How Could We Escape?

Big Idea

Tension: Why does the author imply that there is no escape for those who reject Christ’s salvation?

Resolution: Because there was judgment on those who rejected the message of the angels, and the word of Christ is all the more saving and confirmed.

Exegetical Idea: The author implies that there is no escape for those who reject Christ’s salvation because there was judgment on those who rejected the message of the angels, and the word of Christ is all the more saving and confirmed.

Theological Idea: If the word of angels promising judgment was confirmed, then there can be absolutely no escape for those who reject the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Homiletical Idea: If those who rejected God’s angels perished, then there is no escape for those who reject Jesus Christ.

Outline

Introduction: “drifting in a cold sea

Archibald Gracie IV, a wealthy American passenger who had made himself popular on the Titanic with his anecdotes and friendly manners, was an unsung hero of the disaster.

He felt the ship’s collision with the iceberg and knew something was wrong when he ventured up on deck: the engines were no longer running, and the ship was beginning to lean slightly toward the waterline.

He rushed below deck to grab his life vest, then escorted all the women and children he encountered to the lifeboats, where he brought them blankets for the journey.

He stayed on the sinking Titanic, helping Charles Lightoller fill the boats with women and children until every lifeboat had departed. He then launched the collapsible boats with the remaining crew. But then the collapsible overturned immediately.

If those who rejected God’s angels perished

“the message declared by angels” - Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18-19.

Especially draw out the example of Lot’s sons & laws and Lot’s wife.

There was salvation that was offered to them, a chance to escape

Every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution

Apologetic Response: God is a God who judges righteously.

The idea of God’s justice is unpopular today.

When we look at the news and we see the brokenness in this world. We all want a just God.

If God is a just God, then he’s going to judge by his standards not ours. Our standards for justice are far too loose.

We just don’t like that we are found wanting in the eyes of God.

But God has provided a way out, a way of salvation, both for those in wicked Sodom, and for those in our wicked world.

Then there is no escape for those who reject Jesus Christ

Such a great salvation (chapter 2:5-18)

The return of Christ at the end of the age - Vs. 8b

The suffering of Christ - vs. 10

The incarnation of Christ - vs. 17

This was declared first by the Lord

The beginning of his ministry Matt 4:17, Mark 1:14-15, Luke 4:18-19

Matt 16:21, 17:23, 20:19; Luke 9:22, 12:38, 13:32-33

It was attested in his resurrection - Luke 24:5-8, 24:46, Acts 10:40; 1 Cor 15:4

This is witnessed certainly for us by those who heard it - We have certain reliable witnesses and testimonies

The 4 Gospels

The witnesses of 1 Corinthians 15

vs. 4 - Pentecost

The penetration of the gospel to all corners of the globe

The overrunning of the Roman Empire by the gospel

The penetration of the gospel to Rome within 10-15 years of the death of Jesus

The beginning at Pentecost

Application

If the people who lived in Sodom perished under fire and brimstone when angels from heaven came to rescue them, how much more those who reject the Son of God come down from the right hand of God the Father?

This is exactly what Jesus said - Matthew 11:23-24

This is purely by grace, don’t think you can earn this, don’t think you deserve this, don’t think that God will let you in to heaven because of how holy, worhty or good of a person you are. if you are counting on your own good works to get you to heaven, you are headed for the fiery abyss. There is one name under heaven under which man can be saved.

Run to Christ! - There is no escaping judgment to come apart from him

You need to pay closer attention to what you have heard so that you do not drift. This word “drift” is a nautical word used to describe flowing seas. And the only way to survive in a flowing, frigid, sea where the storm blows this way and that is to hold on to the sure and steady anchor - Hebrews 6:19-20.

Conclusion - The only way that Archibald Gracie was able to survive was by holding onto the collapsible until morning. And the only way you and I will escape the wrath to come is by holding on all the tighter to Christ until he returns. - Gracie’s collapsible, however, overturned almost immediately, which meant that he and several other men had to hold onto its slick underside for the entire night lest they slip entirely into the frigid waters. Several men died in that very manner, but Gracie was able to survive.