Title: A Father's Testimony
Bible Book: Genesis 19 : 14-16
Author: Kenneth Hendricks
Subject: Fathers Day; Fathers; Christian Living
Objective:
Introduction
If we were to translate Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God," into today's language, it might say something like, "Don't become so well adjusted to this culture that you fit into it without even thinking." I think this is one of the greatest dangers of fatherhood - doing what this world would call man things.
I. Lot's Model of Love, Vs. 14
A. His Love was Expressed in his Movement, Vs. 14
“And Lot went out...” vs. 14.
I don't know how far out Lot went. I don't' know what he had to quit doing. I don't' know if he had to change his plans. I do know he had to get to his sons-in-law. Why? Because he loved them; they were his family; they were his children's spouses. You know what I see here? I'm glad they were on speaking terms. For Lot's sake I'm glad his love for his daughters made him feel love for the husbands. It's my guess that Lot went out of his way that day. He was driven by a love for his family to try and reach his sons-in-law. Notice not only his love was expressed in his movement but also his love was expressed in his message.
B. His Love was Expressed in his Message, Vs. 14
“...Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city...” vs. 14.
Lot loved his children so much he told them the hard things in life. Here's what he was saying in the Ken Hendricks translation, "Hey, boys I want you to quit your jobs, grab a few rags and some chow and leave your house and your stuff behind. Let's get out of town tonight, never to return!" This was a hard message but a father's love will compel us to tell our kids the hard stuff about sin, making bad choices, morality and social life. Our love for our kids is expressed in what we're willing to share with them.
Have you seen the commercial "Talk to your kids...they'll listen"? They listen if they're still young and tender but once they're married it's hard to start talking to your kids about everything you don't like in life. Start NOW! Not only do we see Lot's model of love but also Lot's moral leadership.
II. Lot's Moral Leadership, Vs. 14
A. The Reaction to his Lack of Morality Vs. 14
“...But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.,” vs. 14.
What happened? Did they necessarily doubt Lot's message? Probably not. What was it they doubted?
Notice vs. 1: And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground…:
That's what they doubted "the Lord said". If he had said "the governor said" they probably would have believed him and left. Look dad! Lot's life was so morally corrupt he couldn't decide what was right and what was wrong. He made poor choices in front of his children so when it came to giving them a message from God they laughed!
Don't think you're hiding your life from your kids! Don't think you can teach your kids to sin in moderation! Hey, dads look at me! Your kids aren't shooting any higher than you're aiming them. Not only do we see the reaction to his lack of morality but also the results to his lack of morality.
B. The Results to his Lack of Morality, Vs. 16
“...while he lingered...set him without the city.” vs. 16.
What's so sad about this dad? Notice vs. 12 “...Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters...bring them out of this place..”
Salvation was there for them but because of their wife's dad they were lost! It happens!
A man called me once when his son was about ten years old. He asked me if he brought his son to the church and got him baptized would he be okay. No dad! Your ten year old doesn't need to be baptized, he needs a godly dad!
