In J.C. Ryle's sermon "A Woman to be Remembered," the central theological theme revolves around the call to a complete and unwavering commitment to Christ, contrasting this with the dangers of worldliness as epitomized by Lot's wife. Ryle argues that despite her privileged position and proximity to divine warnings, Lot's wife's final act of longing for the world signifies the tragic reality of lost souls who entertain divided affections. He extensively references Luke 9:62 and Luke 17:32 to highlight the futility of half-hearted allegiance to God, illustrating that a glance back towards Sodom can lead to eternal destruction. The sermon serves as a stark reminder for professing Christians—emphasizing that mere outward religious observance is insufficient for salvation, which requires a heart wholly devoted to Christ and the abandonment of worldly desires.
Key Quotes
“The Spirit of God has placed this warning before us as a perpetual beacon, lest we too be deceived by the bewitching world and perish.”
“Her backward look was not a small matter. It was the outward expression of inward rebellion.”
“If you are resting in your church attendance, your upbringing, your knowledge, then remember Lot's wife.”
“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
The Bible warns us through Lot's wife to avoid worldliness and hypocrisy, highlighting the danger of longing for a sinful past.
The account of Lot's wife serves as a solemn warning in Scripture, emphasizing the spiritual peril of divided affections. Jesus specifically admonishes us to 'Remember Lot's Wife' because she represents those who, even when exposed to divine truth, can still perish if their hearts cling to the world. Her gaze back at Sodom was not merely an act of disobedience; it was a revelation of her inner rebellion and misplaced treasures. Though she was led out of destruction, her heart never truly departed from it.
This narrative illustrates that mere outward signs of religion, such as church attendance or a Christian upbringing, cannot save. Lot's wife had seen angels and had been given the opportunity for escape, yet she could not separate herself from the pleasures and comforts of Sodom. This poignant example calls believers to examine their own hearts—are we genuinely forsaking the world to follow Christ, or are we, like Lot's wife, looking back with regret? True salvation demands total commitment and a heart fully devoted to God.
Luke 17:32, Luke 9:62, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4
The Bible warns us to remember Lot's wife as a caution against worldly affection and spiritual hypocrisy.
Lot's wife is a significant biblical figure, mentioned in Luke 17:32, where Jesus commands us to 'remember Lot's wife.' This is a dire warning against the dangers of looking back and desiring the world while attempting to follow God. Lot's wife suffered destruction not merely because she looked back, but because her heart was still captivated by Sodom's comforts and pleasures, highlighting that true faith must involve complete separation from worldly desires. Her tragic end serves as a reminder that outward appearances of faith and association with religious practices are not sufficient for salvation if one's heart is still tied to the world.
Luke 9:62, Luke 17:32, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4
Remembering Lot's wife is crucial for Christians as it serves as a warning against complacency and the dangers of divided loyalties.
Remembering Lot's wife is vital for Christians as she epitomizes the tragic consequences of a heart that is not fully committed to God. Jesus' admonition to remember her is primarily aimed at those who are complacent in their faith, urging them to critically assess whether their allegiance to Christ surpasses their affection for worldly matters. She represents the almost-saved—those who have had exposure to the truth yet fail to wholly embrace it.
This narrative challenges modern believers who may profess faith yet still have their eyes fixed on the world. The danger lies in wanting to engage with the comforts and societal norms of Sodom while claiming to be headed for the kingdom of God. Lot's wife serves as a stark reminder that God desires our hearts to be fully devoted to Him, without inclination toward the sinful pleasures that the world offers. Thus, Christians are called to examine their own hearts and ensure their commitment to God is genuine and all-encompassing, lest they find themselves eternally lost like Lot's wife.
Luke 17:32, Luke 9:62
Remembering Lot's wife serves as a reminder of the dangers of divided affection and the need for genuine faith.
The importance of remembering Lot's wife lies in her example of what it means to be almost saved yet ultimately lost. Christians must avoid the trap of being spiritually complacent while still clinging to worldly desires. The passage shows that one can be surrounded by light and truth, like Lot's wife was, yet perish if their heart is still linked to sin and the world. This calls believers to examine their hearts and motives closely, ensuring that their allegiance is entirely to Christ and His kingdom rather than being divided by affection for worldly things. As the Scriptures emphasize, a true follower of Christ must forsake all to gain eternal life.
Luke 9:62, James 4:4, John 2:15
The doctrine of salvation is true as it is based on God's promises in Scripture and demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.
The truth of the doctrine of salvation is anchored in the authoritative and inspired Word of God. Scripture asserts that salvation is not dependent on human works or heritage, as illustrated in the account of Lot’s wife, who despite her privileges, was unable to save herself from destruction. The essence of salvation lies in a genuine heart commitment to Christ, demonstrating that belief must manifest in one’s life and choices, repudiating worldly desires.
Furthermore, the Acts of God through Jesus Christ affirm the veracity of salvation. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are central to the faith, serving as the ultimate expression of grace. The resurrection power validates the promise that those who place their faith in Him will be saved from condemnation. Therefore, the reality of this doctrine is experienced not merely through intellectual assent but by a transformative relationship with Christ that results in a heart turned wholly toward Him, desiring to forsake its old ways.
Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9
Jesus' warning is true as it reflects the consistent biblical theme of heart allegiance to God over the world.
The truth of Jesus' warning about Lot's wife is grounded in the overarching narrative of Scripture that warns against the allure of the world. In passages like 1 John 2:15, believers are explicitly instructed not to love the world or the things in it, highlighting the necessity of a heart wholly devoted to God. Lot's wife's story epitomizes the struggle between spiritual commitment and worldly temptation, serving as a profound admonition that resonates throughout biblical teaching. Thus, the warning carries weight as it is rooted in the essential understanding of faith, repentance, and the imperative to forsake every hindrance to truly follow Christ.
Luke 17:32, 1 John 2:15, Hebrews 12:1-2
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