How Close to Sin Can I Live? - Genesis 19:1-29 (SD Dimension—WORD)
“How close to sin can I live…and get away with it?” That is an age-old proverbial question that we may not ask out loud, but we often live it. Living as close to God’s “line in the sand” is the story of humanity and parents see it early in their children’s development. Little Bobby will step right up to the line just drawn by his mom and put his toe across the line to see what happens. Perhaps it is cute when done by a two year old, but it is tragic when it is an adult or a whole society. The culture of Sodom and Gomorrah had become corrupted with the worst sins known to mankind, which reached a point of “crossing the line” with God. The people of the cities had begun to justify sin as normal and acceptable. Judgment was complete. Once the “salt and light” of Lot’s family were removed from the cities, destruction came swiftly. Is it possible that sin and corruption of our time has reached a point to which God should figuratively apologize to the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah? It is a theoretical question, but is interesting and fearful to contemplate. In verse 27 we see Abraham looking at the smoke rising from the destroyed cities from about 70 miles away. He certainly felt the vibrations as the fire and brimstone made their impact. It is a warning to disciples today. How close to sin can you live without getting burned?
SD CrossPoints
1. In what ways would Christ say you are compromising and getting close to the line or even crossing it in your entertainment…i.e. internet use, television viewing, movie choices, etc.?
2. Are there behaviors of life in which you may be on the “slippery slope” of acceptance of outright sin?
3. Are there sins that you are already justifying as normal and acceptable?
Simple Discipleship Blessings!
Dr. Tom Cocklereece
