REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE

                                            

LUKE 17:32                                                                          

Pastor Rick Jackson

Memory can be a wonderful thing. Memory can also be a curse. There are some things God tells us to forget. God had Paul say, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” But there are some things God’s wants us to remember.

Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.

Nehemiah 4:14 Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord…

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 105:5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Acts 20:35 remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

2 Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

But what I want you to concentrate on for this message are the very simple, very concise words of the Lord Jesus from Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

Memories can be a blessing. Remembering can strengthen us in our Christian walk. Remember your salvation! Remember decisions of consecration which you have made: baptism, assurance of salvation, church membership, giving God’s way, witnessing…

But why remember Lot’s wife? It must be important for Jesus to say it. It must be important for the Spirit of God to move Luke to record it. There are a multitude of reasons but three must suffice for this message. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE:

I. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE THERE ARE DANGERS IN LOOKING BACK [Gen. 19:17, 24-26]

1. The Danger of Lamenting Over Temporal Loss [Phil. 3:7-9, 17-19, 4:11-13]

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2. The Danger of Worrying About Your Past Mistakes [Phil. 4:13] –

-If it can be rectified- do it!

-If it was a sin- Confess it! 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

-If it can’t be rectified, and it wasn’t a sin - F.I.D.O.!!!! [FORGET IT & DRIVE ON]

3. The Danger of Worrying About Your Past Missteps [Ps. 118:24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

II. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE THE BEST IS AHEAD

1. We Can Serve Christ [Phil. 3:10-16]

2. We Can Seek Souls [Phil. 1:12-18, 27]

3. We Will See Jesus [Phil. 1:21-23]

III. REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE BECAUSE THERE IS DIGNITY IN OBEDIENCE

1. Obey God Regardless of Men’s Opinions [Gal. 1:10, Acts 5:29]

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

2. Obey God Despite Circumstances [Phil. 4:11-13]

3. Obey God & Rejoice In It [Phil. 4:3-4]

During the War Between the States a messenger from Stonewall Jackson delivered a message to his pastor. An anxious crowd gathered expecting war news particularly since the letter was dated immediately following a major battle. The letter read, “My dear pastor, I recalled today that my gift to foreign missions was due. Find it enclosed. May the day soon come when this war is over… that we may get back to our primary task of saving the souls of men.”

His heart was on the main business.