Escape to the hill
Preaching Outline on Genesis 19:17 – “…And it came to pass, when he had brought them out, that he said, Escape for your life; look not behind you, and stop not in all this plain; escape thither unto the mountain, lest thou be consumed…”.
THE URGENCY OF SALVATION AND THE CALL TO HOLINESS
Introduction to Genesis 19:17
A world on fire
The story of Lot and his family in Sodom is a vivid portrait of the world we live in today. Sodom represents the sin, corruption and moral decay that surround us. Just as in that city, today’s world is steeped in practices that distance man from God. But in the midst of this reality, there is a message full of hope: God calls His people to escape, to come out of sin and seek refuge in Him. The command given to Lot – “Escape with your life” – sounds like a divine warning in our day. This passage is not just a historical account; it is a call to us today about the urgency of salvation and the need to live in holiness.
1 – SODOM: A PORTRAIT OF TODAY’S WORLD
Sodom was a city marked by sin, where immorality and injustice ruled. All its inhabitants were immersed in practices that displeased God. However, in the midst of that corruption, there was one family that could still be saved: Lot’s family.
Just like then, the world today is full of sin and corruption. We live in a society that often rejects God’s principles and celebrates what He abhors. But just as God delivered Lot and his family, He also promises to deliver the faithful Church from the great tribulation that will come upon this world. Lot’s salvation is a powerful reminder that God does not forget His own and that He has an escape plan for those who seek Him.
In the midst of a chaotic world, have you sought refuge in God? Or have you been carried away by the influences around you?
2 – “IS THERE ANYONE ELSE HERE?”: THE MERCIFUL HEART OF GOD
One of the most striking questions in this passage is: “Is there anyone else here?”. God was concerned about saving everyone. He didn’t want anyone to be left behind. This question reveals the merciful heart of God, who wants everyone to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
This question also challenges us today. How many people around us still don’t know salvation in Christ? How many are trapped in sin, without hope? God calls us to be instruments of his mercy, bringing the message of the Gospel to all who have not yet heard.
Are you concerned about the salvation of those around you? How can you be a channel of God’s mercy today?
3 – “GET UP”: THE URGENCY OF THE DECISION
“Arise” was the command given to Lot and his family. Faced with the revelation of the judgment that would come upon Sodom, there was no time for hesitation. An immediate decision had to be made.
In the same way, today God is calling us to stand up. Salvation cannot be postponed. The time is now. How many people have missed the opportunity to be reconciled with God because they put off until tomorrow what they should be doing today? The decision to follow Christ requires urgency and commitment.
Have you been putting off the decision to commit yourself completely to God? What is stopping you from getting up and taking action today?
4 – “ESCAPE”: SALVATION IS INDIVIDUAL
“Escape with your life” – this command shows that salvation is personal. No one can escape for you. Everyone needs to make the decision to abandon sin and seek God.
Salvation is a gift from God, but it’s up to each one of us to receive it. We cannot depend on the faith of others or the spiritual heritage of our family. It is an individual choice that determines our eternal destiny.
Have you made your decision for Christ? Or have you depended on the faith of others to feel secure?
5 – “DON’T LOOK BACK”: THE DANGER OF NOSTALGIA FOR SIN
Lot’s wife looked back and turned into a statue of salt. This sad end warns us of the danger of looking back, of clinging to our sinful past.
Sin can often seem attractive, but it only leads to spiritual death. Looking back is a sign that we are still attached to the world and the things that God has commanded us to abandon. Salvation requires us to leave sin behind and move towards Christ.
Is there anything from the past that still holds you back and prevents you from moving forward with God?
6 – “DON’T STOP”: SALVATION IS DYNAMIC
“Don’t stop in all this countryside” – this command reminds us that salvation is not an event, but an ongoing process. To stop means to stagnate, to grow old spiritually.
The life of a servant is a journey of constant growth. We need to move forward, seek more of God and not become complacent. Salvation is dynamic, and God calls us to press on towards spiritual maturity.
Have you grown spiritually or have you stalled in your walk with God?
7 – “ESCAPE TO THE MOUNTAIN”: HOLINESS AND ETERNITY
“Escape to the mountain” – the mountain represents a high place of safety and communion with God. To flee to the mountain is to seek sanctification, to leave the world behind and live in obedience to God.
Our goal is not this world, but eternity with Christ. Sanctification is the path that leads to the mountain, where we find refuge and protection.
Have you sought sanctification in your life? Or are you still stuck in the things of this world?
Conclusion of Genesis 19:17
GOD’S URGENT CALL
Lot’s story teaches us that God is merciful, but also just. He calls us to escape from sin, from this world, to not look back and to move forward towards holiness. Salvation is urgent, personal and dynamic.
Today, God is saying to us: “Escape for your life”. There is no time to lose. The decision is now. Choose to leave sin behind, seek sanctification and live for eternity.
If you haven’t made the decision to follow Christ yet, do it today. If you are already a believer, evaluate your life and see if there is anything you need to leave behind. Escape to the mountain, where true safety and God’s presence are.
May we, as a Church, live in holiness, bringing the message of salvation to all who still need to hear it. Amen.
Preaching Outline on Genesis 19:17 – “…And it came to pass, when he had brought them out, that he said, Escape for your life; look not behind you, and stop not in all this plain; escape thither unto the mountain, lest thou be consumed…”.
More Preaching Outlines
- Is there anyone to accept Jesus? – Genesis 19:15-17
- Salvation on the mountaintop – Genesis 19:17
- Genesis 19:17 – Abraham and Lot
