A SIN GREATER THAN THAT OF SODOM?

TEXT: Lamentations 4:6

INTRODUCTION-- Knowing the sin of Sodom as the cause of its destruction (Genesis 18:16-19:29), we are made to wonder what sin could be greater.

1. The answer is in later verses after our text. Lamentations 4:11-16

2. The prophets were faulted in Lamentations 2:11-17.

3. We must return to Jeremiah's prophecy to see the problem solved.

LESSON--

1. Jeremiah was an unpopular prophet, because he predicted the fall of Jerusalem, and the captivity of its people, like Shiloh. Jeremiah 7:1-15
   
   1. What happened to Shiloh?
      
      1. It was the first place where the Tabernacle was placed, when the Israelites conquered Canaan. Joshua 18:1
         
      2. Shiloh was located in the Northern kingdom of Israel, and when those people abandoned it for idols of Jeroboam's making, God abandoned Shiloh. Judges 18:30-31; Psalm 78:55-72

2. The prophets and priests scoffed at this prophecy, and persecuted Jeremiah. Jeremiah 26:1-15
   
   1. The compliance of the people made them victims of God's wrath. Jeremiah 5:30-31
      
   2. Jeremiah himself suffered much because of his prophecy.

APPLICATION-- What then is worse than the sin of Sodom?

1. False prophecy proceeding from manufactured dreams and visions.

2. Teaching which tickles the ears of those in rebellion to God.

3. Idolatrous hindrances to true worship.

4. Attempts to validate false worship by occasional lip service to God.

APPEAL-- Be alert and aware of those things that distract from the truth, and which could condemn you to everlasting destruction.