Will We Choose Zoar? - Ajay Chakravarthy
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Summary
The message uses the story of Lot's choice between Zoar and the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah to challenge the audience's motivations for serving God. The speaker urges listeners to examine their hearts, questioning whether their service is driven by a desire for recognition or honor, or if it stems from pure devotion. He contrasts the older son's hidden motives with the younger son's humble acceptance, emphasizing the need for genuine, unreserved devotion to God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are we unworthy servants?Believers are called to view themselves as unworthy servants who have only done what they ought to have done, a mindset tested in unguarded moments.Luke 17:10
The older son's unguarded revealIn the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother's anger reveals that his many years of obedience were motivated by personal recognition rather than pure devotion.
What was Zoar?Zoar was one of the five cities of the plain near Sodom and Gomorrah that Lot chose to flee to instead of obeying God completely.Genesis 13:10
Lot's hesitationWhen the angels urged Lot to escape to the mountains to save his life, he hesitated and pleaded to stay in the nearby city of Zoar.Genesis 19:15
Getting what we ask forLike Balaam and the Israelites in the wilderness, when people insist on their own way against God's direct command, God may grant their request but give them leanness of soul.Numbers 22:18
Going all the way to the mountainAbraham and Jesus both went all the way to the place of sacrifice and suffering commanded by God, rather than stopping halfway.
The cup the Father has givenJesus viewed His suffering on the cross not as a burden to avoid, but as the cup given to Him by His Father that He must drink.John 18:11
God's power perfected in weaknessPaul embraced his thorn in the flesh and weaknesses three times, recognizing that God's grace is sufficient and His power is perfected in weakness.
Discerning true and false ministriesScripture warns against ministries that discourage the righteous who walk closely with God while encouraging the wicked in their compromise.Ezekiel 13:22
The danger of hesitationLot's life was characterized by hesitation when God brought him out of Sodom, leading him to choose comfort over God's full purpose.Genesis 19:16
Arm yourselves with the same purposeBelievers, especially young people, are called to arm themselves with Christ's purpose to live the rest of their lives for the will of God rather than human lusts.
