:15:23.620 And so not only do we see abundant grace, 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:26.180 but we see divine justice. 00:15:26.640 --> 00:15:29.500 Chapters 19 verses 1 to 29. 00:15:29.660 --> 00:15:30.620 Divine justice. 00:15:32.080 --> 00:15:34.220 So the two angels arrive in Sodom 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:37.000 and as they approach the city, they see Lot 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:41.620 and he begs them to come and spend the night in his house. 00:15:42.539 --> 00:15:44.779 But this isn't just the casual invite 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:46.700 that you used to give your friends when you were a kid. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:48.879 Fancy having a sleepover at mine? 00:15:49.419 --> 00:15:49.659 No. 00:15:50.519 --> 00:15:54.039 He is urging them, insisting them very strongly 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:55.600 that they should come and stay with him. 00:15:56.299 --> 00:15:58.200 They wanted to stay in the city square, 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:00.720 but Lot knew that that wasn't a good idea. 00:16:01.779 --> 00:16:02.899 How did he know this? 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:05.500 Well, he'd lived in Sodom for a while now. 00:16:06.579 --> 00:16:08.159 He knew what happened to strangers 00:16:08.159 --> 00:16:09.299 who slept in the square 00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:11.740 when they visited Sodom at night. 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:14.559 And he didn't want the same fate to happen 00:16:14.559 --> 00:16:16.299 to these two people. 00:16:16.720 --> 00:16:19.279 So they go to Lot's house. 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:22.100 Now notice some contrasts 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:24.639 if you have your Bible open there at chapter 19 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:27.019 between Lot and Abraham. 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:29.539 So in the beginning of chapter 18, 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:31.720 Abraham is sitting at the shade of his tent. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:33.320 He sees three people. 00:16:33.540 --> 00:16:35.360 He rushes to them, bows down, 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:37.259 begs them to stay for a meal, 00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:38.580 and they go and eat together. 00:16:39.779 --> 00:16:41.320 And now in chapter 19, 00:16:41.480 --> 00:16:42.820 Lot is sitting at the city gate. 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:44.779 He no longer lives in a tent. 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:46.800 But he rushes to the angels, 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:48.240 begs them to stay, 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:49.600 and has a meal with them. 00:16:50.700 --> 00:16:53.040 The author is bringing out these similarities 00:16:53.040 --> 00:16:54.500 between Lot and Abraham 00:16:54.500 --> 00:16:59.120 to show us that Lot has not turned his back on God. 00:16:59.120 --> 00:17:02.620 Lot is definitely more righteous 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:04.519 than the inhabitants of Sodom. 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:06.579 And the writer wants us to see 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:08.759 that even though Lot is amongst wicked people, 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:11.859 he himself has not turned against God. 00:17:13.440 --> 00:17:16.140 Now when Lot first moved to Sodom in chapter 13, 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:17.180 he lived in tents, 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:19.940 as Abraham and his forefathers. 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:22.460 But he's now forsaken that lifestyle 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:24.859 for a more comfortable lifestyle in the city. 00:17:24.859 --> 00:17:30.019 He seems to have married a local Sodomite woman as well. 00:17:30.439 --> 00:17:32.119 Life is comfortable in Sodom. 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:35.099 But he obviously isn't happy 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:37.659 with the lifestyle of some of the people in the city. 00:17:39.419 --> 00:17:42.159 Now Lot is by no means a perfect man, 00:17:42.219 --> 00:17:45.059 and we'll see that as we get further in the chapter. 00:17:45.819 --> 00:17:47.399 But the writer wants us to see 00:17:47.399 --> 00:17:49.659 that he hasn't completely abandoned God. 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:53.540 And so these men come and stay with Lot 00:17:53.540 --> 00:17:55.080 and his fears come true. 00:17:55.860 --> 00:17:57.080 The men of Sodom come 00:17:57.080 --> 00:17:58.240 and they knock on Lot's door 00:17:58.240 --> 00:18:00.660 and demand these two visitors be handed over 00:18:00.660 --> 00:18:02.660 so that they can have sex with them. 00:18:04.180 --> 00:18:05.060 Now at this point, 00:18:05.100 --> 00:18:06.019 I would like to say 00:18:06.019 --> 00:18:07.640 that the pending judgment 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:09.519 which will befall Sodom and Gomorrah 00:18:09.519 --> 00:18:13.100 is not a direct result of this particular sin. 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:16.180 But this situation is being used 00:18:16.180 --> 00:18:18.560 to show the general sinfulness 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:21.019 which is part of normal life in Sodom. 00:18:22.940 --> 00:18:24.039 So Lot goes out 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:26.440 and tries to calm down this angry mob. 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:27.919 And in verse 8, 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.720 he offers them a horrifying, 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:31.659 horrifying alternative. 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:34.980 Lot is more concerned 00:18:34.980 --> 00:18:36.519 with these travelers, 00:18:36.960 --> 00:18:38.079 with his reputation, 00:18:38.679 --> 00:18:40.940 by not letting these travelers being harmed 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:42.519 than he is with the welfare 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:44.099 of his own daughters. 00:18:45.659 --> 00:18:46.899 So even though Lot 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:48.540 is not as openly rebellious 00:18:48.540 --> 00:18:49.560 as the people of Sodom, 00:18:49.620 --> 00:18:51.880 he is by no means perfect. 00:18:54.320 --> 00:18:55.780 So even in God's judgment, 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:57.300 can you see God's grace? 00:18:58.420 --> 00:18:59.640 God sent these angels 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:01.000 to save Lot and his family 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:03.480 even though Lot was not living righteously. 00:19:04.540 --> 00:19:05.980 Even though his witness 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:07.200 among the people in Sodom 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:08.720 is not what we would expect. 00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:11.360 Why does God save Lot? 00:19:11.359 --> 00:19:13.819 Well, the only explanation 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:14.939 we see in the text 00:19:14.939 --> 00:19:16.219 is in verse 16 00:19:16.219 --> 00:19:18.779 that God is merciful. 00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:21.259 Apart from that, 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:21.899 we don't know. 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:23.779 Just like we don't know 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:25.199 why God chose Abraham 00:19:25.199 --> 00:19:26.219 to be the father 00:19:26.219 --> 00:19:27.519 of a great nation. 00:19:29.399 --> 00:19:30.339 We don't know 00:19:30.339 --> 00:19:31.439 why God saves Lot, 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.899 but even in God's judgment, 00:19:33.059 --> 00:19:35.039 we see God saving grace. 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:38.259 So Lot runs and tells 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:39.039 his sons-in-law 00:19:39.039 --> 00:19:40.819 of the coming destruction 00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:41.399 of Sodom. 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:43.420 And here we see 00:19:43.420 --> 00:19:44.359 a little taster 00:19:44.359 --> 00:19:45.859 of how weakened 00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:47.519 Lot's witnesses 00:19:47.519 --> 00:19:48.759 by his stay in Sodom. 00:19:49.480 --> 00:19:50.700 What do his sons-in-law do 00:19:50.700 --> 00:19:51.240 when they hear 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:52.039 of the coming judgment? 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:54.180 They laugh. 00:19:55.139 --> 00:19:56.299 They think it's a joke. 00:19:58.859 --> 00:20:00.200 Lot and his family 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:01.559 receive the invitation 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:02.879 of salvation 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:03.920 and they respond. 00:20:05.020 --> 00:20:05.920 Lot's sons-in-law 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:06.940 receive the invitation 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:07.580 and they think 00:20:07.580 --> 00:20:08.380 it's a joke. 00:20:11.420 --> 00:20:12.760 Lot and his family 00:20:12.760 --> 00:20:15.000 accept the invitation 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:15.620 and leave, 00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:16.780 but not right away. 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:19.020 The angels literally 00:20:19.020 --> 00:20:20.120 have to take him 00:20:20.120 --> 00:20:20.600 and his family 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:21.300 by the hands 00:20:21.300 --> 00:20:22.480 and take them out. 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:26.980 And in verses 23 to 26, 00:20:27.020 --> 00:20:27.960 we see the severity 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.840 of God's judgment. 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:31.300 The whole plane 00:20:31.300 --> 00:20:32.060 is destroyed. 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:33.319 All of its inhabitants 00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:34.960 have perished 00:20:34.960 --> 00:20:35.599 because of their 00:20:35.599 --> 00:20:37.000 sinfulness and disobedience. 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:38.720 Even all the vegetation 00:20:38.720 --> 00:20:39.519 and plants 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.379 are destroyed. 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:42.039 God's judgment 00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:44.079 is all-encompassing. 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:47.599 Lot's wife turns around 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:48.799 to see the fate 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.639 of her hometown 00:20:49.639 --> 00:20:51.759 and she disobeys 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:52.679 the angel's command 00:20:52.679 --> 00:20:53.399 and she suffers 00:20:53.399 --> 00:20:54.299 the same judgment 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:55.399 and dies. 00:20:55.899 --> 00:20:56.619 Her longing 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:57.679 for her home 00:20:57.679 --> 00:20:59.200 pulled her attention 00:20:59.200 --> 00:21:00.559 away from God's grace 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.279 and protection. 00:21:01.940 --> 00:21:02.980 She focused on 00:21:02.980 --> 00:21:04.460 the things of this world 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:06.059 and not the protection 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:06.819 of the creator 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:07.639 of this world. 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:10.399 Now this judgment 00:21:10.399 --> 00:21:11.299 of Sodom and Gomorrah 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:12.220 is often upheld 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.179 and used to argue 00:21:13.179 --> 00:21:14.399 that God is a dictator. 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:16.859 Someone who punishes 00:21:16.859 --> 00:21:17.500 and destroys 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:18.399 all those who don't 00:21:18.399 --> 00:21:19.039 agree with him 00:21:19.039 --> 00:21:19.659 and do things 00:21:19.659 --> 00:21:20.679 the way he wants. 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.399 But the truth is 00:21:23.399 --> 00:21:24.579 that even in God's judgment, 00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:25.980 grace is woven throughout. 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:27.619 See, the decision 00:21:27.619 --> 00:21:29.000 to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:30.339 did not happen overnight. 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:32.759 But God has been 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:33.779 patiently waiting 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:34.539 and listening 00:21:34.539 --> 00:21:36.579 to the immense outcry 00:21:36.579 --> 00:21:38.319 against these cities. 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.639 God didn't judge 00:21:40.639 --> 00:21:43.679 in a rash, angry manner, 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:46.959 but he was patiently waiting. 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:50.019 And even since the beginning 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:50.799 of our studies 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:51.879 in the life of Abraham, 00:21:52.479 --> 00:21:53.279 clues have come up 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:54.359 again and again 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:55.559 of the sinfulness 00:21:55.559 --> 00:21:56.619 of Sodom. 00:21:57.899 --> 00:21:58.720 God's justice 00:21:58.720 --> 00:21:59.859 is right. 00:22:00.839 --> 00:22:02.299 The judge of all the earth 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:03.579 has done what is right. 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:06.419 Doesn't that make sense? 00:22:07.539 --> 00:22:08.619 If God didn't, 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:10.139 if God doesn't punish, 00:22:10.859 --> 00:22:12.099 does God really care? 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:15.119 And if God doesn't care, 00:22:15.579 --> 00:22:16.759 then can we really say 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:18.000 that he is a loving God? 00:22:21.000 --> 00:22:22.559 We know that God's attributes 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.819 work in harmony. 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:25.919 And yet in our minds, 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:27.119 the idea of justice 00:22:27.119 --> 00:22:28.480 and love often appear 00:22:28.480 --> 00:22:29.299 in conflict. 00:22:30.859 --> 00:22:32.019 This is the result 00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:33.299 of seeing these attributes 00:22:33.299 --> 00:22:34.899 and defining them 00:22:34.899 --> 00:22:35.659 in isolation 00:22:35.659 --> 00:22:36.659 from one another. 00:22:37.619 --> 00:22:38.539 So in other words, 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:39.619 in order to understand 00:22:39.619 --> 00:22:40.500 God's justice, 00:22:41.159 --> 00:22:42.700 we need to understand 00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:44.319 God's grace 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:45.279 and God's love. 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:47.220 In order to understand 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:48.500 God's love 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:50.059 and grace, 00:22:50.379 --> 00:22:51.480 we need to understand 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.179 God's justice. 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:52.380 justice. 00:22:53.580 --> 00:22:55.000 In our culture today, 00:22:55.140 --> 00:22:55.960 divine judgment 00:22:55.960 --> 00:22:57.299 is one of Christianity's 00:22:57.299 --> 00:22:59.460 most offensive doctrines. 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:01.539 People don't like the idea 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:02.640 of a loving God 00:23:02.640 --> 00:23:03.460 bringing judgment. 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:06.100 But without judgment, 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:07.740 we would have no gospel 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:08.680 to proclaim at all. 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:12.560 So what should our reaction be 00:23:12.560 --> 00:23:15.320 after seeing such a severe act 00:23:15.320 --> 00:23:16.340 of divine justice? 00:23:16.339 --> 00:23:17.740 Surely, 00:23:17.899 --> 00:23:19.419 if Sodom is to be an example 00:23:19.419 --> 00:23:20.359 of what will happen 00:23:20.359 --> 00:23:21.899 to those who reject God, 00:23:22.779 --> 00:23:24.099 then our reaction 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:25.199 should be to warn them. 00:23:26.879 --> 00:23:27.839 We should be taking 00:23:27.839 --> 00:23:28.899 every opportunity 00:23:28.899 --> 00:23:30.119 to tell people 00:23:30.119 --> 00:23:30.879 of their need 00:23:30.879 --> 00:23:31.579 for forgiveness, 00:23:32.159 --> 00:23:32.899 of their need 00:23:32.899 --> 00:23:33.759 to be made right 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.439 with God. 00:23:35.619 --> 00:23:36.459 That's what you'd expect 00:23:36.459 --> 00:23:37.299 to see from Lot 00:23:37.299 --> 00:23:37.879 and his daughters, 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:38.319 wouldn't you? 00:23:39.419 --> 00:23:40.379 They have seen, 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:42.259 they have been recipients 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:43.799 of God's abundant grace. 00:23:43.799 --> 00:23:46.019 They have seen God's justice. 00:23:47.359 --> 00:23:48.659 They've just been saved 00:23:48.659 --> 00:23:49.399 from death. 00:23:50.779 --> 00:23:51.079 Surely, 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:51.859 they will never be 00:23:51.859 --> 00:23:52.539 the same again. 00:23:54.240 --> 00:23:54.940 Last year, 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:55.619 my wife Sabina 00:23:55.619 --> 00:23:56.559 was on jury duty 00:23:56.559 --> 00:23:57.639 in the high court 00:23:57.639 --> 00:23:58.940 and a teenager 00:23:58.940 --> 00:23:59.859 was being accused 00:23:59.859 --> 00:24:00.500 of a crime 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:01.680 and the accusations 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:02.779 altered his life 00:24:02.779 --> 00:24:03.839 from the moment 00:24:03.839 --> 00:24:04.839 he was first arrested. 00:24:06.740 --> 00:24:08.039 His life would never 00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:09.119 be the same again. 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:10.899 And so you can imagine 00:24:10.899 --> 00:24:11.740 this boy's relief 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:13.319 when he heard the verdict, 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.539 not guilty. 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:17.180 It's highly emotional. 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:18.779 Him and his family 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:20.839 were in tears of joy 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:23.400 because the boy 00:24:23.400 --> 00:24:24.980 had been declared free. 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:28.160 The decision was not 00:24:28.160 --> 00:24:28.839 in his hands 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:30.420 and yet the declaration 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.460 was that he was free 00:24:31.460 --> 00:24:32.120 to go home. 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:34.099 That boy will never 00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:35.160 be the same again 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:36.579 because of that decision. 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:38.700 Now we'd expect 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:39.440 the same reaction 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:40.380 from Lot and his daughters, 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:40.839 wouldn't we? 00:24:40.839 --> 00:24:42.480 To never be the same again? 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:44.439 You'd expect them 00:24:44.439 --> 00:24:45.319 to be on their knees 00:24:45.319 --> 00:24:46.159 thanking God 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:47.279 every second 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:48.399 that they're alive 00:24:48.399 --> 00:24:50.139 because of his grace. 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:52.139 And you'd expect them 00:24:52.139 --> 00:24:53.039 to be in awe 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:54.579 for the rest of their days 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:56.480 of the God 00:24:56.480 --> 00:24:57.399 who is so powerful 00:24:57.399 --> 00:24:58.220 that he can destroy 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:59.339 a city in seconds. 00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:01.179 But instead, 00:25:01.319 --> 00:25:01.919 what do we see? 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:04.740 Well, verses 30 to 38, 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.879 we see that you can take 00:25:05.879 --> 00:25:07.019 the people out of Sodom, 00:25:07.379 --> 00:25:08.599 but you cannot take 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:09.720 Sodom out of people. 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:12.480 Even after being recipients 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.460 of God's grace 00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:15.000 and seeing the severity 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.100 of God's judgment, 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:17.799 Lot and his daughters 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:20.319 continue in terrible sin. 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.240 Lot's daughter devises 00:25:23.240 --> 00:25:24.200 a plan to sleep. 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:25.680 Lot's daughters devise 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.480 a plan to sleep 00:25:26.480 --> 00:25:27.200 with their father. 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.980 They get him drunk 00:25:28.980 --> 00:25:30.200 and the children 00:25:30.200 --> 00:25:31.039 that are a fruit 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:31.700 of this sin 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:33.220 will become the Moabites 00:25:33.220 --> 00:25:34.559 and the Ammonites, 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:36.059 the enemies 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:37.920 of the people of Israel 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:38.620 when they get 00:25:38.620 --> 00:25:39.779 to the promised land. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:43.080 Isn't this shocking? 00:25:45.259 --> 00:25:46.279 Hasn't the goodness 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:46.900 of God 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:47.600 and the severity 00:25:47.600 --> 00:25:48.220 of sin 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:49.940 left any lasting impression 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:50.660 on these people? 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:53.200 Well, I definitely 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:53.940 think it did. 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:54.960 You can't walk away 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.960 from seeing a sight 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:56.360 like that 00:25:56.360 --> 00:25:57.340 and not be changed. 00:25:57.339 --> 00:26:01.859 But I think 00:26:01.859 --> 00:26:02.779 that they live 00:26:02.779 --> 00:26:03.459 in their sin 00:26:03.459 --> 00:26:04.679 because that is exactly 00:26:04.679 --> 00:26:05.819 who they are at heart. 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:08.379 So while Sodom and Gomorrah 00:26:08.379 --> 00:26:10.019 was a sinful place, 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.419 it was just 00:26:11.419 --> 00:26:12.539 a larger picture 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.720 of the sinfulness 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:15.199 of every single 00:26:15.199 --> 00:26:16.319 human heart. 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:18.819 Lot and his daughters 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:19.220 have seen 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:20.240 the perfect judge. 00:26:20.799 --> 00:26:21.559 They've been recipients 00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:22.480 of his grace 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.399 and they've seen 00:26:23.399 --> 00:26:25.119 his divine justice. 00:26:25.119 --> 00:26:25.359 justice. 00:26:26.479 --> 00:26:27.399 Haven't we seen 00:26:27.399 --> 00:26:27.819 the same? 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.459 The very place 00:26:30.459 --> 00:26:30.939 where you see 00:26:30.939 --> 00:26:32.079 God's abundant grace 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:33.279 and divine justice 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:33.899 together 00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:35.239 is at the cross 00:26:35.239 --> 00:26:36.579 of Jesus Christ. 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:38.179 Abundant grace 00:26:38.179 --> 00:26:39.479 because the Son of God, 00:26:39.939 --> 00:26:40.819 God himself 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:42.279 took the place 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.459 of sinful people. 00:26:44.099 --> 00:26:45.599 He took our place 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:47.219 so that the judgment 00:26:47.219 --> 00:26:48.079 would fall on him 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:48.899 and not on us. 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:51.940 God chose 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:52.880 to make it possible 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:53.880 for the world 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.920 to be reconciled 00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:55.400 to him 00:26:55.400 --> 00:26:56.840 by going to the cross 00:26:56.840 --> 00:26:57.420 and suffering 00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:58.280 his own judgment. 00:26:59.160 --> 00:27:00.360 That is true, 00:27:00.940 --> 00:27:01.600 undeniable, 00:27:02.040 --> 00:27:03.300 abundant grace. 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:05.519 And at the cross 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.860 we see divine justice. 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:08.140 A judgment 00:27:08.140 --> 00:27:09.460 that was so painful 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.800 that Jesus asked 00:27:10.800 --> 00:27:11.920 in the Garden of Gethsemane 00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:13.019 for it to be removed 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.640 from him. 00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:15.000 Yet not my will, 00:27:15.100 --> 00:27:15.540 he said, 00:27:15.780 --> 00:27:16.840 but yours be done. 00:27:16.839 --> 00:27:18.939 The judgment 00:27:18.939 --> 00:27:19.879 was so severe 00:27:19.879 --> 00:27:20.939 that Jesus feared 00:27:20.939 --> 00:27:21.939 being under it 00:27:21.939 --> 00:27:23.539 and yet by God's grace 00:27:23.539 --> 00:27:25.039 Jesus cried out 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:25.659 on the cross 00:27:25.659 --> 00:27:27.839 it is finished. 00:27:29.179 --> 00:27:30.220 The punishment 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.019 for sins 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:32.079 was complete. 00:27:33.679 --> 00:27:34.480 Jesus paid 00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:35.059 the price, 00:27:35.139 --> 00:27:36.039 he took the pain, 00:27:36.139 --> 00:27:37.199 he laid himself 00:27:37.199 --> 00:27:38.000 bare 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:40.039 so that all those 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:41.699 who call on his name 00:27:41.699 --> 00:27:43.319 could gain life 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:45.079 and that they could 00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:45.839 be declared 00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:46.899 free. 00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:50.119 So we've seen 00:27:50.119 --> 00:27:51.179 God's abundant grace. 00:27:51.699 --> 00:27:52.480 We have seen 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:53.799 God's divine justice. 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:56.299 What will we do 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:56.919 in light of it? 00:27:58.419 --> 00:27:59.519 Will we ignore 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:00.619 the immense sacrifice 00:28:00.619 --> 00:28:01.199 of Jesus? 00:28:02.819 --> 00:28:03.740 Will we live 00:28:03.740 --> 00:28:04.799 as if the Son of God 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.859 didn't offer himself 00:28:05.859 --> 00:28:06.859 as a sacrifice 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:08.139 so that people 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:08.939 can be forgiven? 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:09.720 Or 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:11.199 will we rejoice 00:28:11.199 --> 00:28:12.379 in being called 00:28:12.379 --> 00:28:12.959 righteous? 00:28:12.960 --> 00:28:15.259 will we call 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:15.740 on the name 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.160 of Jesus 00:28:16.160 --> 00:28:17.140 and be thankful 00:28:17.140 --> 00:28:18.079 for the forgiveness 00:28:18.079 --> 00:28:19.120 of sins 00:28:19.120 --> 00:28:19.860 that he offers 00:28:19.860 --> 00:28:20.519 to the world 00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:21.440 and rejoice 00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:23.380 with the privilege 00:28:23.380 --> 00:28:24.940 of being called 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:26.640 children of God? 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.279 Now you might be 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:30.000 thinking that 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:31.120 surely I'm not 00:28:31.120 --> 00:28:31.559 as sinful 00:28:31.559 --> 00:28:32.460 as the cities 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:33.400 of Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:28:34.819 --> 00:28:35.819 Surely I'm not 00:28:35.819 --> 00:28:36.880 deserving of such 00:28:36.880 --> 00:28:37.980 a severe punishment 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:38.759 as they are. 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:41.319 Well in Romans 00:28:41.319 --> 00:28:42.220 chapter 3 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:43.579 this is 00:28:43.579 --> 00:28:44.180 this is what 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:44.759 Romans 3 00:28:44.759 --> 00:28:45.319 has to say 00:28:45.319 --> 00:28:46.079 about the spiritual 00:28:46.079 --> 00:28:47.240 state of humanity. 00:28:48.379 --> 00:28:48.980 For all 00:28:48.980 --> 00:28:50.099 have sinned 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:51.400 and fall short 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:52.000 of the glory 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.519 of God. 00:28:53.180 --> 00:28:54.440 All have sinned 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.200 there is no 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:56.059 exception. 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:57.640 Each and every 00:28:57.640 --> 00:28:58.279 one of us 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:58.960 has rebelled 00:28:58.960 --> 00:28:59.579 against God 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:00.400 and each of us 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:01.359 has Sodom 00:29:01.359 --> 00:29:02.240 in our hearts. 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:05.059 In and of ourselves 00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:05.900 we are deserving 00:29:05.900 --> 00:29:07.119 of the same judgment 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:07.779 that befell 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.680 Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:11.019 every single 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.920 person in this 00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.879 world is naturally 00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:13.680 in opposition 00:29:13.680 --> 00:29:14.339 to God 00:29:14.339 --> 00:29:15.619 but further on 00:29:15.619 --> 00:29:16.379 in Romans 3 00:29:16.379 --> 00:29:17.059 we read 00:29:17.059 --> 00:29:19.059 and all are 00:29:19.059 --> 00:29:20.259 justified freely 00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:21.420 by his grace 00:29:21.420 --> 00:29:22.099 through the 00:29:22.099 --> 00:29:22.900 redemption that 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:23.900 came by Christ 00:29:23.900 --> 00:29:24.339 Jesus. 00:29:25.059 --> 00:29:25.900 God presented 00:29:25.900 --> 00:29:26.799 Christ as a 00:29:26.799 --> 00:29:28.220 sacrifice of 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:28.779 atonement 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:29.579 through the 00:29:29.579 --> 00:29:30.259 shedding of his 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:31.240 blood to be 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:32.500 received by 00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:33.279 faith. 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:35.680 So the truth 00:29:35.680 --> 00:29:36.460 is that despite 00:29:36.460 --> 00:29:37.480 our sinfulness 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:38.940 God in his 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.559 sovereignty 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:40.120 in his 00:29:40.120 --> 00:29:40.759 abundant 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.400 grace 00:29:41.400 --> 00:29:43.120 gave up 00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:43.640 his son 00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:44.519 to his 00:29:44.519 --> 00:29:45.519 divine justice 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.819 so that 00:29:46.819 --> 00:29:47.240 redemption 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:47.799 is free 00:29:47.799 --> 00:29:48.240 to all 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:48.640 those who 00:29:48.640 --> 00:29:49.059 call on 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:49.539 his name. 00:29:49.539 --> 00:29:52.399 this is the 00:29:52.400 --> 00:29:53.080 perfect judge 00:29:53.080 --> 00:29:53.400 of all 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:53.960 the earth. 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:56.080 Are you 00:29:56.080 --> 00:29:56.840 trusting in 00:29:56.840 --> 00:29:57.400 this judge? 00:29:59.400 --> 00:30:00.280 We're going to 00:30:00.280 --> 00:30:01.160 close our 00:30:01.160 --> 00:30:01.940 service now by 00:30:01.940 --> 00:30:02.980 singing these 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:03.560 words and I 00:30:03.560 --> 00:30:04.040 want you to 00:30:04.040 --> 00:30:05.440 really think 00:30:05.440 --> 00:30:06.000 about them. 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:08.460 Amazing grace 00:30:08.460 --> 00:30:10.140 how sweet the 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:10.800 sound that 00:30:10.800 --> 00:30:11.900 saved a wretch 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:12.680 like me. 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.160 I once was 00:30:14.160 --> 00:30:15.900 lost but now 00:30:15.900 --> 00:30:16.540 I'm found. 00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:18.600 Was blind but 00:30:18.600 --> 00:30:19.540 now I see. 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:21.420 can you sing 00:30:21.420 --> 00:30:22.440 these words and 00:30:22.440 --> 00:30:22.960 know that you 00:30:22.960 --> 00:30:23.659 are trusting in 00:30:23.659 --> 00:30:24.099 the judge? 00:30:24.899 --> 00:30:26.000 If you can't 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:27.779 make them your 00:30:27.779 --> 00:30:28.359 prayer this 00:30:28.359 --> 00:30:28.680 evening. 00:30:31.339 --> 00:30:32.420 Ponder the 00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:33.379 abundant grace 00:30:33.379 --> 00:30:34.039 and divine 00:30:34.039 --> 00:30:36.319 justice of 00:30:36.319 --> 00:30:36.659 God. 00:30:36.920 --> 00:30:37.639 The only 00:30:37.639 --> 00:30:39.200 perfect judge. 00:30:40.700 --> 00:30:41.339 Let's pray 00:30:41.339 --> 00:30:41.720 together. 00:30:41.720 --> 00:30:47.440 maybe you'd 00:30:47.440 --> 00:30:48.019 like to take 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.799 just a few 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:51.160 seconds to 00:30:51.160 --> 00:30:51.779 come before 00:30:51.779 --> 00:30:53.779 God in the 00:30:53.779 --> 00:30:54.279 silence of 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:54.579 your own 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:54.980 hearts. 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:05.779 Heavenly 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:06.319 Father we 00:31:06.319 --> 00:31:06.940 thank you 00:31:06.940 --> 00:31:08.039 that we 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:08.480 have the 00:31:08.480 --> 00:31:10.059 privilege of 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:10.740 being able to 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.240 come before 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:11.640 you in 00:31:11.640 --> 00:31:11.960 prayer. 00:31:13.640 --> 00:31:14.180 Lord we 00:31:14.180 --> 00:31:14.680 pray that you 00:31:14.680 --> 00:31:14.980 would give 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:15.559 us a burden 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:15.980 for the 00:31:15.980 --> 00:31:16.579 world around 00:31:16.579 --> 00:31:16.940 us. 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:17.980 Help us 00:31:17.980 --> 00:31:18.720 remember the 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:19.640 seriousness of 00:31:19.640 --> 00:31:20.940 sin but also 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:21.700 the abundance 00:31:21.700 --> 00:31:22.519 of your 00:31:22.519 --> 00:31:23.240 great grace. 00:31:24.859 --> 00:31:25.559 Thank you 00:31:25.559 --> 00:31:26.140 that we have 00:31:26.140 --> 00:31:26.880 received your 00:31:26.880 --> 00:31:27.299 grace and 00:31:27.299 --> 00:31:28.599 help us as 00:31:28.599 --> 00:31:29.339 we leave this 00:31:29.339 --> 00:31:30.180 place to go 00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:30.900 out and share 00:31:30.900 --> 00:31:31.620 the good news 00:31:31.620 --> 00:31:32.279 of your son 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:32.640 Jesus. 00:31:33.579 --> 00:31:34.339 The one who 00:31:34.339 --> 00:31:35.180 took the 00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:35.980 divine judgment 00:31:35.980 --> 00:31:37.359 for all those 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:37.900 who call on 00:31:37.900 --> 00:31:38.359 his name. 00:31:38.359 --> 00:31:40.519 thank you 00:31:40.519 --> 00:31:41.179 for your 00:31:41.179 --> 00:31:41.619 grace. 00:31:42.219 --> 00:31:42.859 Thank you 00:31:42.859 --> 00:31:43.619 that once we 00:31:43.619 --> 00:31:44.279 were lost but 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:45.019 now we can 00:31:45.019 --> 00:31:45.639 say that we 00:31:45.639 --> 00:31:46.279 are found. 00:31:47.059 --> 00:31:47.859 That we were 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:49.000 blind but now 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:49.959 we can see. 00:31:51.199 --> 00:31:51.859 Thank you 00:31:51.859 --> 00:31:52.319 that we are 00:31:52.319 --> 00:31:52.699 declared 00:31:52.699 --> 00:31:54.299 righteous and 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:55.659 free through 00:31:55.659 --> 00:31:57.019 the sacrifice 00:31:57.019 --> 00:31:57.819 of your son 00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:58.179 Jesus. 00:31:59.240 --> 00:32:00.019 And it is in 00:32:00.019 --> 00:32:00.839 his powerful 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:02.139 and glorious 00:32:02.139 --> 00:32:03.019 name that we 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:03.359 pray. 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:04.819 Amen. 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:04.960 Amen.