TEXT: GENESIS 13:5-13

INTRODUCTION:

This is a major problem with people-- we want to get as close to the edge as we can.  Lot wanted to get on the edge, and we should learn from him what can happen. 

Every year people fall over the edge of the  Grand Canyon.

Story of the boa constrictor—man had a side show and allowed to coil around him—had two barbs that would take off the pressure—got brave and didn’t use—and died. 

Note: Lot was saved.

I.  LIVING ON THE EDGE REGARDING SALVATION

Salvation is eternal—can’t live on the edge.  “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matt 6:24. 

Must make a choice.   “He that sayeth, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”  I john 2:4

Our pews are full of people that are confused about their salvation—and spend their lives never knowing inside a peace and assurance. 

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matt 7:21

Why?

A.    BECAUSE OF PEOPLE

1.      PARENTS

2.      PUSSY FOOTING PREACHERS

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” II Tim 4:3

B.     BECAUSE OF A PROFESSION

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8-9

C.    BECAUSE OF PROSPERITY

D.    BECAUSE OF PRIDE

“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” Prov 16:5

We need to claim this verse for our security.  “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,

nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us

from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

II. LIVING ON THE EDGE REGARDING SEPARATION

This is a growing trend in Fundamentalism—same as in Lot’s day.  Lot went to Sodom—life on the edge.  I am sure in Sodom it was pretty wild. 

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”  I John 2:15-16

A.    LIVING ON THE EDGE IN OUR DRESS

I am sure in Sodom “dress was not an issue”  Come as you are stay as you are. 

1.      WE NEED TO CHOOSE CHASTETY OVER COMFORT

It is not preference—its purity!

2.      WE NEED TO CHOOSE CONSECRATION OVER CHILDISHNESS

“When I become a man, I put away childish things!

3.      WE NEED TO CHOOSE CLEAN OVER CARNAL

“For to be carnally minded is death…” Romans 8:6

In what we watch on tv—R rated

“Flee also youthful lust…” 2 tim 2:22

In what we read

In who we associate with

B.     LIVING ON THE EDGE IN OUR DWELLING

Lot lost His home

What we bring into our home

Who we allow in our home

“I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” Psalms 101:2

C.    LIVING ON THE EDGE IN OUR DESIRES

1.      Desire for the opposite sex.  “…whosover looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart…” Matt 5:28

2.      Desire for Money—“Love of money is the root of all evil…”

“And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:19

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

III. LIVING ON THE EDGE REGARDING YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”  Matt 24:12

A.    ON THE EDGE IN PERSONAL DEVOTIONS

“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12

Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalms 1:2

B.     ON THE EDGE IN PRAYER LIFE

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36

C.    ON THE EDGE IN PLACE OF WORSHIP

Don’t choose because of a friend, boyfriend, programs that they offer, but choose because it a place that you can best serve God. 

Not a social club, but a soul- saving club

Not a social club, but a sanctuary

Not a social club, but a place to get sold-out for God

“To obey is better than sacrifice”

IV.  LIVING ON THE EDGE REGARDING SERVICE

Lot didn’t witness, and they laughed at him when he finally tried.

“The devil is willing for a person to confess Christianity as long as he does not practice it.”

What kind of Christian are you?

A lot are like wheelbarrows—not good unless pushed

Canoes—they need to be paddled

Kites—if you don’t keep on a string, will fly away

Football—you can’t tell where they will bounce next

Balloons- full of wind and ready to blow up

Trailers—they have to be pulled

We need to be holy spirit led Christian leaders

A.    ON EDGE REGARDING WITNESSING FOR GOD

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Romans 1:16

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”  John 15:2

B.     ON EDGE REGARDING WILL OF GOD

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matt 5:6

“I don’t care how loud a brother shouts and how high he jumps just so he walks straight when he comes down.”  Bud Robinson

“Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”  Ps 26:2

C.    ON EDGE REGARDING WORD OF GOD

God says we need to be a living sacrifice Romans 12:1-2

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” I john 5:3

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully (negligently)” Jeremiah 48:10

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

Looking In the right direction

If you want to be distressed, look within

If you want to be defeated, look back

If you want to be distracted, look around

If you want to be dismayed, look before

If you want to be delivered, look to Christ

If you want to be delighted, look up.