Sermon on Choices and Their Consequences: Two Paths, One Destiny
Every day, we are faced with choices—big and small—that shape our lives. The Bible teaches us that our choices have consequences, both temporal and eternal. This sermon explores the importance of making godly choices and their impact on our destiny.
Texts: Deuteronomy 28; Psalm 1; Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1 (Supporting Texts: Proverbs 14:12; Genesis 13, 14, 19; 1 Samuel 3, 8, 13, 16; Matthew 27; Luke 15, 17; Acts 24; 2 Pedro 2)
Introduction: The Fork in the Road
From the very beginning to its final pages, the Holy Scriptures present humanity with an inescapable reality: we are constantly standing at a fork in the road. God's Word consistently lays out two paths—one of blessing and one of cursing, one of life and one of death (cf. Psalm 1; Deuteronomy 28).
The Lord directs us to walk along the path of life. Yet, we must remain sober and vigilant because Scripture warns us in Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Every decision we make is a seed planted in the soil of time, and every seed eventually yields a harvest. Human suffering is very often not an act of divine malice, but the direct consequence of our own poor deliberations—consequences in which God, respecting our free will, chooses not to interfere. Today, we will examine the far-reaching implications of our choices through the warnings of Ecclesiastes, the tragic chronicles of biblical figures, and the sobering saga of Lot.
I. The Wisdom of Youth and the Reality of Age
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes 11:9 to 12:1 speaks directly to the young, urging them to live life to the fullest, to let their hearts give them joy in the days of their youth, and to follow the impulses of their hearts and the desires of their eyes. However, this encouragement comes with a massive, sobering caveat: "But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment." (Ecclesiastes 11:9)
The writer goes on to describe the difficult reality of old age, when physical vigor fades.
• "Those Evil Days": In Ecclesiastes 12:1, the "evil days" represent the arrival of old age, a season where an individual finds no pleasure or satisfaction.
• The Weight of Accumulated Mistakes: Why is there no pleasure? Because the individual walked down mistaken paths, made foolish choices, and must now live with the accumulated consequences of those decisions.
• The Redeeming Alternative: This final stage of life can have an entirely different, sweeter taste if our choices are made with the conscious realization that we have a Creator who sees all things, and if we align our decisions with His divine principles.
II. A Gallery of Poor Choices: Biblical Warnings
The pages of history are littered with the wreckage of lives undone by a single area of compromise. Let us look at five distinct warnings from the Scriptures:
1. Eli — Neglecting Spiritual Responsibility (1 Samuel 3:13): As a priest of Israel, Eli made the catastrophic choice to not restrain his sons' wicked deeds. Because of this spiritual negligence and lack of discipline, God brought severe judgment upon his household, showing us that we must take active responsibility for holiness in our homes.
2. Saul — Desobeying God's Will (1 Samuel 8:19-20): Saul rejected the counsel of Samuel and sought his own glory rather than God's will. His self-reliance and ambition cost him his kingdom and brought divine disapproval.
3. David — Yielding to Pride and Appearance (1 Samuel 13:14; 16:7): Even as a man after God's own heart, David fell when he allowed pride to dictate his judgments based on outward appearances. It fractured his relationships and brought deep pain, reminding us that God looks solely at the heart.
4. Pilate — Yielding to Popular Pressure (Matthew 27:24): Pilate chose political convenience over justice. By washing his hands, he tried to evade responsibility, but his fear of the crowd forced him to betray his own conscience and condemn the Innocent One.
5. Felix — Procrastinating Spiritual Decisions (Acts 24:27): Felix listened intently to Paul's message about faith in Christ but chose to put off his decision for a "more convenient time." His procrastination cost him his eternal window of opportunity.
6. Jonah, Samson, and Judas: Jonah chose to flee God, causing a physical tempest and material loss (Jonah 1:1-9). Samson chose the disordered desires of the flesh and ended up a blind slave, mocked by his enemies (Judges 14:1-3; 16:17-20). Judas chose thirty pieces of silver over Jesus, ending his own life in utter despair (Matthew 27:3-5).
III. The Case of Lot: The Slippery Slope of Compromise
Nowhere is the slow, devastating progression of compromise more visible than in the life of Abraham's nephew, Lot.
A. The Choice of Sight (Genesis 13:10-13)
When disputes arose between his herdsmen and Abraham's, Lot was given the first choice of land.
• The Lure of the Fertile Valley: Lot looked out and chose the fertile Jordan Valley, pitching his tents "as far as Sodoma" (Genesis 13:12).
• The Fatal Flaw: His choice was entirely fleshly, based on immediate material benefit and appearance. He completely ignored the spiritual and moral climate of his destination, despite the fact that "the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord" (Genesis 13:13).
B. Living in Sodom: Integration and Danger (Genesis 14; 18; 19:1)
What began as pitching a tent near Sodom quickly became living inside Sodom.
• Captured and Rescued: During a military invasion, Sodom was plundered, and Lot and his possessions were taken. It took Abraham's loyal intervention to rescue him (Genesis 14:1-16). Yet, despite this warning, Lot went straight back.
• Sitting at the Gate: Years later, when the angels arrived to destroy the city, they found Lot "sitting in the gateway of Sodom" (Genesis 19:1). This indicates that he was no longer just a resident; he had become integrated into the city’s leadership and civic life.
• A Tormented Soul: Although 2 Peter 2:7-8 describes Lot as a "righteous man" whose soul was tormented day after day by the lawless deeds he saw, his lack of separation paralyzed his ability to be a true witness.
C. The Flight and the Pillar of Salt (Genesis 19:1-26)
When the angels announced the imminent fire of judgment, Lot hesitated and lingered (v. 16).
• Rescued by Grace: It was only by the pure, unmerited mercy of God that the angels grabbed his hand, his wife's hand, and his daughters' hands, dragging them out of the city.
• The Command: The order was absolute: "Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain!" (Genesis 19:17).
• The Pillar of Salt: Lot's wife disobeyed. She looked back (v. 26), revealing that her heart was still tightly bound to the treasures of Sodom. She became a pillar of salt—a tragic monument of a divided heart. This is why Jesus issues the sharp warning to us today: "Remember Lot’s wife!" (Lucas 17:32).
D. The Tragic Aftermath (Genesis 19:30-38)
The final chapter of Lot's story is deeply tragic. Fearing for their survival in a lonely cave, Lot’s two daughters—undeniably influenced by the warped morality of Sodom—conspiratorially made their father drunk and committed incest with him.
The offspring of these union, Moab and Ben-Ammi, became the fathers of the Moabites and Ammonites, two nations that would stand as constant, bitter enemies of God’s people. Lot's compromise did not just affect him; it left a scar on generations to come.
IV. The Prodigal Son vs. The Apostle Paul
In contrast to these tragedies, Scripture provides us with a roadmap for restoration, as well as a model of righteous suffering.
• The Prodigal Son (Lucas 15:11-16): He chose to leave his father's house at the wrong time and in the wrong way. His poor choices reduced him to the level of feeding pigs, having lost everything. Yet, his story shows us that when we "come to our senses," repent, and return, the Father’s grace is ready to restore us.
• The Apostle Paul: Many people complain and abandon God the moment they encounter suffering, even when that suffering is a direct result of their own bad choices. Paul, however, suffered intensely, but his suffering was for doing good and obeying God.
• He was beaten, shipwrecked, and imprisoned, yet he never revolted against the Lord. Instead, his suffering served to draw him closer to Jesus. Why? Because Paul understood that the knowledge of God is an immeasurable treasure. Any suffering in this life is worth enduring if it draws us closer to eternal life.
Choose Life Today
Beloved, our earthly journey is brief. A little while longer, and everything in this present age will pass away. The suffering we face, whether from a broken world or from our own past mistakes, will not last forever—Jesus is coming back soon.
But while we are here, we must choose. Do not make choices based on outward appearances, like Lot. Do not let popular pressure guide your hand, like Pilate. Do not procrastinate your spiritual destiny, like Felix.
If you have made wrong choices and find yourself sitting in a cave of regret or a field of pigs, remember that the God of Abraham, the Father of the Prodigal, is full of mercy. Repent, return, and choose life today. Align your heart with the Creator, so that when the later years of your life arrive, they will not be "evil days" of regret, but a season of sweet satisfaction in the grace of Jesus Christ.
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Choices and Their Consequences: Biblical Principles
1. Our Choices Determine Our Destiny (Deuteronomy 30:19)
God has given us free will, but He urges us to choose life and blessings. The choices we make today shape our future and our relationship with Him.
2. Wrong Choices Can Lead Us Away from God (Proverbs 14:12)
Not every path that seems right leads to life. Sinful choices can separate us from God and bring spiritual destruction.
3. Choosing to Obey God Brings Blessings (Isaiah 1:19)
Obedience to God leads to His favor and blessings. When we align our choices with His will, we experience His provision and guidance.
4. Choosing Holiness Brings Us Closer to God (Joshua 24:15)
Joshua challenged Israel to choose whom they would serve. Choosing holiness and righteousness draws us into deeper fellowship with God.
5. Impulsive Decisions Can Have Serious Consequences (Genesis 25:33-34)
Esau sold his birthright for a single meal, showing how impulsive choices can lead to lasting regret. We must think carefully before making important decisions.
6. We Must Seek God’s Guidance Before Making Choices (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trusting in the Lord and seeking His wisdom ensures that we make decisions that align with His plan and purpose for our lives.
7. Bad Company Influences Our Choices (1 Corinthians 15:33)
The people we surround ourselves with shape our values and decisions. Associating with ungodly influences can lead us astray.
8. Faith-Driven Choices Bear Eternal Fruit (Hebrews 11:24-25)
Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy temporary pleasure. Faith-driven choices have lasting and eternal rewards.
9. Choosing the Narrow Path Leads to Life (Matthew 7:13-14)
The wide path may seem easier, but it leads to destruction. The narrow path, though difficult, leads to eternal life.
10. Choosing Christ Guarantees Eternal Life (John 14:6)
The ultimate choice we must make is to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Choosing Him leads to salvation and eternal life.
Conclusion:
Our choices have real and lasting consequences. God calls us to choose wisely, seeking His will in every decision. Let us commit to making choices that honor Him, trusting in His guidance for our lives. Amen.
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