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November 15, 2009 Pastor Scott Snowden
In the beginning…
#7. Lot & the Dangers of Compromise.
Compromise can sometimes be a good thing.
Arbitration is helpful in resolving labor or personal disputes.
Our political system depends on bipartisanship to pass legislation.
Chesterson’s observation that “half a loaf is
better than no loaf” comes to mind.
However, there are some things that we should never
compromise on.
When we settle for half a worship, or half a
morality, or half an obedience… well, you get the picture.
We see this lived out loud by Lot, the nephew of Abraham.
This morning we will see the results of “making a
deal with the devil,” thinking that he will uphold his end of the bargain, and learn what we can do to maintain our devotion to God.
1. Compromised _LOYALITIES_...
Lot looked up
and saw that the whole plain
of the Jordan was well watered,
like the garden of the LORD,
like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar.
(This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
So Lot chose for himself
the whole plain of the Jordan
and set out toward the east.
Genesis 13:10, 11
Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, O Lord my God,
with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
Psalm 86:11-12
2. lead to compromised _VALUES_...
Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities
of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom.
Genesis 13:12
They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions,
since he was living in Sodom.
Genesis 14:12
The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening,
and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city.
Genesis 19:1
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness,
faith, love and peace, along with those who call on
the Lord out of a pure heart.
2nd Timothy 2:22
3. leads to compromised _PRIORITIES_...
“No, my friends.
Don't do this wicked thing.
Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man.
Let me bring them out to you, and you can do
what you like with them.
But don't do anything to these men, for they have come
under the protection of my roof.”
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up
against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.
2nd Corinthians 10:5
4. and compromised _RELATIONSHIPS_...
“Get out of our way,” they replied. And they said,
“This fellow came here as an alien, and
now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.”
Genesis 19:9
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?
Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
2nd Corinthians 6:14
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.
For what do righteousness and wickedness
have in common? Or what fellowship
can light have with darkness?
2nd Corinthians 6:14
5. and a compromised _WITNESS_.
So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law,
who were pledged to marry his daughters.
He said, “Hurry and get out of this place,
because the LORD is about to destroy the city!”
But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,
to mind your own business and to work with your hands,
just as we told you,
so that your daily life may win the respect
of outsiders (unbelievers)…
1st Thessalonians 4:11, 12
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