This study is part of our series of verse by verse studies of Genesis, the 1st book in the Bible. Taught by our pastor, Simeon Forder, at our Sunday morning service on the 26th November 2023.

About this book

Genesis is the first book in the Bible, and in its more than 1500 verses, there are over 50 prophecies, 100+ commands, over 70 promises, and almost 100 distinct messages from God. As well as recording the firsts of so many things — including the first marriage, sin, child, murder, death, laughs, tears — this book also explains God’s established order in all things; from creation to Israel, marriage to tithing, and all before the law is even mentioned. But ultimately, this book points to Jesus as our Saviour, not only in obvious ways, but in its smaller details too.

About this study

Chapter 19 is one of the saddest chapters in the Bible, for we see Lot’s life fall apart – ultimately as a result of his choice to live in Sodom, symbolic of the world. And this should remind us of Jesus’ words “Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” What is notable, is that while things escalated quickly in Lot’s life, it was a result of gradual steps away from the will of God for years, and in that there is much warning for us, that we might not do the same.

Application questions

• What choices you are facing, and how might those affect your walk with God?
• Are your moral standards, especially regarding sex, based on the Bible, or culture?
• How fervently are you praying for others to be saved, as Abraham did for Lot?