sf051 - HOW TO BECOME A WORLD-CLASS BACKSLIDER (Genesis 13 10-13)
Genesis 13:1-13
Introduction
The Devil after the dove principle
No one ever sets out to fail. No one ever intends to backslide.
Backsliding is subtle.
The frog in the kettle
Lot is the perfect example of a backslider.
2 Peter 2:7-8 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds) --
Lot was saved but he backslid on God.
1A. The Seeds of Backsliding
1B. There was a misplaced confidence (12:4; 13:1)
He seems to have followed Abraham not God.
It is dangerous to put too much confidence in man.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
2B. There was a misplaced emphasis (13:5)
The only time Lot is mentioned it is in relation to his possessions.
2A. The Sequence of Backsliding
1B. Lot was weak in his devotions
We are told that Abraham had an altar. (13:4)
Ø We are never told of Lot’s altar.
We see Abraham praying and worshipping. (13:4b)
Ø We never see Lot praying and worshipping.
2B. Lot was worldly in his desires. (13:10)
He was covetous
“He lifted up his eyes…”
He was carnal
Ø He wanted a little bit of heaven (Eden).
Ø He wanted a little bit of the world (Egypt).
3B. Lot was wrong in his decisions (13:11-13)
He was self-centered (13:11)
Ø He cared more about his cattle than he did his children.
He was shortsighted (13:12-13)
Ø He moved closer to sin and further from God.
3A. The Sentence for Backsliding
1B. The loss of fellowship
With God’s people (13:11b)
With God (19:1-2)
2B. The loss of his convictions
The horrible nature of Sodom’s sin (13:13)
Jude 1:7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh….
The hardening nature of all sin
Ø First he tolerated their sin – he “pitched” his tent toward Sodom. (13:12)
Ø Then he accepted their sin – he moved into Sodom. (14:12)
Ø Next he condoned their sin – he became a leader in Sodom. (19:1)
Ø Finally, he supports their sin – he offers his daughters to the men of Sodom. (19:6-8)
3B. The loss of his testimony
To the men of Sodom (19:9)
To his own family (19:14)
4B. The loss of his possessions
He came there a wealthy man and left with nothing.
5B. The loss of his family (19:26)
The pull of Sodom destroyed his wife.
6B. The loss of his legacy (19:30-38)
He had no proper heirs.
He died alone in the mountain.
Application
Dig up the seeds of backsliding
Beware of the sequence.
Weak devotions
Worldly desires
Wrong decisions
Be aware of the sentence.
Loss of fellowship
Loss of convictions
Loss of testimony
Loss of possessions
Loss of family
Loss of legacy
Genesis 13:10-13
1A. The _______________________ of Backsliding
1B. There was a misplaced confidence (12:4; 13:1)
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
2B. There was a misplaced _________________ (13:5)
2A. The Sequence of Backsliding
1B. Lot was _____________________ in his devotions
We are told that Abraham had an altar. (13:4)
Ø We are never told of Lot’s altar.
We see Abraham praying and worshipping. (13:4b)
Ø We never see Lot praying and worshipping.
2B. Lot was ________________ in his desires. (13:10)
He was covetous
He was carnal
Ø He wanted a little bit of heaven (Eden).
Ø He wanted a little bit of the world (Egypt).
3B. Lot was wrong in his decisions (13:11-13)
He was self-centered (13:11)
He was shortsighted (13:12-13)
3A. The Sentence for Backsliding
1B. The loss of ________________________________
With God’s people (13:11b)
With God (19:1-2)
2B. The loss of his ____________________________
The horrible nature of Sodom’s sin (13:13; Jude 1:7)
The ____________________________ nature of all sin
Ø First he tolerated their sin – he “pitched” his tent toward Sodom. (13:12)
Ø Then he accepted their sin – he moved into Sodom. (14:12)
Ø Next he condoned their sin – he became a leader in Sodom. (19:1)
Ø Finally, he supports their sin – he offers his daughters to the men of Sodom. (19:6-8)
3B. The loss of his _____________________________
With the men of Sodom (19:9)
With his own family (19:14)
4B. The loss of his possessions
5B. The loss of his _______________________ (19:26)
6B. The loss of his ____________________ (19:30-38)